Trimming those nails

[haunani]

I need help!! Deoji totally freaks out when it comes to trimming his nails. I admit, I did quick him once the first time (I've trimmed him 3 times now) when he jerked his paw at the precise moment I was clipping the nail.

It seems like he's actually scared of it, as he actually starts screaming, which I've never heard a doberman do before. All I have to do is *touch* the claw with the clippers (not closing them or starting to trim... but merely touch) and he loses it.

He's gotten worse each time, and with him getting bigger and stronger, I don't know if I'll be able to even trim one next time.

I've taken to trying to handle one of his paws at a time for a few seconds each day, pushing out each nail quickly, and he's doing okay with it. But that's not his problem, it's the clippers he's afraid of.... and only when they actually touch his nail.

I don't think I'd be able to work with the clippers, as I couldn't touch his nail and take them away fast enough before he would go ballistic, and then he learns that if he goes ballistic, the clippers go away. And I can't hold the clippers on his nail when he goes ballistic.

What do I do???

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

There's a couple of open threads on this very topic. Just search under trimming nails or nails and you'll find them. There were a lot of mixed opinions and suggestions you might find interesting.

[pomlover80]

I can't do my pom's nails...I am not confident enough in myself to do them. I can't tell where the quick is and I am too afraid to do it myself.

[*chihuahuagirl*]

When I do my chis, the freak out, I just keep talking to them, very, very softly.

[Moo]

I suggest back tracking and desensitizing.

Leave clippers on floor, let him sniff them, praise him.
Hold clippers in hand with dog in other hand, praise him.
Touch it, touch him with it, praise him.
Play with his toes while he is relaxed, praise him.
Over the course of several days, and eventually, you can work up to actually cutting his nails.

How often do you cut them?

[rutylr]

Some Rottweilers are very sensetive to the clippers also,for them I use the dremel. a little off at a time and they are just fine.
Donna

[AroHawk Collies]

I actually trim nails for other people. The trick I found that works really well is to get a piece of plexiglass smear peanut butter on that and let the dog lick it while you are trimming the nails. They think its great. My grey used to be that way. You would get the clippers out and she would scream. The key is to praise and to get them to think its not such a bad thing. I have special treats that my guys get after they get their nails done. Small dogs I wrap up in a towel and cut them that way. My aunt has a Chi X and she hates her nails getting trimmed. But the peanut butter and praise works. It also works better if you have two people doing the nails. One feeding the dog and one cutting the nails.

[2ndchance]

I found that giving him a filled bone only when he gets his nail clips helps. He is concentrating on getting the filling out and doesn't mind my clipping.

[IcyMist]

I guess I am lucky so far that Penny didn't mind having hers clipped. Of course I didn't do it because her feet are very furry and her nails are black beside my not having the courage to do it. The 2 vet assistants did it for me in a few minutes and Penny didn't squack a bit. She didn't even struggle. Of course nobody has nicked her yet either. Good luck with the nail trimming.

[KellyJean]

Hey girl~

I wanted to put in my two cents here too...

I've got a nail clipper here for Sam, but I have yet to trim him myself. These first times, I want him to associate the clippers with someone else. So I've had him in to the pet store and I've been the nice one to him, while someone else gets him used to the clippers.

It's been working out so far, and I'm going to take him in a couple more times before I try it again.

Kelly