Is there a secret to trimming nails?
My dog WILL NOT let us cut her toenails. They are
getting quite long and brittle. Is there any way
we can restrain her and calm her down without
going to the vet?
“Dragon Puppy”
Kent, WA
To be sure, some dogs and cats are funny about their nails. I have known dogs who did not object to manipulation of their ears, mouth, eyes, nose or tail, but who went crazy the instant anyone got close to their feet. Trimming the nails of these dogs is very challenging. I suspect, although I cannot prove, that many of them have ticklish feet.
Trimming nails is easier if two people are involved. One person gently restrains the dog, and the other trims the nails. Restraining the dog is the harder job. Some dogs do best if they are held on their sides. Others prefer to sit upright.
Some dogs will show less objection to nail trims if they are offered treats during the process. Others can be distracted if someone gently taps on their nose or forehead. Some dogs will allow only a few nails to be trimmed every day. Nail trims are sometimes easier if you start when the dog is sleeping, or when he is exhausted from playing.
If you have experimented with all of these tricks and none of them have worked, then your best option may be to have a trained professional take care of the chore. The most resistant dogs actually require sedation or anesthesia for nail trims.
Resistance to nail trims can be avoided in many dogs if their feet are handled regularly while they are puppies. However, this tactic is not universally effective. There is no getting around it: some dogs simply can’t stand to have their nails trimmed.
You have questions. 
Thanks, I’m definitely going to try some of the distraction techniques.
If you don’t think you can trim your dog’s nails, you may have better luck with some gradual training. Watch this video before you give up and assume it can’t be done:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgEwiH8CeUE
The solution to our dogs fear of nail trimming was to switch to a dremel tool. this files the nails like a nail file. One still has to be held still, not down, and one will sit and let me do his nails.
My 7-1/2 yr. old half dachhound has NEVER wanted to have her feet touched and cutting her long nails was absolutely out of the question. My vet said that is VERY typical of dachhound breed. She weighs about 20 lbs and is VERY muscular and VERY strong. When I take her to have her bathed (only because they cut her toenails also), it takes 2 people to hold her and 1 to clip her nails. The same goes for our vet’s office. And of course it doesn’t help the situation, when occasionally, because of her squirming, she gets nipped in the quick. Thankfully, she has never growled or attempted to nip any of these people, but I always tell them there can be a first time and it they feel better it is fine with me if they want to muzzle her. I will say, tho, she does much better if, at the vet’s office, they take her to the back (so she can’t see me). I have always had dogs who NEEDED grooming, i.e. poodles & Lasas and they never squirmed at all. So Good Luck to all of you who have dogs like mine.
I will use a tool called Oliver’s PawPal. It is safer to use than the Dremel which my dog will try to bite. You can buy it at http://landofpuregold.com/store/pawpal.htm.
You will need to get the dog used to the tool with the cover on first. Then you can train your dog to offer paw and get a treat while he gets used to the vibration and noise of the grinder. Then grind away while you treat.
There is absolutely no chance of nicking the quick if you use this tool. The dog will tell you if you are getting close. Also the nail are smooth to touch which trimming will result in very sharp nails.
You can watch the video at http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7737452794952266391
Good luck.
I own a mixed American bull dog. When he was young we could trim his toenails easily and he didn’t care. Now that he is older (7 yrs.), he hates it. We have always clipped them the same way. I wonder why he changed? (older and wiser?)
I have two chihuahuas. I wrap them in a a baby blanket, like you would a baby, (called swaddling) to trim their nails. I take one paw at a time and trim.
Joanne
Use caution with dremel tools as there may be heat transferred through the claw from friction.
Nothing works for me, my two Chihuahuas have figured it all out and want nothing to do with it. They will no longer take a treat not even chicken their favorite. I have lost my alpha spot because I do not want to be bitten or squish my dog.
My son and I are in need of help some kind of help…..Cesar’s help! We are only getting bitten now. We have a 6 pound and 10 pound and all teeth.BOL
I have wrapped them in swaddling style, we have used one to hold them down one to clip but the infernal wriggling is making it just so difficult and our vet and his assistants have given it a go too. He wants to charge me double because it takes to long.
My son will no longer help me.
I feel very silly that this is happening to me really but it makes me helpless to get there nails clipped….and don’t know what to do.
Any ideas are appreciated.
Thanks so much.
MaryEllen