Cutting Nails

[Clyde]

Dru, is that an offer? I'm up on the Northern Beaches quite a lot! Should move there maybe!!!

Of course! Anytime :rolleyes:

[jbbb]

One thing I found really helpful was to cut them every couple of days and follow with their favorite treat (the only time they get the treat). They soon learn that enduring the nail cutting means good stuff, and they dont mind it.

I cut Flame's nails this morning - I pulled out the clippers and she jumped up on the lounge, lay down and stuck her paws out at me - cant get much better than that!! :rolleyes:

[WinGus]

Wow jbbb!! That will be something for me to aim for, to get Pepper to lie/sit still! Mind you, to try and get a terrier pup to sit still is a feat in itself! :D

[Kadbury]

I can't imagine my cavs jumping up for a nail clipping......but I am going to follow the advice about touch-treat-clip-treat........Cavs should do anything for a treat......they are hungry gutted little girls......LOL

Thanks for the site on nail clipping......it is very informative.

regarding the dremel, I had one given to me yesterday because I am going to get all arty in the New Year ...

So I turned it on near the dog and she bolted...and it is quiet....they don't mind the hairdryer so I might try them both on at once to get them used to the noise....ummmm

Merry Christmas One and All

[RuralPug]

I haven't attempted Buffy's nails yet as they were quite short when we brought her home, but I read somewhere recently about using a Dremel ? instead of clippers? Does anyone know if it's possible? Or even a good idea? I'm kind of freaking out about clipping her nails as they're black and she's like a jack rabbit on speed sometimes

For a fantastic set of instructions on how to Dremmel dogs nails, go to www.dober.com (not giving a link because she does change the webhost from time to time) and click on "How to Dremel Dog Nails" in the navigation pane.

When I first tried I was using a grinding stone instead of a sanding drum & the dogs didn't like it at all - but once I followed the above instructions it was fantastic.

My Pugs all have black nails and they all hate being clipped. It took a little while to get them used to the noise of the Dremel (actually I use a $20 rotary tool but it works just as well!) but now instead of wrestling with them and having them jerk their paw in the wrong direction just as I clip so that the quick gets cut & reinforces the whole negative thing, they actually sit quietly on my lap and even nod off to sleep with the Dremel!!

The great thing about it is that even if you file back to the quick it is instantly cauterised (sp?) so no pain or bleeding. I find it is FASTER to file four dogs with the Dremel than to clip, but mostly I think that's because I do not have to re-wrestle them into the football hold after every nail.

The only thing is that if your starting point is a really long nail (in a rescue for instance) then the Dremel probably won't get it shortened enough in one session (and the dog probably not used to the noise either). But for an ordinary regular trim, I am a definite convert to filing with the Dremel!

[coco22]

Obi's nails on the front paws were 'filed' as he always scratches the concrete floor on the balcony

but the nails on her dew claws are very long and sharp and I often get scratched while playing with him. Now I always wear long sleeves when I play with him

Does anyone know if the vet would cut it for me since his 3rd vaccination is coming up soon, or do i have to take him to a groomer. I don't mind paying for them to be cut and slowly learn how to do it. I'm a first time dog owner, so I dont think i can attempt this task as yet.

[havahug]

Dremel is great for smooth coated dogs but i have trouble doing it wih the fluffies. Scared of getting hair caught up in it

[Kadbury]

:cool: Thanks Ruralpug for that site .....have saved it and going to try it out tomorrow.....with treats etc. as directed. cheers

[becks]

My own dogs all lie on their back to have the toe nails clipped, the small ones lie on my lap. I trim them every few weeks from being a small puppy and they are used to it, no stress for anyone!

OP, if your dog is nervous around strangers perhaps you should also work on getting more socialisation done with people she doesn't know?

[Dogsfevr]

I have long coats & use the dremel.

If the nails are to long then i always trim first but onced dremelled they stay shorter way longer & you actually do get them shorter & you never cut the quick because you see the vein before that happens.

I do dogs from 42kg down to 6kg

[havahug]

I have long coats & use the dremel.

If the nails are to long then i always trim first but onced dremelled they stay shorter way longer & you actually do get them shorter & you never cut the quick because you see the vein before that happens.

I do dogs from 42kg down to 6kg

How do you not get the coat caught in the dremel with th long coats. Ive heard of people using a sock with a hole in it for the toe to come thru. Do you use this method and does it work. My boy doesn't mind the sound of it and he hates the clippers so its a struggle to clip his nails.

[Dogsfevr]

I havent had to resort to any sock method,luckily mine are very co operative but i would use a kids sock if i had an issue dog or vet wrap or really anything that assisted .

Mine are OK with the old method of doing nails but are 100% better with the dremel & its done in half the time with less pulling on the legs etc etc

The good old bastard file is just as good for those who arent as happy to use a dremel or clippers

[WinGus]

OP, if your dog is nervous around strangers perhaps you should also work on getting more socialisation done with people she doesn't know?

Becks, I'm definitely working on this one. It's really difficult as I seem to have a very shy/nervous puppy. She's not good with huge dogs either since she is quite small, but will ALWAYS want play with any dog that is up to knee high!