Snap Posted November 5, 2011 Share Posted November 5, 2011 Hi everyone, My 5 year old cav Ollie recently had an all over clip for summer, his coat is now very short and all his leg and paw feathering is gone. He also had this done last summer and acted normally afterwards. However, this time around he's become very fussy on walks, and will tread very carefully on grass, or outright refuse to walk across grass. Rather than running around like he usually does when off leash, he is walking rather slowly and 'carefully' like he is being precious about his paws. I don't think there is any other explanation for this such as a tick, as he is full of energy while at home. Could he be 'embarrassed' about being clipped? Or are his paws just more sensitive now there isn't any hair around them? Really not sure what the problem is, but was hoping someone on here might have a few suggestions! Thanks in advance Snap Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tlc Posted November 5, 2011 Share Posted November 5, 2011 Did you do the clip yourself? Is it possible he has a nick on/in one of his paws? You might be right his feet might just feel a little strange without the extra fur. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snap Posted November 5, 2011 Author Share Posted November 5, 2011 No, he was groomed by a professional who didn't mention any nips, but I will check for any just in case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alibi Posted November 5, 2011 Share Posted November 5, 2011 I agree with tlc, might just feel strange for him. There are heaps of bindi's out now so the fur between the paws may of been protecting them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dxenion Posted November 5, 2011 Share Posted November 5, 2011 If he had a lot of fur between his toes and it's now gone, it would certainly feel different. Sort of like walking around barefoot for the first time after months in shoes. Is the grass he's walking on the same type, height and condition as last year? Short dry grass feels much more stiff and stubbly than long dry grass and lush green grass any height would feel different again. Throw grass varieties into the mix and you have a crazy choice of sensations your defeathered friend can experience. TLC is correct - a small nick can also result in this behaviour. One sharp blade of grass jabbing into a tiny cut on my foot would make me hesitate before my next barefoot grass walking adventure too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snap Posted November 5, 2011 Author Share Posted November 5, 2011 Thanks for your replies everyone, it makes sense. Although he is also walking 'carefully' on concrete, even though he would usually run (I usually try to confine his running to grass though, to protect his joints). However, if I think about it most of the concrete around here has loose bits of gravel so that might be why. Should I just continue walking him and hope that he gets used to it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clyde Posted November 5, 2011 Share Posted November 5, 2011 Maybe the groomer gave him clipper rash? I second the suggestion to check the pads of his paws thoroughly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dxenion Posted November 5, 2011 Share Posted November 5, 2011 The pads may be soft (especially if they've been covered by fur) and there is a product designed to toughen pads which can help until they toughen naturally. Not sure of the name but someone here will know. The other thing is to keep walking him on smooth surfaces eg concrete sans stones or lush green grass, to help the toughening process. Just don't reward any resistance behaviour by picking him up. It can make him think "well I threw a tanty and didn't have to walk on the grass, so I'll use that method next time because it worked". Clicker training could also work as it will give him a chance to be reminded that walking on grass in his new feet equals good things. Select the smoothest softest path and when he stops, go in front of him and lure him towards you with something he considers to be very desirable. If he can make even a few steps towards you across the grass, click and treat. Next time, he has to come a few more steps towards you to earn his reward. Before long, he may not stop at all where he is currently refusing to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snap Posted November 5, 2011 Author Share Posted November 5, 2011 Thanks Clyde and Dxenion, I will definitely try your suggestions with encouraging him, and I'll have a look around for that pad toughener. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dxenion Posted November 5, 2011 Share Posted November 5, 2011 I just had a quick look too and found Tuf-Foot. It's seems to be available from many suppliers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snap Posted November 5, 2011 Author Share Posted November 5, 2011 Thanks a lot! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kajtek Posted November 5, 2011 Share Posted November 5, 2011 Could there bindi plants in the grass? My dogs walk very 'carefully' on bindi infested grass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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