Q: How can you make cutting dogs nails easier?

Dec 20, 2009

I'm working on my aunt's Border Collie, he's a rescue and although he's four years old he still has to go to the vet.

I'm going to play with his paws, and talk to him, keep him calm, that way he knows not to be scared. then do one at a time, the first time you may only get one done, and then two, eventually you'll get them all done at once.

As a horse person I've learned another trick that helps hold the foot still when its time to clip if he squirms. depending on the size of the dog, large: stand next to his foot facing his tail, pick it up and bend the knee, so that his paw is up towards his belly, small: stand in front (works best if he's on a table) and do the same.

now before you use this trick for actual snipping, practice it with treats, teach him that the second he's calm you release the foot and give a treat. never let him pull the foot out, and don't yank the foot around. be calm and slow, eventually increase the time you hold the foot up to about the time it'll take you to snip. Then you can start snipping the nails.

Hope this helps

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Dec 18, 2009

Maybe taking him to a local dog groomer? My groomer always takes care of my dogs nails. Or, you could try and wait til he starts to fall asleep and do it then so he doesnthave the energy to run off...

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Dec 18, 2009

Pedi Paws is a good alternative. They have to get used to the noise, but it's safer than trying to clip a squirming dog. Our shelter also offers nail clipping at various events - you might check with your local shelter to see if they do the same.

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