Normally the old boy is lovable, and reserves any aggression for the mail carrier. Having to have his nails trimmed sets him off though, and he will fight like his life is on the line. Other than having him put on seditives, which isn't good at his age (15), what can I do for him? I can't just let his nails grow out, they get so long they can puncture his paws.
2006-06-29 17:02:46 · 13 answers · asked by dwharris79 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I forgot to mention that I do take him to the vetrinarian to have his nails trimmed, I do not do it myself. He is muzzled and I do hold him. I am asking what I can do for HIS stress level, not for e and the vetrinarian.
2006-06-29 17:54:38 · update #1
I used this method when I rescued an 8yr old Alaskan Malamute. She was 80lbs of muscle and teeth, so it was interesting. She wasn't fond of getting her nails cut either at first, but this really worked for us.
Get your old guy used to having his paws touched. Spread the toes, touch the nails, all while praising him. Try that for a few minutes, then praise him. Even if he's used to having his paws handled, praise him anyway. Use pieces of kibble as a reinforcement treat.
Once he's used to having his paws handled, sit on the floor with him, take one paw, and cut one nail. Just one. It doesn't even have to be a full 'clip'. If he growls when he sees the clipper going towards his nail, just say 'no' in a calm authoritative voice. When you're done clipping, shower him with praise.
It might take a while to get him used to it, especially since he's been doing this for fifteen years. It's slow going to get them really used to it, but even if it takes you a week to clip one paw (one nail a day), if he becomes calmer, and it doesn't freak him out, then it's certainly worth it.
2006-06-29 18:46:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I emphasize with you on this one. My dog is not really fond of nail trimming either. I usually have to have a Vet do the proceedure with my dog muzzled and I holding him. I try to soothe him by talking him through it. There is no other way if it is a large dog. If he's a smaller breed, sometimes using a human nail file will be tolerated better. You might want to walk him more on asphalt or concrete surfaces to keep the growth limited.
2006-06-30 00:09:38 · answer #2 · answered by Sumanitu Taka 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well my dog does the same thing and he will not go into a muzzle or a harness thingy, what you need to do is rub his paws every day and around his finger nails that way he can get use to people messing with his feet and he won't be as aggressive when you try to get his nails trimmed, and you can take him running and run out his energy before you go to get his nails trimmed!!!!
2006-06-30 00:16:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
One easy way to cut a bad dog's nails is to run his sturdy leash through a chain link fence (around the post) and pull him
up snug against it. You pretty much have to use a choke collar - not to choke him, but to keep him from backing out of the collar.Then, just keep clear of his teeth and trim away. Try to make it as pleasant as possible for him - give him treats, don't cut into the quick, praise him when he's not trying to bite you. We did this with the guard dogs that sometimes stayed at our kennel and no one ever go bit. I prefer not to tranquilize a dog unless absolutely necessary.
2006-06-30 13:47:12 · answer #4 · answered by Danger, Will Robinson! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He must of had a bad experience when he was younger, where possibly his nails were trimmed too short. I do not think he will ever be comfortable with getting them cut. Sometimes walking the dog on the road will naturally keep them short.
2006-06-30 11:55:20 · answer #5 · answered by sped1018 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chamomile tea works very well, and is safe for him.
Dump it out of the teabag, and use 1 teaspoon for small breed, up to 1 tablespoon for a large breed. Mix it in a little canned food, such as Mighty Dog, or Cesar's, and give about 30 minutes before he needs to relax. It will keep him happy, but reduce stress. It can be given as needed.
If your grocer doesn't carry chamomlile, you can use 'SleepyTime Tea' as it is the same,but with added herbs. Plain chamomile tastes better to a dog.
2006-06-30 00:23:43 · answer #6 · answered by Chetco 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
put a muzzle on him like the other person said, and also swat him with a paper when he even starts growling - when a dog growls like that, its cause he's gotten away with it before, and likely may think he's the boss. If you let him get away with agression toward you over this, he'll likely try it in other areas until he's out of control - remember, he may be your friend - but you Have to be his boss.
2006-06-30 00:11:03 · answer #7 · answered by Timberwolf 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put a muzzle on him while you are doing the nails so he doesn't bite you or warn your vet and have him do it -- it'll cost about $10.
2006-06-30 00:07:02 · answer #8 · answered by Jill W 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take it to a groomers to have its nails clipped. The shop I work at only charges $8.
2006-06-30 00:48:09 · answer #9 · answered by Too Silly 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Muzzle the dog.
2006-06-30 00:08:27 · answer #10 · answered by jennifersuem 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋