Trimming a dog's toenails?? Help!?

Question

Next to having her knocked out, does anyone have any ideas on how I can trim my dog's toenails without her trying to kill me? She just see's the clippers and goes nuts. I've never hurt her and the groomer hasn't either.

Answer 1

I have am amstaff that WAS the same way. He hated nail trimming and positively would not let me do it. If I got one nail I was lucky. Now I can trim all his nails with very little problem. Here's what did it. He LOVES greenies, adores them, would die for a greenie. So I didn't give him greenies for about a week, he was greenie hungry. I cut one (not an easy task) into small pieces. I sat down on the recliner, put up my feet and had him lie between my legs. I piled the greenie pieces on a table beside us so he could see them. and picked up the clippers. He was so focused on the greenies I got one nail clipped, not perfect but clipped, and right away gave him a bit of greenie. While he's chomping on it I clipped a second nail and gave him another bit. You see how this went, right? clip, greenie, clip, greenie. It didn't take him long to figure out the trade off. Since I was making only one clip per nail they didn't get done well but they all got clipped. We did the same thing a couple of days later. After a few times like that I started doing a whole paw before he got his treat. Always having the pieces where he could see them. By then I could take my time a little more and do a better job of it. We worked up to doing both front feet before his treat, then both back feet. Now I can trim his nails, all of them and do it properly before he gets his greenie.However I do have to have the greenie ready to hand him right away or he cries till he gets it. BUt the thing is he still gets nervous about getting them trimmed but he now allows it. So, find a treat your dog is crazy about and start trimming.

Answer 2

I worked as a groomer. As a groomer, the act of placing her on the table, putting the lead leash on her............her groomer should be gentle and assertive.

If she just goes nuts, then you just have to take the measures. Whether at home or at the groomers. Put on the velcro muzzle, and the lead leash, and clip the nails.

Compassionate note............if you have a real connection to your dog, or actively search for a groomer who connects, this will not be a problem.

I had a pitbull hanging off of my thumbs once, but not because of me. It was from the groomer in charge who hated the dog. Animals have an inate sense of fear, love, playfullness, and nurturing. Find a groomer who connects with your dog.

Answer 3

This is always a tricky thing to do. Does she have concrete to run on? If she can wear her nails down naturally it is better for everyone. Take too much and they bleed like hell, the vein is very close to the end of the nail. If you really have to clip them, she could bite you or the groomer. If you manage to clip and she does bleed, you will never get near her again! Even my vet has hit the vein. Knock her out is maybe the only way, costly it may be. Better that she loves you, not kills you!Ask your vet.

Answer 4

Visit your Vet for sedatives just before the trimming is done. She would then be calm. Trim her toenails often in this method for a while and when she is assured of no harm, then space out your trimmings to when very necessary.

Answer 5

not easy and can be dangerous. Take the dog to a vet or groomer and have them do it. Take the dog to PetCo or any pet store that has a grooming section.

Answer 6

lol mine freaks out to when she sees them the only thing i can tell u is do what i do take her to a groomer and let her do it for you and make sure she uses the bathroom before u go lol

Answer 7

Buy a nail grinder and deter her with treats or a bone to chew on. Maybe do it when she is lounging or have someone rub her tummy while you trim.