7 Tips For Teaching Your Dog To Accept Nail Trims Nail trims are feared by many dogs and owners. Not only do a lot of pups fight against being restrained, but if the owners accidentally cut off too much, their nails will bleed and hurt. Over time, dogs become more and more apprehensive and many owners completely give up cutting their nails. However, it does not have to be that way! With the right approach, you can have your dog accept nail trims.
Why do you need to trim a dog’s nails? Nails help dogs turn tightly (especially when running fast), navigate uneven ground and prevent slipping. While the nails and claws of wild animals get worn down by their daily activities, the nails of domesticated animals need to be trimmed regularly. Our pet dogs do not get anywhere close to enough exercise that their nails would get worn down enough naturally. (This by the way does not only apply to dogs – horses also have to see a farrier, and other pets such as cats or even rabbits need to have their nails clipped, too.) If a dog’s nails grow too long, they start to curve between the floor and the paw. This rocks the dog’s weight to the back of the paw and alters his stance. You can think of it as wearing reverse high heels! Over time, this changed stance leads to muscle imbalances, discomfort, and a higher likelihood of injuries. Having short and well-maintained nails is crucial for your dog’s wellbeing!
#1. Trim your dog’s nails when he is tired You should always wait until your dog is worn out and tired before attempting to cut his nails. Don’t set out to cut the nails of a dog who has just taken a long nap, or who was in his crate while you went to work. The more energy your dog has, the more likely he is to fight the nail trim and you! Instead, choose a time when your pup has had plenty of exercises and is ready to nap. After a long walk, a romp at the park, or an agility training session is a good time to trim nails. The more relaxed your dog already is, the easier the manicure will be.
#2. Set realistic goals Do not set out to trim all of your dog’s nails at once. You might have even noticed that your pup holds still for the first few nails and only then becomes agitated and fights you. Rather than trying to get them all done it once, break down the task. It is smart to only strive to trim one or two nails per session, with sessions a few times a week. That way, you can reach your goal, your pup does not get too worked up, and you get more frequent practice.
#3. Distract in any way you can