Just a memory refresherWell, I got that bass ackwards! Thanks for the correction!
That's why I need more rayon than cotton, I knew that!!
I'll pass........
Goodnight Folks......
Kat, I also clipped my dogs nails today. It's a long process to get the trust with doing nail clipping. Try starting by laying the dog on its side. Just lay there while you comfort it until it relaxes. This may be as far as you get for several sessions depending on the dog. Once the dog relaxes take their paws one at a time and just rub your fingers thru their toes. Then let the dog relax again. Then take the clippers and just rub the foot with the clippers. Don't try to clip any nails at this point yet. You're trying to de-sensitize the dogs fears on the feet. Gradually the dog will let you snip a nail. Do it swiftly. Then let the dog relax again. Positive reinforcement works wonders here. You may only get to trim one nail for the first time. Let it be and reward the dog for getting that far. The next time repeat, lay the dog on its side, relax it, rub the toes, clip a nail. As this process continues the dog will realize you're not going to hurt it. Eventually you'll be able to just lay it down and clip all the toenails one right after the other. TIME is what's required here for these lessons, NOT drugs. Don't give up & don't loose your cool with the dog. You'll get there.
BTW placing a fabric mesh muzzle on the dog for the first few times is not cruel if it bites. Every time you give up on doing this you are reinforcing this bad biting behavior. It knows now that if it throws a fit and acts like it wants to bite, you'll stop clipping. Let the dog whine, cry, and throw it's tantrums. Just keep going with the calming of the dog and gain the trust you need to care for its feet.
You're not just clipping their nails here, You're having a behavior training session
The other thing, Katmar.
My Fido was a big dog. Had nails like a bear. lol.
One thing I found is that the clippers the come from the store...there's lots of kinds. But they often aren't very sharp. Once I sharpened them with a file/dremel...they worked much better. Sometimes the crap-clippers they sell these days CRUSH the nail more than they cut. Causes pain. So make sure you have good clippers and they are sharp.
I tried several, but ended up with this:
Thank you both. We did work on relaxation, but I guess not enough. She has no problem letting you touch her feet. I did run the clippers across her paws and she was okay with that, too. Great idea that if you only get one nail done, it's a start and to reward her. She sure doesn't WANT to use drugs on her, so I will pass this along. Also, I like the clippers Atty shows. Mine ARE the guillotine type, and I have the type Atty posted for Maddy, but they are too small for this dog. Will get another pair.
Thanks, again, so very much. Have saved your posts so I can refer to them. Once again, my Snail buddies have come through for me.
And, on that note, I bid you all a fond adieu. My book awaits, as does Maddy. Sleep well, pleasant dreams and a better tomorrow for ALL....
((((Bear and T'mato))))
((all y'all ))
((all y'all ))
