Lots of dogs are very sensitive about having their feet touched, let alone being held to have their nails clipped. Reactions might range from vocalisations, hiding at the very sight of the clippers, or even lashing out aggressively. When it comes to dog nail clipping, whether they’ve had a bad experience, or just naturally hate it, nail trimming can be dreaded by dogs and owners!

Teaching dogs to accept nail clipping takes time but there is a workaround! Check out the video for a demo of an alternative form of encouraging dogs to keep their own nails short. No more dread at dog nail clipping time! And a reintroduction of the clippers below that.

This should be done gradually, matching the pace of your dog.

• Choose an open space for your training so that your dog doesn’t feel trapped.
• Keep sessions short and sweet. Set a time limit such as 1-2 minutes, or 20 treats.
• Encourage your dog to come and sit with you, reward them just for coming to you.
• Put the clippers down next to you, not near your dog. Reward your dog for staying with you.
• Touch the clippers (without picking them up) and give your dog a treat. Repeat until your dog is relaxed.
• Pick up the clippers (without moving them towards your dog) and give your dog a treat. Repeat until your dog is relaxed.
• Pick up your dog’s paw, treat, repeat!
• Pick up your dog’s paw, touch the paw with the clippers, treat, repeat.
• Clip one nail, give your dog lots of treats, play a game, take a break, and go again!

What if your dog is so worried that getting started is impossible? how do you train a dog who’s hiding under the table?! Or your dog uses aggression in nail clipping scenario. Seeking professional help will mean you get a tailored plan stemming from an individual assessment.

Bear with me! Some dogs have such a strong reaction to nail clippers that it can be incredibly difficult for them to learn to accept them. However, using a Dremel to gently sand down nails small amounts at a time can work much better. Particularly if it’s a new concept.

The training plan is similar but substitute nail clippers for the Dremel. The important difference is that firstly you will need to get your dog used to the sound of the Dremel. Pair the noise with something your dog likes, such as treats or play each time you switch them off at a distance. Start across the room and gradually reduce the distance. Switch them on, your dog notices, turn straight off, reward! Gradually increase the time, second by second, the noise goes on for.

You may also need to get your dog used to a vibrating feeling. Try holding an electric toothbrush handle with your hand between it and their foot to start with. Reward immediately after each touch.

Switch them on, your dog notices, turn straight off, reward! Gradually increase the time, second by second, the contact goes on for. Are you noticing a pattern?! Then try direct contact and repeat with the rewards process. Then you can put that against their nail, and then replace it with the Dremel.

If your dog is still struggling, or you can’t find a calm starting point then seek professional help.

I am a Clinical Animal Behaviourist based in the Worcestershire area. However, with successful online training procedures, training can be anywhere in the world. You just need your dogs, and a device with an internet connection! Get in touch to see how I can help https://weteachpets.com/contact-me/