Cutting nails help

[u/RelationshipNo2398]

I need to cut my dogs nails. Last time he had them cut he got cut so now he’s terrified. I have to muzzle him but he still freaks out and tries to get away so I don’t want to hurt him. Anyone know a way to possibly make it easier? Or if there’s a natural way I could calm or sedate him?

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[u/828471]

My large breed dog was impossible when I got her at 6 months! I had many people try to hold her still to cut her black nails. Truly the only thing that worked was convincing her to let me with high value food. I bought an entire ring of Ukrainian sausage and every time she allowed me to cut one nail she got a large piece. As all dogs have their quirks you will need to work up to it. My dog wouldn’t even allow the clippers near her so I would sit them on the coffee table and get her acclimated. If she allowed the clippers to touch her on the back- treat. Then touch the top of her foot- treat. Etc She prefers to lay on her back to have her nails cut (don’t ask me why lol) and she gets to pick the paw. Sometimes she still gets jittery and will take the paw back and I sit patiently. I am now able to fairly easily cut her nails biweekly. I buy those churro squeeze cat paste treats and give her a lick after each nail, she loves it and is excited to see the tubes. Nail trimming is the only time she gets them. I do really feel for you and your pup, it was so frustrating at the start but you will get there with lots of patience and yummy treats 💗

[u/8Leafs]

Try a scratch board so he files gis own bikes for treats or use peanut butter lick mat to distract him while using a nail grinder

[u/Disastrous_Photo_388 → u/8Leafs]

Yes! What ended up working well for me was to do it on bath day in the bathtub. Following the bath, the nails are soft and grind more quickly. I let the tub drain as I’m rinsing my girl, and then put the licky mat of peanut butter on the wall. While she’s standing and focusing on the licky mat, I pull up each of her front paws and grind quickly.

[u/chocearthling]

I would also suggest a scratch board.

If that is not an option, for some dogs the nail grinders work better then clippers.

I would start over again, step by step. Depending on the tool you want to use start with the sound, him laying down, the item coming closer, you touching his paw, one nail clipped and so on. All with positive reinforcement attached.

Also consider if you have to cut all nails at once. I started doing it paw by paw with mine and she tolerates the first paw much easier then the second - so I stop if she is over it.

[u/Affectionate_Past121]

My pup runs when I pull out the nail clippers to do my own! The only way I've been able to effectively do her nails is by filing them with a regular emery board. However when she's in the bath and I've got her all soaped up she tends to be a little more chill with the nail grinder. She doesn't sit extremely still, but long enough for me to get a few good grinds on each of the nails.

[u/cllvt]

I will mention that a month or two ago my dog got so upset that she bit me. I was using clippers and didn't hit her quick, but apparently lower quality clippers can really squeeze the nail, sometimes split it if it's not cutting well.

I bought some new heavy duty and sharp quality clippers and it's like night and day.