Category: Puppy Stuff, Common Problems ¤
  Author: Marie Gulliford ¤
   Title: C/T for Nails ¤

At last some time to type.  I have read some good posts on nail clipping
and would like to add my experience to the issue.  So here is my recipe for
nail trims.  I would like to stress that where to cut when clipping is not
easily described for all dogs.  It is a skill learned with practice.  The
rest of the procedure is pretty straightforward and easy to describe( I
hope)
    Equipment neeeded Clicker, treats, dog, at least one person (two
preferred), nail trimmers, Quick Stop (or other coagulant), and a raised
surface for working on (grooming table or the top of a dryer with bath mat
on it).  A raised surface is important for a few reasons.  1. the dog has
nowhere to go.  2. your back is important 3. kneeling on cut toenail bits
is painful 4. when you bend over the dog you are assuming a dominant
stance, depending on the dog this could lead to aggression 5. you need to
see what you are doing 6.  it is important to make life easy for yourself
don't work harder than you have to.
    First place dog on table. C+T until the dog is comfortable being on the
table. Next have the dog lie on its side.(C+T as needed for relaxed down on
side)  If your dog is aggressive keep the dog standing with a grooming
noose on, adjust so the noose is taught not tight.  Lift one leg C+T for
relaxed leg.  If dog is tense C+T for any relaxation of leg.  Put leg back
and lift again until you have very relaxed leg.  You should be able to lift
any leg and have the dog remain relaxed.  It is important that you hold the
leg gently but firmly.  Pay attention to your grip. If the dog pulls away
continue to hold the leg but don't try to hold the leg in one place.  Do
Not tighten your grip to hold the leg in place.  Instead allow the dog to
move the leg and continue to hold gently.  When the dog stops moving the
leg C+T.  Let go of the leg when you click.  Lift the leg again and repeat
until you can lift the leg with no resistance from the dog.
   Now that the dog is relaxed you are ready to pick up the nail trimmers. 
If your dog tenses up C+T until you can hold nail trimmers and leg without
resistance.  This is where having a second person comes in handy.  The
second person can C+T while the first does the work.  Next step is to touch
the nails with the trimmers. C+T for allowing the touch without tension.
  Take a big breath, let it out, and cut a nail.  As you cut the nail Click
then Treat no matter what the dog does.  Be sure to close the nail trimmers
quickly as you cut the nail and do not tighten your grip on the leg.  The
click is for letting you cut the nail so what happens after is not
important.  If the dog becomes aggressive hold the leg as you did before
until the dog settles then release(this is the treat until the dog does not
become aggressive at which point food or toy can be the treat).  Be sure to
keep your body away from the teeth.  No yelling!!  Just remain calm and
wait for the behavior you want.  Go back to the point where your dog is
calm and start again.  Work your way up to cutting another nail.  C+T for
every nail on the first foot.  On the next foot C+T for the first nail then
the third.  On the third foot C+T for the first nail and the last nail.  On
the fourth foot C+T for the third nail. C+Jackpot after the last nail. 
Eventually you will C+T for a whole foot of nails working your way up to
one C+T for all the nails.  Then an occasional C+T for nails.   If your dog
has a broad back teach it to lie with the legs straight up this is the
easiest position.  If your dog is thin put a rug on the table first to
cushion the body do nails with dog on its side.  If your dog is old try not
to bend the legs or press on the foot when you trim nails as this could be
painful (due to arthritis).  Instead of holding the foot just hold the
toenail you want to cut.  If your dog is a young pup do one foot then play
for a bit before doing the next one.
    If you happen to hit the quick and the nail bleeds don't panic.  A few
drops of blood lost will not hurt your dog.  You can apply pressure to the
end of the nail before you apply the coagulant.  This will help diminish
the feeling in the nail.  The coagulant will sting.  Your dog may or may
not react to having its nail quicked.  Almost all dogs react to the
coagulant.  When you apply the coagulant be sure to press it into the end
of the nail. This will ensure maximum effectiveness.  Do not pat and try to
reassure your dog if it is upset. Wait for calm behavior then C+T.  If your
dog is old the nails may not bleed right away. So be sure to check them
after 5 minutes to be sure they are not bleeding.
   If you are uncomfortable with cutting your dogs nails go to a local
groomer.  It is usually inexpensive and done on a walk in basis.  Lots of
people do this to save time.  In my shop toenail clients are in and out in
about 10 minutes.  If you have any questions please ask.  Happy Tails to
You.

Marie Gulliford
Ashby, Ma. USA