nail trimming

[wiporwil]

Hi everyone.. It happened again. Willie refuses to let us clip his nails. We will have to call the breeder who does it for nothing and watch how he allows them to do anything they want to him... We have tried everything and he just knows when it is going to happen. Willie was sleeping on his back on me and he was snoring away so we knew he was sleeping pretty good sooo with clippers in hand my husband starts to do his back nails i never seen Willie flip over so fast as he did tonight.... What a site we had to laugh my husband never even got close to his foot and he knew exactly what we were going to do.. <img border="0" alt="[laugh]" title="" src="graemlins/laugh.gif" /> Does anyone have any suggestions on how we should handle nail trimming??? Send him to the breeders again right.. He melts in their arms and allows them to do his nails without any hassle..Thanks in advance for any tips and suggestions.. Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
Denise & Willie

[Brenda]

Sorry, I can't offer you any real help except to tell you that I have the exact same problem with Rufus. When he was a puppy I could manage it now - forget about it. I have tried to massage his feet (which he likes) and then casually try to clip a nail - nope it's just not going to happen. I have tried it when he is sleeping and even having my husband hold him while I try and trim - still it's just not going to happen. You would think that I was sticking pins and needes in him for the way he howls and cries...., I found it's much easier to take him to the groomer, pay the $5.00 and just get it over with. Rufus also just melts at the groomer and when I tell her how hard it is to trim his nails she kind of looks at me funny like "yeah right". It is actually nail clipping time - maybe tomorrow:)

Good luck -

[Cindi]

OK, I'm sorry but y'all are your own worst enemy over this. These guys know we don't want to do this and they 'work' it to their best advantage. By all means, go back to the breeder and observe the attitude they have about doing the toenails. Dogs CAN read us :) Have them do two feet, one front and back if possible, and then have them watch you do two feet. If you cannot do it in the manner they do ie holding them in their arms or having them on a table, ask them to show you another way for YOU to do it. You need to approach this calmly, with everyone awake (come on, would someone be able to sneak up on you while you are sleeping and clean your teeth? It is about the same for doing the dogs' toenails...there is pressure involved <g>), and approach it as a job to be accomplished in the shortest amount of time. AT home, you may want to just do one foot at a time, then quit, give a cookie and take a drink, and then in a little bit do another foot (another cookie for the dog and drink for yourself - maybe a few drinks BEFORE the nails would help <img border="0" alt="[ksmile]" title="" src="graemlins/ksmile.gif" /> )
Anyway, honestly it has a lot to do with YOUR attitude. Have the nail clippers ready, the quikstop ready, and the cookies nearby. Some of mine do better on the table, some do better on my lap upside down, some do better in my arms.....it's a matter of finding out what you and the dog are comfortable with. I do my guys nails at a minimum every other week.
AND, being a groomer, I know full well how they can twist your guts!!!! For $5 I think it would be worth it on some dogs :)

Cindi

PS I trained a novice dog owner (she wanted the smooth out of my last litter of wires - this was her very first dog ever!) and she does toenails better than I do my own kids...her dog's nails are shorter than mine and they look marvelous. She is so adept now she does her mother's dog's nails and tells everyone - really, it isn't so bad if you just approach it with the right attitude.

[wiporwil]

Well, excuse me for not being a " groomer" ...... I am not stupid and know that my pet understands and is playing me .... I just dont want to end up hurting him and haveing him bite me or another because of a mistake that i made trying to trim his nails.. I was only asking if anyone had suggestions on how they would handle this situation not to be reprimanded like i was a child. There are things that people cant do as well as others and nail trimming is one of them. The breeder that did Willies didnt have to give him a "cookie" and then take a "drink" she is very good at what she does and has a different effect on my dog than i do. I am sorry i brought this up obviously i am not qualified enough for the job. Maybe it is not a big deal to you but, it is for me. I love my dog and if he is playing on my emotions then fine let him i just wanted opinions from people who have the same problem that i do and actually understand how i feel when it comes to trimming nails. I will most likely go back to my breeder and have her do the job because it is less stressfull on my dog . Say i am a wimp or whatever you want but, i will do what i have to do to help it make it easier for the both of us.
Denise & Willie

[Cindi]

My goodness Denise...I don't know where you got the idea I was calling you stupid...I don't read that in my post at all. I just know that dachshunds play their owners quite well as mine do me! I most certainly was not attacking you and I was trying to make it humorous although you certainly didn't take it that way.
In order not to offend you inadvertently again, I will try to remember NOT to answer any of your posts.

[Frzframe]

Hey, I think Cindi's right it's all in the attitude. I know I hate having to trim Mitzi's nails and she knows it. But the difference with Mitzi and the others that said their dogs are good for the groomer - huh? Mitzi isn't good at all for anyone. I have to take her to the vet to have her nails trimmed and it takes two people to do it. One to hold Mitzi so tight she can hardly breath (not really but it sure does seem like it) and another to pull the foot out and while keeping it steady trim the nail. I wish Mitzi was a good girl if not for me then for the vet. I still try to trim her now and again but it's the same ol' same ol' growl try to nip (not a hard bite) to get me to stop. I always do at least one more after she is holding kind of quite just to show her who's boss. :rolleyes: But she doesn't believe me.

Shonda & Mitzi Moo

[pennysmom]

Hey Cindi,
I read your post and decided I would take the bull by the horn--or rather Penny by the foot and trim her nails. I went at it with a whole new attitude and she did ok. Much to my surprise! I have always been a white knuckle break-out in a cold sweat kind of nail trimmer--I hated to do it. So I usually had the vet do it for me. But today was THE DAY!! I even did Katie's our westie. She was more of a challenge--1yr old and squirmy like crazy! I was more determined than she was.tee--hee...! Thanks for the info on nails. It helped me today--and from now on. Y'all have a good week!!
bye for now...
Janet, Penny and Katie too! <img border="0" alt="[dog]" title="" src="graemlins/dog.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[dog]" title="" src="graemlins/dog.gif" />

[dutchman]

Just for the record I always did Aggie's nails, I do Tanner's nails and I hav fought with Frank many a time to get his nails done. For the boys I have had to resort to using a soft muzzle to keep them from attacing the clippers. I've held Frank down between my legs almost sitting on him before. This last time he pretty mcuh won I got one nail trimmed in twenty minutes and he as usual was foaming at the mouth scared to death. So Saturday I took him to Pet Smart to let them do his nails. He put up just as big a fuss for them the major difference was they had the neck loop on the grooming table to help restrain him. They were making little progress and he was screaming bloddy murdet till I suggested they use a soft muzzle. It still took them 5-10 minutes to finish the job and we walked out with a $12 nail trim. I swore I would never pay someone to trim my dogs nails but I think with Frank that may be necessary. I'm planning on checking prices some other places and would also hope I can find some place that causes a little less stress for Frank. At least his mails look good for now.

Oh by the way I tipped the front nails on my new foster Dexter today. This is the boy who is suppose to have an aggression problem. He was scared as soon as he saw the clippers come out but he never tried to bite me or the clippers. Not even when I got one nail too short. We will attempt a second trim on the front or perhaps a fist tipping on the rear in a day or two. His nails were 3-4 times the lenght they should be. I know it will take several trimming before we can get them back to the proper lenght. I know cut let quick recede cut again. I seem to recall readung about two days for the quick to recede before taking off the next bit does that shound correct?

Tom and the boys (Frank, Tanner and foster Dexter)

must repeat to self Dexter is a foster (my first foster).

[dox_no3]

Hi,
I haven't posted much lately but thought I'd give our experience with nail clipping because things are actually getting better.

Bugsy was a terrible squirming wiggler when we tried to clip his nails. We always do it with 2 people; one holding, me clipping.

I decided to take it slowly and just do one or two nails at a time and just work my way around his feet and then get back to the beginning again. At the start, I rewarded him with liver treats which he only got for nail clipping and once in a while we had to use the soft muzzle but not very often - just basically a reminder for him not to mouth the clippers.
We worked up to 1 whole foot each time and then both back feet at once, which for some reason are easier - maybe softer?
He gets held on his back for the front feet and right side up for his back feet. This is just my preference. I plan to graduate to him standing and me being able to clip without help but I know that is a long way off.
Well, we now can clip 3 whole feet and sometimes 4! And it no longer takes half an hour and I don't end up sweating.

I just wanted you to know that it is possible to do this and don't worry if you can only cut one nail at a time or that you only got a little shaving off. Every bit counts.

Oh, yeah, this has taken months, working at it approximately twice a week. (We kept a written record of which foot got done when so we were always working on new feet.)

Good Luck!

[Rusty's mom]

We haven't had any probs with our guys when it comes to nail trimming. I hold them with one arm and cuddle them, but with their front paws over the kitchen sink. I whisper sweet nothings into their ears, give lots of kisses and feed them treats. My husband does the clipping and it's over before they know it started. We do all three the same way and haven't had a problem. Our Rusty loves his bath too - just sticks his head right into the shower nozzle. When the other two see Rusty in the tub they take off for different corners of the house and outside starts to look pretty good to them. Duffer and Hobbs are more reserved but never put up a fight. They just stand there in long-suffering poses - makes us laugh. What a crew <img border="0" alt="[laugh]" title="" src="graemlins/laugh.gif" />

P.S. It sounds like Dexter is right at home and I'm so happy that he's found a great place to learn how to be loved and cared for.

Kathy - mom to Rusty, Duffer and Hobbs

[Augie Dog]

Nail trimming here is not a good time. Aug hates it. He is very strong and shenn has to dang there sit on him while I clip.

Anyone dremmel their dogs nails?

[dutchman]

Hi David you want to help me deign a dachie squeeze shoot. Something along the lines of those they use for cattle but we will use then to hold our dogs while we trim nails :D Just kidding guys but when it comes to nails I think about it. I've been scared to try the Dremel on my LH boys. I'm scared of catching hair by accident.

Tom

[MARTHA]

Tom - I like the idea of a dachsie squeeze shoot. Skoooter is no trouble to cut her nails. She'll lay down on her back and stick her little feet up in the air for you to do her nails but Sadie is a totally different story.

Sadie screams so loud that my ears ring for two days. She is afraid that someone in China might not hear her "caterwalling" for mercy. And this is before the clippers get close to her feet.

The last time we had a Nail Party at our house I wound up with bruises from my wrists to my elbows from trying to hold her still. (She didn't try to bite or anything, just wiggle) We did try something new. We give her a treat everytime we cut a nail. Of course Skooter had to have one everytime that Sadie got one as she was overseeing the operation (well, she can't see but she was supervising). Well just as soon as we finihsed with Sadie, Skooter plopped into my son's lap, on her back, like she usually does to have her nails done, sticking all 4 tootsies up int he air. Then she proceeded to make a very pitiful and poor imiation of Sadie's yelling. She figured you had to scream to get the treat... She almost didn't get her nails cut for the laughter...

I really have tried everything with Sadie, lobing, treats, even using that "Mother voice" that means no nonsense (it works with everythihng else) but nothing works with the nails.

So Tom, if you come up with the "shoot", let me know!

Martha (the Girls with have nothing to do with this post...)

[Mutzie's Mom]

Cindi or any other good nail expert, I need some help! Is there a website or book I can purchse to show me how far to clip the nail? It is so hard to see the quick with the black nails. I am really embarrassed to ask my vet, AGAIN! I know she thinks I am a blonde air head! Peppie lays on his back and lets me do his nails. How crazy is that!! I am using a pair of clippers and then using a file on them. My vet suggested a dremel (sp ?), but my husband wasn't sure what attachment to purchase. I have not a clue about tools...that is his department. I want to do this myself instead of taking him to a groomer. This is part of our "bonding and pampering time." We brush teeth, file/clip nails, brush coat, etc.

Thanks in advance. My biggest fear is to clip too far. I bought some styptic powder just in case, but thank God I haven't had to use it.

Sherry

[Meemoo]

Not Cindi...

I found this link which seems to have some good info on it.

http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/ClientED/dog_nails.htm

Hope this helps!

[wiporwil]

Thank you for the link it was very helpful.... I will have to try it on Willie. We have been walking alot on the sidewalks lately and his nails seem to be ok but still need a trim... So I will attempt them once again and follow those directions. What do i have to lose right. I will make sure to comfort him and tell him he is a good boy and make sure that he is not stressed. I know that this question has been a bit of a "touchy subject" since i last posted, it was meant to be a question of who has had problems with nail trimming and i guess i worded it wrong and was misunderstood oh well life is too short to argue over the small things in life. .....My son bought a dremmel and i thought hmmm maybe it is worth a try if Willie isnt to afraid of the noise. Like i said before Willie has me right where he wants me and i know he senses it and uses it every chance he gets....lol.... He is my "baby" and i don't care as long as i have him. Thanks again for all the good advice.
Denise & (Prince) Willie:p

[Cindi]

It is soooo hard to describe how to do nails :) without being there in person. I would like to not hear them when the dog walks across the tile floor....eventually. Sometimes you have to work up to that point and it may take months to get there depending on where you start. Even on the black nails if you look underneath you can see the 'meat'. That is where you don't want to cut into. And if you accidentally do or if the dog 'helps' you to do so, that is what the styptic powder is for. (and use the styptic powder freely rather than having to go back again and again with it and having to worry over the nail. I use the term 'worry' as in messing with the same foot and nail over and over and over again making the dog really hate it. Jut pack it in so it stops quickly.) There should not be a 'hook' to the nail. If there is, you want to get it cut back so there isn't. There is a gentle curve but not a severe hook.
I have yet to use a dremel although I know many people love them. I'm old :), 49, and set it my ways.
Best of luck!

[Mandy]

David,

I just saw your post asking about the dremmel. Because of Henry's problems, we go to the vet clinic for nails - much easier on everyone that way. Our first set of clippers disappeared (a la Henry). I packed up the entire house when we moved here and never found them.

At the vet's office, we see Dr. Vodenichar (the boys love her) for health issues and Melissa (Henry, can you please stop flirting?) for nail trims. Melissa does everything the same each time since she figured the boys out.

First she takes Jake back and uses the clippers on him. He screams bloody murder at the dremmel, so it stays hidden. Then she hides the clippers and returns Jake for Henry. Henry gets the dremmel - no clippers.

I took the boys in last Friday for trims. Henry was having a grumpy morning. However, he did just fine letting Melissa dremmel his nails and flirted with her when she was done. Clippers would have been a very different story.

I would think it would be worth a shot for Aug. You can buy the dremmel kit (which comes with a lot of attachments) for a low price. If it didn't work out, you wouldn't be out much and you would have another tool. Henry swears that the dremmel is the only way to go!

If we could only take Melissa with us when we move....