My new dog hates having his nails clipped

[dsc]

I have tried to clip the nails on my new dog and he is very resistant to say the least. My old dog didn't like it but he was small and I could hold him and make him get the nails clipped. This guy is enough bigger that I cant really do that. Any suggestions or should I just take him to a pro?

[hlthe2b]

1. Depends on how patient you are...

You could get one of those burr grinders ($25 or so from Oster) and SLOOOWLY first get him used to the sound using treat-based positive reinforcement-- then over several days do one nail, followed by a treat then another, then another.. With time, he'll probably get past it.

If the nails are really bad, you can certainly take to a professional, but be aware, if they physically restrain him in a hurried fashion (and in a far less than "gentle" manner, perhaps including muzzle) to do it, this may trigger even more of a negative response. Talk to whoever you consider doing so, to see how they approach this. If they will take a little time with him, with several employees holding and offering treats, that would be great. Unfortunately, busy groomers may be so time-limited they are tempted to short cut with more "brute" restraint, than a more gentle and time consuming approach. That will get the job done, certainly, but for some dogs sets them up for a long term set of "issues".

[dsc]

2. my vets muzzled Hershey once and that wasn't pretty

He had a total meltdown (I wasn't in the room when they did his nails). After that I made sure to always to them. I had one of those grinders once but it was a cheap one and didn't work. I might try the grinder route. I just assumed they didn't work and stuck with clippers.

[hlthe2b]

3. Just go very slooooowlly. He's already had a bad experience and you have to get past that.

[dsc]

4. No this is a different dog

but I have no idea what his experience was or wasn't in this regard. He is a pound dog. He is very obedient over all but wanted no part of nail clipping.

[hlthe2b]

5. He's probably reacting more to the restraint than anything...

While undoubtedly treated as kindly as possible at the pound, he still would have been subjected to restraint, vaccine injections, and probably other necessary, but fear-inducing treatment.

[Paper Roses]

6. Stores like Petco and PetSmart have staff on hand for grooming.

The grooming people are equipped to cut nails and do other minor procedures. The last time I went, my (then) new kitty would not let me cut her nails. I went to PetSmart, they charged me $9.00 to do both front and rear claws. I'm sure it costs more now but you might want to check with a quick phone call. Most grooming shops will do the job.

Perhaps after the first time with a grooming shop, they will give you some tips on how to do it yourself. I have learned how to cut my kitty's nails from them. I know my kids have their dogs nails done at one of these places. Not a fun do-it-yourself job.

[applegrove]

7. Do one paw. Wait a few hours. Do the other.

[irisblue]

8. 2 people, lots of treats, one nail at a time.

will he let you "hold paw" , like humans holding hands?