Cutting Dog Nails

[flipnflap]

my dog won't let me cut his nails. If he so much as hears the clippers being lifted from a distance away, he's off like a shot. He's a big dog too, and if I held him down to force it harm could come to him, which obviously i don't want. Bar getting him anaesthetised, anyone got a good idea?

[viv38]

I get the vet to do my dog's as he's a big dog too. Mind you, they only get clipped when he goes for his annual booster as walking normally keeps them down.

[jomifl]

Get him used to having his paws massaged long before you attempt to clip the claws (they do get to like it). Don't try to snip off too much at the first attempts and don't try to do them all at once. WhenMy GSD he was too old to wear his claws down went into a trance during paw massage so clipping was very easy.

[paddywak]

Max a GSD never had his nails clipped,as viv says, a good walk everyday does the job.

[woofgang]

I have never clipped my dogs' nails. They wear down with exercise.

[lankeela]

I have six dogs and they all get exactly the same amount of exercise, some need their claws cutting and some don't although they all need their dew claws doing. Find a groomer who will do them for you, cheaper than the vet. If you want to do it yourself then get him in a confined space such as in the bathroom or up against kitchen cabinets, wrap the lead round something so he can't get away, make him sit and stand over him from behind and lift a foot up and hold it very firmly. Wait till he gives in and just cut the tips off to start with. Give treats in between cutting each foot (or even each nail). Although they don't bite I muzzle some of my small dogs because it gives them something to think about and by the time they have snuffled and snorted and shook their heads I have cut their nails without them realising.

[SpikeyBush]

My Boxer who takes me on regular walks has her nails clipped when she is in the vet for checks every so often. The clippings go all over the floor, she then eats them. Between me taking her to the vet, and her indoors taking her to the canine beautician her nails are kept in check nicely.

[woofgang]

lankeela, my dogs have dew claws and they stay short as well...mind you mine do loads of roungh running.