The dreaded maniucure

[Juliekay]

Hello all.

Looking for suggestions on how to clip toenails without the dog freaking out. Vinnie HATES having his nails clipped. He flips out everytime we touch his toes. We have tried treats to keep him occupied but he sees through that right away. It is a circus at our house when it is nail clipping time.

Help!

 

[SoleilBxrs]

We somewhat have the same problem w/ Cassius.. he used to think that nail grinding was the worse thing in the world. I mean, we once brought him to a groomer for a quick cut, and it was the only time he's ever growled at a person! (the store owner was VERY nice though, she showed dogs, and knew that he didn't really mean any harm.. she took over and did it real quick) It used to take 2 people, one holding him down and shoving yummy treats into his mouth, while the other tried to quickly do as much of one foot as possible. He's older now and is much MUCH better about it. We use a grinder, and when we do Cassius, i try to make sure that he's tired. We're to the point where i can actually get him to lay down or sit, and i can grind his toes myself. Its no walk in the park, but he tolerates it. W/ my Nikki girl, the best way to get her nails done is on a grooming table, w/ a grooming collar on. She's used to it this way (our handlers do it that way), and won't allow you to do it any other way. If i try to trim her nails after doing Cassius on the floor, she will run into her crate and not come out! :rolleyes: (my bratty girl) Sorry if this doesn't help at all.. but i do feel your pain!

-Kat

 

[sgbtab]

how old is vinnie? what you could do is every chance you get when vinnie is calm touch his paws just rub your fingers around the feet he will soon get use to this also you might want to do the same thing to his mouth ,pick up his jowels and look at his teeth that will also help the vet when he goes into the vet's for a check up

 

[MyGirlHeidi]

Although, there are ways to desensitize your boxer to getting his nails clipped..I'll tell you what we do..hehe

Heidi has never liked her nails clipped and we would go thru the process of clipping a few and then waiting and then going back and have a clip here and there. Well, she has this spot that you can rub that is right above her nub. I don't know what it does but, when you rub it she becomes absolutely fixated on getting that spot rubbed. She just looks off into space and we can easily pick up her feet and get all her nails clipped. When you rub above her tail..she doesn't care what you do to her! It's really weird but at least we are easily able to clip her nails now.

 

[Ronin1]

Ronin HATES getting his nails trimmed. He wrinkles his nose at me (but doesn't show any teeth) and just about screams instead of growling. The only thing that's worked for me is that I put just a dab of Peanut Butter on the tip of his nose. He's so busy trying to get that peanut butter off - that I can clip his nails with no problems! Just know that you're not alone in this Boxer-nail battle

 

[Juliekay]

Vinnie is 2 but he has always been giddy when it comes to his feet. You can maul him everywhere else but the feet is what gets him. Even when he lays on my lap, I try to hold his paws and caress his feet but he freaks out. Not sure what that is all about. Just goofy I guess. Now Jasmine, she is a Prima Donna She loves being pampered and fussed over. Silly girl. I can clip her nails and she don't care. I guess I will just try to clip them maybe one per day and see what happens.

Thanks for the insight

 

[Putermom]

Otis Hates having his nails done with a passion. When he'd see me coming with the nail clippers, he'd run anywhere and everywhere just to escape. Sasha would tolerate it. She didn't like having it done but it was easier with her. Then, for Christmas, Santa brought Otis and Sasha a Dremel (cordless grinder) tool. It was the best present under the tree!!!!!! Now, when Otis sees me coming with the Dremel, he'll sit and lift his paw when I ask, "Who wants their nails done?" It's the funniest!! I can now get all 8 paws done in a really reasonable amount of time.

OK...tonights nail night...I've put it off for too long (been sick and stuff) and they both need their nails done. This post reminded me of it!

 

[sandy's mom]

You are definately not alone. Both of mine HATE to get their nails clipped.
Sandy will wait until you are ready to clip then jerk all of a sudden..
Napoleon will nibble on your hands while you are trying to hold his feet. Both cry like you are killing them. It can be nerve wrecking.
I don't even try anymore. I just take them to a groomer. She also puts them on a grooming table with a grooming collar. They do great for her.
She gives them big hugs and kisses and treats when she is finished.

They are good for her but not for me. I guess I should be jelous. I am just happy that I don't have to do it.

Debbie

 

[Cami]

We used to have to take Cami to the vets office to get her nails done. Now we are able to do it after baths when the nails are softened by the warm water and she is still in the tub or dh will hold her in the air and I clip very quickly. She still doesn't like it but it gets done. She has never liked having her feet touched. We did all of the desensitizing and it never did get us anywhere. When she was a pup I would do it while she was sleeping. Even now at alomst 2 I can get a few clipped if she is really good and tired and dreaming!

 

[Anna Begins]

Dremel

I use a Dremel for Luka, that way I don't have to worry about him getting hurt and being scared.