Successful Techniques Clipping Dog Claws

Pets/Animals - Exotic Pets

By: goodselfme 07-Jan-2011

Introduction:

When learned how to properly clip the dogs claws, you will wonder why you never tried this on your own prior to now. Read through these techniques to guide you to clip your dogs claws.

Prepare the Mind

Dogs feel emotions from people, so your need to begin clipping the dogs claws has to start with preparing your mind. Work on being calm and knowing you will be successful using these techniques to get the project finished. Many people have done this act of hygiene for their best friend, so rest assured you will too. Clipping the claws prevent splaying of the paws, which can result in painful standing and walking so your work is necessary and not just cosmetic. Play your favorite music softly in the background for both you and your dog.

Proper Equipment, Light and Spot

Human nail clippers never should be used on dogs. Most veterinarians will dissuade you from using any tools except those especially made for dog nail clipping. Consult with your veterinarian which claw cutting devices they know are best. Talk to groomers and other pet owners for good opinions before buying any nail clipping tool. Select the right spot to begin your project so you will be in a comfortable and safe area without being disrupted while you perform the clipping. Natural and or extra light is essential to get a good and safe result.

Prepare the Dog

Never sneak up on a sleeping dog thinking you can clip nails while they are asleep. If you are lucky you will be growled at and worse bitten. It is the very best and easiest to accomplish this task if begun early in puppyhood. Even if you do not do all the claws, work these techniques soon. Pet your dog before beginning any planned claw trimming of the paws. Put your hand next to the paw without touching it. Have many small pieces of their favorite treat in your pocket and give after petting and after your hand is placed next to their paw. Lift your hand away and replace it several times to prepare the dog for clipping event. Your hand moving and then placed next to their paw, remaining next to their body is important preparation.

Prepare the Dog Paws

Touch the dog paws without anything in your hand and softly say some pleasant words. Some pet owners sing gently flowing songs as they approach their canine to clip the nails. A suggestion is not to sing the same song each time you approach to clip the dog's nails. This is preparation, so no action except the touching is accomplished in this technique. Do this gently with all paws. Give a small piece of a treat after each paw touching.

Prepare to Clip

Make sure you have many morsels, in your reach, of the treat they like best. Look to find the "quick" which is a distinct change in color of the nail. Avoid even close proximity with this area. It is better to clip only the tip, which is the problem area of the paw. Hold the paw, give a treat, touch the paw ith your other hand, give a treat, cut the claw and give a treat. Proceed until each nail is clipped. The entire dog's nails might take more than one sitting. A slow pace will be one that allows your dog to know you will not be hurting him and he will trust you.

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Comments

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pamperedpen 7/1/2011
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These tips are really great. I'll use them next time I clip my dog's nails. H5
ListMaker 3/2/2011
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I have to clip 6 dogs every 2 weeks (this is when it's nice that one only has 3 legs...). Good tips on clipping dog claws.
MonikaWeise 1/18/2011
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My dog hates this - I appreciate these tips!
bossypants 1/9/2011
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Even though your gentle encouragement leads me to believe I can do this, I will probably continue to support my local economy and let the groomer have all the fun. :) Beautifully encouraging list!
Apalmer001 1/8/2011
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My Jack Russell had her nails clipped recently by a pet care center assistant and she did not use your loving techniques. I'll be sure to do our pets nails myself from now on. Thanks for the tips, it is greatly appreciated.
penelope7 1/8/2011
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Well, I would just hope that I could. Your list is very comprehensive and I know you could do it.
ChristinaFernando 1/8/2011
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I just trimmed my Jack Russell Terriers nails last night and your strategies are most helpful and true. Thanks for writing this helpful list.
Ellie 1/8/2011
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Wow thanks for these helpful tips! I agree, it's best to start when they're puppies so they get used to it.
jseven 1/8/2011
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I just did this a while back but it's hard with black nails so I don't take much off. Thanks for the tips!
clewand550 1/7/2011
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Great tips especially having 2 dogs.
IzzyDuncan 1/7/2011
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These recommendations work for cats, too!
hummingbirdee 1/7/2011
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This is a procedure I have left for someone else to do. I should work on courage. It is hard when they have black nails and you can't see the quick. Good advice.
ListMaker 1/7/2011
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I've acclimated all of my dogs to trimming their dog claws with a dremel. It does take skill so DO NOT just go at it and it took me about a month to acclimate the dogs but now? They all go to sleep when I grind their nails. I consider this a success! Now for the cat...