This method will make cutting their nails a breeze

As owners, we know how important it is to maintain our pet's claws, but unfortunately, our dogs don't understand why we approach them with a strange tool. While we may never be able to explain to them why regular grooming is essential, most of us can get them used to the strange routine.

Let’s face it, the nail-cutting process can be quite unnatural for most dogs. Some dogs will climb the wall at the mere touch of a paw to be grabbed and manipulated, but some dogs are afraid of the cut itself and will do anything to dance their way out of the situation. Even if the dog is not vehemently against the idea of pedicures, the ever-present fear of most pet owners of cutting their pet, causing discomfort or even pain still lingers. Understandably, the owner finds it difficult to give their dog a pedicure, but, if we do it regularly, it will be much easier, because the “cuticle” (nail bed or possibly a vein that bleeds profusely when cut) is somewhat retracted.

How do we get our dog used to nail trimming?

Ideally, we start familiarisation at a very early age. We hold their paws, touch them and maybe even squeeze their paws a little to familiarise them with the movement sequence. When the first pedicure arrives in the foreseeable future, we let them sniff, explore the nail clippers (made especially for pet claws), and open and close them in front of them to get them used to the sound. All this in a tension-free atmosphere, accompanied by reward and praise.

If you didn’t start training when they were small or didn’t have the opportunity, you’ll start a little behind, but it’s not impossible to train dogs when they’re older. It can be a time-consuming task, we won’t deny that, but it’s worth the effort to reduce the stress factor. Of course, there are other ways and some people don’t bother to get their pet used to it gradually. But if nail clipping is not immediately necessary, it is not the preferred method. One problem with it is that some dogs will accept it and put up with it, but not all of them will. It could easily end up that every nail-trimming session becomes a long drawn-out fight, which is not good for anyone.

The following steps can make it easier to schedule a regular pedicure

Get your pet used to the sight of nail clippers

If your dog has already had (negative) experience with tools, it may be anxious just to look at them.
So the first step is to show them the tweezers and reward them. We don’t do anything else yet, we just take the tweezers in our hands and reward our dog. If they are curious, we can show them, let them smell it, let them explore a bit. Reward a positive attitude.

Get your dog used to you touching his paws and nails

Ideally, this should be fine for your pet, but don’t generalise, every dog is different and not all of them have been lucky enough to start life with a loving owner.

Under relaxed circumstances (say, when you are petting your pet and they are visibly relaxed), touch their shoulder. If this does not yet bother them, then gently start to move towards the paw. Pay attention to how this affects them. If they become agitated, pause and return to them when they are relaxed. If they are not touching you badly, start to get them used to you touching their paw, pressing lightly, touching their nail, and maybe applying pressure. For some dogs, this step is not a challenge, but it may be difficult for the owner. Be patient, and calm and reward your pet.

Let’s introduce the sound of the device

Once your pet is used to the device, let’s introduce the sound. Do the same as in the first step, except open and close the scissors. Hold the tool closer and closer to your pet and reward them. If it doesn’t bother them, you can move on to the next step.

Combine the manipulation of the paw with the sight of nail clippers

Again, start in a calm environment. Hold the paw in one hand and show the tweezers in the other. Then put the device down and reward your pet. Repeat this sequence several times, bringing the tweezers closer and closer to the dog. If they remain calm, you can touch it to their nail. In case they are doing well, reward them by touching each nail on their paw and then reward them again. If they become overwhelmed by the touch or the proximity of the clippers, take a break and return to them later.

If your pet is comfortable with you holding their paw and touching the scissors to their nails, or doesn’t mind the sound of the tool, it’s time to get to grips. Rather than just touching the claw, cut a small piece of it off with the right technique. It’s only about 1-2 millimetres so you don’t even accidentally cut into the edge. If there is nothing wrong with the first nail, you can move on to the others. It’s worth taking a break between two paws so you don’t overdo it, especially while you’re new to the situation. If they had difficulty with the first nail, it’s worth going back a little later. You can use your voice, and talk to your pet in a calm tone, and you may also need some treats.

It’s not as difficult as it seems

Although it may seem a bit over-complicated in writing, the process is not difficult. The point is to get your pet used to the nail cutting and not to be afraid of the process. It’s also better for them if not every occasion is stressful. There’s no denying that every dog is different, so you may find that you can get through each step in a few days or even a few hours. But it may also be that your dog is distrustful or has had a very negative experience with nail trimming, so it will take longer to get used to it. Unfortunately, it must also be recognised that not all dogs can be fully habituated and some dogs may need specialist help.