What To Do When Your Canine Friend Hates Nail Trims
Trimming your dog’s nails probably ranks near the top of the list of tasks you dread. If your dog hates the process, you may find yourself putting it off much longer than you should, resulting in even more of a challenge. The good news is that instead of pinning your dog down and wrestling with them through the nail trimming process, there are things you can do to ensure a more pleasant experience for you and your dog. The following tips can help you get the job done more quickly and efficiently with less fighting.
Lick Mats
Distraction is the key element in keeping your dog happy while you trim their nails. One of the easiest ways to distract your pooch is with a lick mat. These mats allow you to smear their favorite treat onto the mat, which can include peanut butter, cream cheese, or their favorite wet dog food. While your dog is distracted enjoying their treat, you can trim their nails. However, if your pet shows signs of discomfort or anxiety, take a break before resuming the trimming.
Dremels
One of the reasons some dogs hate nail trimming is because they dislike the feel of the clippers crushing their nails. The dremel tool is an excellent alternative to trimming your dog’s nails without this uncomfortable sensation. Instead of crushing and breaking off the nail like traditional clippers, a dremel grinds down the nail, ensuring a more comfortable process. In addition to feeling better for your dog, you eliminate the risk of cutting the nail down too far, clipping the quick and causing excessive bleeding. A dremel for trimming your dog’s nails should be quiet and cordless for the ultimate flexibility.
Train with Treats
Treats are one of the most effective methods of training your dog to do just about anything, including trimming their nails. With patience and time, you can train your dog to stand still while you trim their nails. Using the Treat and Train tool is an easy way to achieve your goals. As your dog stands still during nail trimming, you can reward them with a treat with the simple press of a button. Instead of reaching out to your dog as you trim their back paws, you can keep your dog facing forward with this helpful tool.
Scratch Boards
A scratch board taps into your dog’s natural urge to dig and scratch, all while trimming their nails. The abrasive board encourages scratching, wearing down your dog’s nails in the process. It works similar to a scratching post for cats and eliminates the stress of getting your dog to stand still while you trim their nails.
German Dog Training Center
Still struggling with training? Contact German Dog Training Center today to help you and your pup get the results you desire!