Nail Clipping with a Start Button

Taking care of our beloved dogs' everyday health is an essential part of our role as dog owners. Today, I intend to share some thoughts on how you can clip your dog's nails in a positive way with a "start button". This fosters the bond between you and your cherished companion.

"Start Button" A towel serves as an excellent "start button," allowing your dog to initiate and terminate the process at their own pace. Teach your dog to sit on the towel by giving them treats when they show interest in it. Initially, it's enough if they simply sniff the towel. Continue to reward them as they stand on it and eventually ask them to sit on it. IMPORTANT: Your dog must be able to leave the towel at any time! When you're about to clip a nail, release their paw immediately and let them go. Otherwise, trust is compromised, and the "start button" loses its effectiveness. The dog can't "turn off" the process when they want, making it harder to keep them on the towel in the future.

Create a Positive Association Start by teaching your dog that it's pleasant when you touch their paws. You can do this by asking them to sit or lie on the towel. Have a rewarding treat readily available, and gently touch one of their paws with one hand while giving them the treat with the other hand. Repeat this process until your dog keeps their paw in place without pulling it away. If the dog walks away, let them do so, and then make another attempt.

Gradual Progress The more familiar your dog becomes with you handling their paws, the more you can do with them. When your dog feels relaxed, you can show them the nail clippers and reward them. Repeat until your dog is relaxed and unconcerned about this. Now, you can lift one paw, reward, and release it. Repeat with all paws, ensuring that if the dog leaves the towel, they do so without consequences. The handling is based on voluntariness. When your dog accepts you holding their paw, you can use the clippers and cut the nails a few times in the air in front of the claws. Keep rewarding throughout, as it's easy to forget. When the dog is comfortable with you holding their paw and cutting in the air, you can lift the paw, reward, clip a nail, and release the paw, followed by a reward. If the dog pulls away their paw, let them do so. Don't make a big deal out of it; stay calm and try again. Some dogs may leave the towel many times, testing your patience. If you feel yourself becoming impatient, it's better to put everything away and continue training later or on another day.

Use the Right Tools Using the correct tools for nail clipping is crucial. Invest in high-quality clippers that cut through the nail. Cheap clippers can be dull and crush the nail, which can be very uncomfortable for the dog. This can make your training more challenging than it needs to be. Having the right equipment makes the process easier and safer for both of you. I have tried many different claw pliers over the years and the one that has been by far the best and has kept the same high quality the longest is Miller's orange claw pliers, mine is now over 10 years old and works as well as when it was new. It comes in different sizes, I have the large and it cuts through thick claws like butter.

Seek Professional Help When Needed As always, you are ultimately responsible for your dog's well-being. If you're unable to clip your dog's nails, seek help. Sometimes, a knowledgeable breeder, trainer, or veterinarian can assist. However, I don't recommend going to a pet store you know nothing about. In Sweden, many pet stores hold dogs forcibly and trim their nails under great distress. This only makes your training more difficult and can traumatize your dog. A veterinarian can provide tranquilizers, and some breeders have a magical touch with dogs. If you're lucky, you may have someone nearby who can help you in a magical way.

Think Holistically and Positively for Your Dog's Well-being When we talk about holistic care, it means considering your dog's overall well-being, not just physically but also mentally and emotionally. During nail clipping, observe your dog's body language and feel their energy. Be attentive to their needs and allow the dog to leave the towel whenever they wish. Sometimes, it may be necessary to take a break and continue another day if your dog becomes too uncomfortable. In the long run, this benefits both of you.

In summary, it's essential to clip your dog's nails in a way that encourages a positive and harmonious experience. Make sure you have the right tools, be patient, and reward your dog for good behavior. Prioritize your dog's well-being and be diligent about respecting their boundaries. You are a fantastic dog owner, and by caring for your dog's everyday health holistically and positively, you will both enjoy great moments together.

//Mirabelle Wesden