How To Trim Your Dog’s Nails
Trimming your dog’s nails is a care routine that is just as important as cutting your own nails. The frequency of trimming your dog’s nails strongly depends on how fast their nails grow, what type of pavement your dog walks on, and what type of food you feed.
The first time my dog needed his nails trimmed, I took him to a pet groomer. If you know anything about Shiba Inus, you might have heard that they do not like to be touched by others. While everything was ok the first time, the minute I stepped into the store to drop him off for his next appointment, he FREAKED OUT. He did not want to go by all means. There was absolutely no chance I could get him into the groomers place. I decided to buy some clippers and try my luck.
Why You Need to Trim Your Dog’s Nails
There are several reasons why you should trim your dog’s nails. The most obvious one is that whenever you play with your dog, he or she might scratch you when jumping up. Especially the wolf’s claw, which is the “thumb” on your dog’s foot, gets very pointy and sharp.
If you have a fuzzy carpet or rug, your dog might get stuck on it. If the nails are too long, there is a risk that your dog will rip out their claw on the carpet.
Another reason why you should trim your dog’s nails, is to prevent the development of an uncomfortable gait. The gait could show as a limb, or an abnormal walking habits that indicates that he/she is in pain.
Trimming your dog’s nail can prevent all of theses issues above. It does not take much time or effort once you have practiced it with your dog.
Different Types of Nails
Your dog might have light or dark nails. If your dog has light nails, it is much easier to see how much you can clip from your dog’s nails. In the case that your dog has dark nails it is a little more difficult.
In the image you can see the quick that has nerves and blood vessels inside. Sometimes you are able to identify the quick in light nails. The nail is beige/white at the tip and turns a grey or pinkish color where the quick starts. It will bleed in case you cut too much of the nail. Try to not get too close to that area.
In case your dog has dark nails, carefully cut small pieces off your dog’s nail. If you are not sure how far you can cut, it is better to leave the nail a bit too long, rather than too short.
Teach your Dog the command “Paw”
Trimming your dog’s nails is going to be much more comfortable if you teach your dog how to give “paw”. Training your dog to give paw is not as difficult as many people think. Follow the steps below to teach your dog this new command.
Hold your hand open and start to tickle the back of your dog’s paw with your other hand.
The moment you dog twitches his paw just a little, say the command “Paw” or “Shake” and reward him/her, even if the paw didn’t come close to your hand.
The next time you tickle their paw, try to grab their paw with your hand. Saying the command and rewarding right as you take your dog’s paw into your hand.
Keep repeating until you dog responds to your command.
Now that your dog learnt to give “paw”, you can start trimming their nails.
Step-by-Step Guide
Honestly, I usually only trim the “Wolf Claw” or thumb of my dog since I walk him mainly on pavement. The pavement acts as a file that keeps his other nails short.
Use the command “Paw” to get your dog’s paw in your hand.
Take the clippers and let your dog sniff the tool. Give him or her a treat whenever they do.
Bring the clippers to your dog’s nail, without using it just yet. Praise your dog whenever the clippers touch the nails. If your dog gets scared when you touch the nails, go back to step 2. to let your dog explore the tool a bit more.
4. Once your dog is comfortable when the tool is touching their nails, start by clipping off thin slices of the nail at a 45 degree angle. Cutting thin slices off the nails prevent you from cutting into the Quick of your dog’s nail.
5. If you cannot see the pink/grey coloration in your dog’s nail it is best to leave the nail a little longer than cutting into a nerve or blood vessel by mistake.
6. Optional: You can take a file to gently smooth out any splintering from the nail.
7. Give your dog a good pet, a treat or some playtime to connect a positive memory with nail clipping.
Clipping your dog’s nails is not difficult, it takes time and patience in the beginning to get your dog used to the procedure. With the right command and tools, you will be surprised how quick you dog learns.
Let me know how it goes in the comments!
Happy Clipping!
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