Quote Originally Posted by Sophist
I swear, they think that I only clip their nails for my own sick, twisted pleasure.
I know the feeling- all of mine are like that- but Hottie is flat out awful. It has for years hurt my feelings- that he becomes the model patient for everyone else to do his nails BUT ME!- ME - the one I believe he loves more than anyone else in the world. I understand that he was injured when I got him and the first two months were bandage changes etc- and that " he associates you at his feet ( especially back legs) with that which came from puppy hood.
However- this is what I have continued to do now for several weeks. I went back to basics- ie - how would trim the toesnails of a squirming puppy.. I was until one is totally asleep. I start triming nails as they are aware I am there- but not awake enough- also happy to stop at just one or two nails- .. Next day one of two more etc. ( Now of course the nails arent that long to make the longer nail to trip in the yard..) Well- success! Hottie is letting me do his nails- and the others are associating getting nails done relaxed.
Now I bought a new clipper that is not as wide on the the blades. I noticed the orange pair has a wide blade in the back that adds pressure to the nail. The new pair is like the guillitine type but now for much bigger dogs, with a very narrow blade towards the part the is not being cut.
Try my suggestion- remembering it takes time- and you stop before they are fully awake- or before they get up or start pulling back. Remember this takes time and not really considered a full nail trim. Its just more so to retrain them. AND IF I CAN RETRAIN HOTTIE- you can do it too!! He was the king in drama queen antics- will scream- even snap at my hand. ( I never pull back so its like along the side of my hand. Now- he just lays there- nice and peaceful.. As I quietly get up and do the mental congo. I have also found giving treats after toenail clipping does not work with "the drama queens".. all that does is more so make them want you to "hurry up".. Its just a casual part of life now.. No reason for them to get up, no treats, just calm- 'go back to sleep Hottie..Femka, Zubin.. Galina.. lol.