Dog Nail Clipping Doesn't Have To Be STRESSFUL...

Do you have a dog who is TOTALLY stressed about the nail clipping process? Are YOU stressed about clipping your dog's nails? Instructor Robbie will work through the different steps that you can use to get your dog more comfortable with nail clipping.
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CHAPTERS
00:00 Dog Nail Trimming Doesn't Have To Be Stressful
00:33 Dog Nail Trimming Is An Important Part Of Health Care
01:50 Make Things Easier With The Right "Tools"
02:28 The BIG Picture Approach To Cutting Dog Nails
04:38 The Nail Trimming Step That EVERYONE Forgets!
07:06 The Nail Trimming Step That We Haven't Mentioned
07:21 Choosing A Position For Cutting Your Dog's Nails
08:02 What If Your Dog Won't Take Food During Nail Clipping
08:32 Now We're Ready For The BIG Step
09:04 Adding The Sound Of Nail Clippers When Cutting Dog Nails
10:37 Adding The Nail Clippers To Your Dog Training
12:38 Cutting Dog Nails Might Not Be A Linear Process
13:56 The BIG Mistake People Make When Clipping Dog Nails
14:38 How To Cut Dog Nails
Thanks for watching,
Happy Training! ~Ken
#dognailtrimming #clippingdognails

[@McCannDogs]

Interested in even more Care Tips for your dog? Here are 5 Puppy Care Tips you didn't even know you wanted: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5mue4Ohqb-gnck Thanks for watching!

[@margaretlozada]

@Jesus has given you all. Repent or die. Z Zyprexa

[@anng.2807]

Such an amazing training for dog to reach their good behavior in trimming their nails 😀😀😀

[@brendagrady3964]

Please, do the "horse-shoeing method" of lifting the foot and trimming the nails while leaning over the dog's body. It's physically more comfortable for the dog; you have more control of the dog; easier to see the impending nail quick after each tiny snip-snip of every nail; and, makes it almost impossible to be bitten.

[@angelastone4495]

.smart.

[@OdeeOz]

The clipper lady should have been using those treats as rewards, leading up to the clipping, instead of just wantonly feeding the dog in the first quarter of the video. 👍👍⭐

[@kimkrivach782]

I have found that flipping the dog's foot backwards, similar to shoeing a horse, instead of picking it up in front of the dog seems to be less stressful and less painful for old arthritic dogs. I have Dobermans and can stand next to them or over them, facing their rear, and pick up their feet backwards to trim their nails. This allows me to easily see the end of the nail while trimming a little at a time. When you see the color of the center of their nail start to change to a darker spot, stop cutting because you are getting close to the nerve ending & the quick.

[@bobbyflowers2598]

But truthfully, Dobermans are horses lol

[@audreys7484]

That's what I do, too! Works better, than lying down

[@rumham7466]

Yes always handle the dog’s paws in the natural direction

[@shauneenhumphreys3289]

I do the same thing. So much easier

[@imtherapycat]

Agreed, plus it doesn't put any torque or twist on the paw!

[@skellymom]

Had a German Shepherd who would let me clip one nail at a time if he could chase his frisbee. Clip one, throw one, retrieve frisbee, then repeat 20 times. I think it helped him through the anxiety.

[@ladyfarrier5949]

20? Or do you mean 18? 5 on the fronts, 4 on the hinds..... or did he still have his dew claws?

[@alyciamarie4163]

That’s sweet!

[@joza3077]

@@petersimmons3654 i get you want to be the smart one but not every dog is the same. some dogs will bite them some dogs dont need it because they trim them as they walk and play. some dogs have back dew claws that need to be clipped no matter how much they run and play. also when you find a claw like that it just means they broke it while playing and it can hurt them just like a human and if not treated it can get inflamed and infected. so yea your wolf bs is not logical.

[@pamanderson1417]

Sounds like great teamwork between you and your dog!

[@flowergirl52]

That is hilarious!! He def knew how to "negotiate" lol!!

[@jennyd9543]

My silly labs used to flip on their backs and dangle their toes at me. They were easy to trim. This was all their idea, not mine. They even taught another dog to flip on his back for nail trimming.

[@anneg8319]

Wow. My lab acts like I'm killing him!

[@alexisd8190]

One of my labs does this too hahaha.

[@sunbeagle9769]

My female Beagle does that too.

[@happycook6737]

Labs are great! I wish they had less hair but hey, no one is perfect.

[@alexisd8190]

@@happycook6737 oh my gosh the hair is the bane of my life 😂 can’t have dark clothes as my yellow labs hair shows and can’t have light clothes due to black lab hairs 😂 lint rollers are my bestie

[@riseup4473]

12 years later, Lucy is almost there. She’s gained 82 lbs. but she’s almost comfortable enough to move on the other paw. 🤣. Just kidding. Great video and instruction.

[@karenswidzinski6071]

🤣

[@missyluvv9242]

😂😂😂😂

[@kdelary]

LOL 😂😂😂

[@sr52154]

This made me laugh 🤣🤣🤣

[@luciacosta2103]

😂😂😂😂

[@EverettDenny-rd7ed]

I have learned with time on my own big dogs, that a dremel tool is magic! The sensation of cutters and the pinch pressure on the nail that makes them jump..jerk and pull away...doesnt happen with the dremel. They are laid down for rear nails and sit up for fronts...and watch. Running the tool at first a couple times to get them used to the variation in sounds and a quik treat seemed to work well on the Malinois. There is no pain....no awkward positioning of the foot/nail and no splinters....I get good flat nail bottoms to the ground....no sharp points and cleanly shaped nails. Then I pour me a bourbon to celebrate....😊

[@stanleywheeler404]

We have that same tool and I asked our dog's vet what he thinks about that tool and he said he would only trust a professional to use that tool because it can get very hot and injure the dog. So we let either our vet's assistant or our dog's groomer do his nails

[@elroythegreat1590]

They are much easier to eat if you use a clipper

[@TheWirdbird]

Yes to the bourbon!

[@Solitude11-11]

I like the grinder tools too, used regularly and intelligently (check for heat!) they work very well. You can avoid the pinch effect with nail clippers by cutting with the blades against the sides of the nail, rather than top and bottom…I was taught this many years ago but hardly anyone seems to be aware, and it makes a huge difference. I’ve retrained many difficult cases by doing them this way so they gradually realise it doesn’t pinch any more.

[@Solitude11-11]

@@stanleywheeler404 You just have to do a little at a time and make sure it’s not getting hot. Obviously don’t press hard and keep it there for a long period! You don’t need to be a professional, just use common sense. But then you wouldn’t be paying the vets assistant to do it 😄 Grinding allows you to get a better shape and keep the quick back.

[@SueDamron]

Nice breakdown of steps! My dog hears me clipping MY nails and runs! I got her at 6 months and something bad had happened. She was terrified of everything!! I was told by 2 professionals, that she should be put down. I understood her. She needed very slow, non traumatic introductions with rewards!! Now she’s happy and loves people!! Thank you for reminding me of how slow to go with many rewarding steps!! Excellent!!

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello how are you doing?

[@denicesanders4586]

Glad you had a good outcome. Our Malamute puppy seems to be hated by our vet's staff. He's never actually seen the vet just a couple of women employees who also hated our late Malamute named Dakota. They've decided Montana has mental issues and needs drugs for everything. He was ignored and then delivered to us at 7 weeks and the breeder was wanting all of the pups sold earlier. Granted, he is huge and is terrified by many things. We are working with him and he is getting better. I just can't believe the attitude toward some dogs.

[@coleenmcfall2114]

You are such a great person. Thank you for being kind and going the extra mile. We all need ❤

[@sherylreed3558]

Fantastic that u didn't listen to the so called 'pros'. Trauma shouldn't equal an animal just being destroyed, that mentality urks me. Yes, a loving person WHO has the time and patience to bring a fur baby around is required but I guess those are getting few n far between...Thank You ..for being you

[@robertsurratt4062]

Pros huh??

[@HealthyDisrespectforAuthority]

I think Lucy just got more volume in treats than my little dog eats in two meals.

[@rosalindarcher6060]

When doing training it helps to apportion their meals and then use their meals as treats? Might that help?

[@thetayterminator1436]

If I gave my dog that much cheese she wouldnt poop for a few days 😢

[@ellenlevenson7831]

Good advice. My dog isn't interested in food as rewards. He is, however, interested in whether I'm going to be a safe bet; in other words, whether he trusts me not to hurt him. I talk him through it, halting when he's anxious and waiting until he's calm. I'm constantly talking softly and encouraging him to trust me. I use a grinder because he's more comfortable with it than clipping. After the first few times, he'd hide under the blanket when I told him that we were doing nails (preparing his mind to accept). Now he wags his tail and doesn't hide.

[@8675-__]

It sounds like an Italian greyhound!

[@ellenlevenson7831]

@@8675-__ Chihuahua

[@3Diva]

"I want to show her the clippers and let her know that these things bring about good stuff." Genious! I learned a lot from this video. Me and my fur baby thank you! :)

[@talindakelley189]

Yes, but my dogs, I could just be moving them to a different spot and soon as they see it’s in my hand, they disappear 🤣🤣

[@3Diva]

@@talindakelley189 Maybe start giving your dogs treats while also holding the clippers? Set the clippers next to the treat bag and every time you go to give your dog a treat hold the clippers and make sure the dog sees it. Then they can start to associate the clippers with treats. Or even set it in sight of the food bowl. So that they can start associating it with food? Might be worth a shot? Good luck! :)

[@3Diva]

@@petersimmons3654 What's not good and unnecessary? If you're talking clipping dog's nails, that depends on the dog's living environment. For most dogs living in houses and apartments who don't get a chance to dig around outside much and don't walk or dig around in rough terain, it's 100% necessary. If I don't trim my dog's nails they get so long that they curl back upon themselves and start growing into his paws. Nail maintenance is a necessity for him and many dogs.

[@janicetribbiani7535]

This is extremely helpful! We get so impatient to get the job done, we forget to take the dog’s state of mind into consideration. I need to back up a step and work on it more often~ thank you so much for this!

[@devanshuverma8891]

so true...my girl was absolutely not comfortable initially with few repetition and despite me being the annoying guy she allowed me to cut them. I think I now understand the flow even better....as they say...is not training the dog but the owner :)

[@LeonBosset]

Yes. I try to always think about what my dog may be going through. In my case, she's a rescue and i know she spent some time on the street, and it was rough. So even though she seems to not have any issues, I have a lot of patience with her. I spent two or three months getting her comfortable with a Dremel.

[@MrZoomZone]

not so sure we are impatient. If they are stressed we don't want to prolong it and make it worse - and harder for next time. Seeing this video shows it is about trying to gradually show them it is mostly a pleasurable time with good things in it. I like the idea that we can accidentally reward them for pulling away, and the idea of not doing everything in one session, however that means going thru the build-up EACH time so owners need 4x (or 20x) the patience suggested here :) I have HUGE respect for dog owners who can calmly and gladly give their dogs the copious amounts of time they need for this and all the other things. A person with a happy dog who lets them do anything tends to be a beautiful soul.

[@twodogzdogue8710]

@@LeonBosset how much does a good Dremel cost & do they come with attachments needed or do you have to buy them separately? Ive seen a few reproduction Dremels (probably made in CCP) in cheap shops but the metal broke the first 5 minutes & wondered what is a reasonable brand or price.

[@themamabearlife3339]

@@petersimmons3654 I'm in a rural area, & I find that if I don't take my dogs to a place where they can walk on a sidewalk (that files the nails down from the action of walking on it), then their nails get to long. This is uncomfortable for them. If I didn't trim their nails, it would be painful for them to walk.

[@kumi9479]

I have a very anxious high strung chow husky mix, she absolutely hates to have her feet touched. I tried everything clippers, scratchpads and numerous grinders. I even tried putting sandpaper on the door hoping she would wear her nails down on that 🤦. I found a small nail grinder by Casfuy, very quiet with minimal vibration, discovered my dog enjoys the vibrations if I rub her with it like a back massage 😆 I massage her belly with it and then just quickly tap her nails when the opportunity presents itself, it's taking a bit to wear them down but much less stressful

[@tiffanyleraa9975]

A chow husky mix?! Wow I cannot even imagine the personality that dog must have! I have a beagle Jack Russell terrier mix and it took me my roommate and my boyfriend to hold her still enough to only end up get two nails clipped. She was really starting to freak out so I didn’t want to go any further but there was two that just really needed to be cut. I don’t know if these techniques are going to work with her but I’m definitely going to try it. But just in case it fails, can you leave the brand or possibly a link to the electric file that you’ve been using? The technique you have come up with is actually genius to be quite honest lol

[@Meskarune]

Extra quiet grinder was also the only way I could get my dog's nails done. My dog was fine with nail trims as a puppy until a groomer made almost all her nails bleed cutting them to the quicks. After that she became very anxious and refused to let anyone clip her nails. ONE bad experience and my dog has been anxious for 10 years.

[@davidhfranz]

@@Meskarune Ours had his quick cut as a puppy. He's a 90 lb supermutt with black lab, great dane, boxer, st bernard, poodle, and boxer in him. Now he gets violent if he sees a nail clipper, including if he sees me cutting MY nails.

[@Meskarune]

@@davidhfranz Its understandable too. Imagine having your nails cut so short the tips of your fingers bleed T_T

[@davidhfranz]

@@Meskarune I understand why he won't let the groomers touch his feet. What I don't understand is why he gets angry when I'm cutting my own nails. He acts as if my feet and my wife's feet are HIS to protect.

[@izziek.7923]

body language of the dog is lovely, very clear. when you started to train to hold the paw, she began to flap the ears side way and began licking. she was unsure, lil frightened. but still so sweet and just did want to please

[@reptarien]

Doing this with my dog. Got her to the point that she let me put the clippers on her foot for .5 seconds! That is a huge improvement and I stopped there, will keep moving forward over the next few weeks!

[@o.h.w.6638]

I need a treat for hanging onto watching this video until we get to the actual nail trim part 🥴

[@Yeskeya]

You've just proven the need for this video. Patience.

[@bellofthedesert1595]

There are not enough Instructor Robbie's in the world. Excellent job - especially the reminder to go slow and focus on the dog's feelings. The job isn't going anywhere. Thank you.

[@ddc2343d]

My last dog HATED her nails being trimmed. It was always a massive fight with her hating me when we we were done. With my new I've got her used to being on her back between my legs. I started this the first week i got her. Instead of clipping I'm using a nail grinder which i find is way less stress for me and the dog. I make my dog get into position a few times a week even if I'm not trimming them. This strategy has worked out great, i leave the nail timmer out all the time so she can see it and so far she has zero fear of it or being on her back for a few minutes.

[@Sealust50]

Before you start clipping, be sure to have a very small container (about a teaspoonful) of flour right by your side, and about a teaspoonful of water too. If you happen to cut into the quick of the nail, dip your finger just a bit into the water and then into the flour. This will make a paste on the tip of your finger. Take your flour coated finger and press against the bleeding area as quickly as possible. HOLD it on the area for at least a minute. If it still didn't quite stop all of the bleeding, simply repeat. I have tried steptic sticks in the past, but they did nothing to stop the bleeding. I heard that cornstarch also works in lieu of flour.

[@mandeehusky]

Corn starch is great. I've used it for years.

[@rosegann8339]

Alum stops any bleeding fast

[@josieshoxx]

My husband uses corn starch

[@user-vi2xi8un9z]

I just keep flour no water...pet stores have products too

[@import1a92]

I got the septic powder after flour and cornstarch didn’t stop the bleeding for over an hour. Never made that mistake again.

[@missy6656]

This video is the key for us!! My dog offers his feet when I pull the clippers out! Starting slow, lots of praise, and only doing little bits a time has made nail trimming an event my dog looks FORWARD to!! Thank you!

[@downundanow5569]

I only used to take my German Shepherd to the park, but when I took her to the Vet for a mild rash I asked the vet to trim her nails while we were there. My dog,'s, not the vet's. Wow! I don't know who was more traumatised afterwards, my dog, me or the vet. My vet suggested I take my dog for walks around the streets as well as the park. I started walking my dog around the neighbourhood before work, took her to the park after work, then for another walk around the streets before bedtime. Never had to trim her nails since. Excellent video btw!

[@grlnexdoorable]

The only thing I disagree with on this video is that larger dogs should be taught to lie down for nail trims. There's less wrestling, they're taught to relax into the process and you can easily see the quicks so there's much less chance of cutting them. Other than that her technique is spot-on! After getting the dog to accept the sound of the clippers alone you can also hold their paw and use the clippers to cut a length of regular spaghetti. For larger dogs use elbow macaroni. The sound is very close to what they will experience and is highly effective at desensitization.

[@karma9314]

I like your idea with spaghetti. I will try it out👍

[@kimkrivach782]

All dogs (not just large dogs) should be taught to lie down on both sides and willingly be taught to lay on their backs. This makes it easier not only for nail trims, but for the veterinarian if the time comes that they need x-rays done or for other procedures during an exam.

[@grlnexdoorable]

@@kimkrivach782 those kind of videos would be excellent tutorials

[@k9aid514]

Not necessarily I find what position each dog likes and keep to that. My Lab sits for front paws stands for back paws. My Miniature Manchester Terrier I hold her in my arms. I mainly use dremel but have used scissor type nail clipper. However some owners have not conditioned their dogs from puppy hood or the dog has had a bad or repeatedly bad experiences and will go balistic.

[@alyciamarie4163]

Awesome advice! Thank you!! Will try immediately

[@carolinedupre3529]

This is VERY helpful! Started training this morning. Got to clip one nail. Just tried again and got to clip 4!!!! Super calm 5 month old puppy! AMAZING 😍 High value treats are key here for sure! Can’t thank you enough. Good job McCann Dog Training!

[@Oo-pl9zg]

Wait till you do it a 2nd time...I had it easy first time ,harder 2nd time..now impossible!

[@CAnn-rt5gu]

@@Oo-pl9zg just curious what treats did you use?

[@prilknight]

Peanut butter on a wooden tongue depressor works like magic.

[@CAnn-rt5gu]

@@prilknight my pup doesn't like peanut butter.😔

[@playamelodythateverybodyknows]

@@CAnn-rt5gu i teach my dogs to trim it themseleves if it gets too long and uncomfortable they sratch it on a cement floors...

[@vincearmstrong5654]

Okay, so i just fell in love with Lucy. She's an awesome pupper! Good process. Great video. I tell people the key to training ANY dog is PATIENCE. Hurrying the process ruins it every time.

[@lokifrenchie5236]

🐶🥰🐶🐶🥰🥰🐶

[@McCannDogs]

We will be sure to let Lucy know :) Happy Training! ~Dan

[@kelhawk1]

I am so lucky my dogs have the opportunity to keep their nails wore down by running along with the truck. Living in a small rural community, I can coveniently take them out in the country for their daily "run in the truck". We have plenty of dirt roads that don't get gravel, and we try to get in a mile or so each day of running, playing, chasing, and poopings, down these nearly deserted roads. It's surprising how little running it takes to keep their nails trimmed, when it's done virtually every day. Not to mention how much less poop there is in the dog run back home.

[@chowchowtales]

One thing you said is what was key for me. Making my idea her idea. I have a rescue Chow that was very reactive when I got her. We are 7 years in and I am now Drimmeling her nails. I started slow with desensitizing her to the sound of the Drimmel, and slowly, over time, started playing "Paw for Cookie" game. I am now sanding all her nails with rewarding her a treat along the way. It really is unbelievable how far we have come. My motivation was, I didn't want to pay the vet just to trim her nails, so had to figure it out. My Chow Chow, Shandy, now really enjoys our nail trimming sessions. We've made it a game . She knows she has the (seeming) power of controlling the cookies by giving me her paw and me sanding her nail. Great video! Very similar to how I progressed.

[@benicio1967]

This was incredibly helpful. We have a large dog that is a real challenge. She absolutely panics and refuses to let us cut her nails. It’s been a nightmare. I can’t thank you enough.

[@edie4321]

Take them for runs on cement. When I had a big cement basketball court in my yard my dogs nails took care of themselves. I didn't know big dogs needed nail trims as my dogs took care of their own nails.

[@dabsafe]

I took my puppy to McCann’s 15 years ago and they were fantastic. Thanks to trainers like Robbie getting us through puppy training and grade 1 obedience, my Cocker Spaniel Maya was an amazing pet. Sadly I had to say goodbye to her a year ago. Thanks to all of the fantastic McCann trainers for my 14 years with my fur buddy.

[@mychloebaby1]

I'm sorry for your loss.

[@smorgasbroad1132]

I have a small dog. I go to beauty supply shop & get the thick black sturdy emery boards and I file my dogs nails down about once a month. At first they're a bit agitated but like it better than clippers, which made them go absolutely berserk . Now my current dog lays belly up & closes his eyes til I'm finished. It obviously takes more time, about half an hour. And he knows he will get a little peanut butter to lick off a spoon when it's all over. It's an alternative I've used on 2 of my "clipper skittish" dogs over the years.

[@skyy-morning-starr]

After years I wanted to cry when I used the techniques in this video. The nail trims were not as stressful for me or my pug. 🖤

[@relaxmydog]

Thanks SO much for sharing this - it's really important that owners know how to deal with their pups nails!

[@prettychaos1027]

Yes very importanté and also equally important to let your friends know that you kinda have a sense of importance that you never mind relaying to the fella at the toll road booth .

[@charlenetaub1701]

Holy cow- totally works! I just trimmed most of my dogs very over grown nails after watching this video. I used cat kibble for her treats, she loved it. Now I need to watch how to trim curled dew claw nails- gulp!

[@robertqueberg4612]

After having 13 yrs. With our English Shepherd, I can see a lot of similarities in appearance and mannerisms, quite like a Border Collie. Lucy is a smart girl.

[@paulinamoran8834]

By the time this trainer got to the clipping of the nails, my pup went out, got her associates degree as a nail technician, and cut her nails herself! Thank you!

[@usagi_t]

At the end, she didn't manage to clip one of her nails. It was practically for nothing.

[@catsanddogs7970]

As a veterinarian I only have 15 minutes for an exam, vaccinations, sometimes a blood draw, a mail trim, and a discussion with the owner. This training is virtually impossible in that setting and we resort to tranquilizers which works maybe 50% of the time. I wish owners could be this patient at home and do it at home, because situations at vet like this just make it more traumatizing every time.

[@DivineLightPaladin]

Same reason we take them to the vet. Don't have time for every single aspect of training right away or have not been able to figure out how to train out of anxiety despite several methods

[@Solitude11-11]

If everyone who bred a litter handled the pups, clipped the claws and taught the new owners how, and the owner continued with handling, grooming, nail clipping, tooth cleaning etc. dogs and vets lives would be a lot less stressful. It is basic to owning a dog, if you can’t or won’t care for or train then don’t get one. Not enough time is no excuse.

[@DivineLightPaladin]

@@Solitude11-11 in a perfect world, everyone would get personalized care and be selected perfectly for every individual need. As it stands, people have 5+ kids they ignore with tablets and puppy mills exist, so clearly we're not in a perfect world. I guess we'll just ignore everything and leave it all for the perfect next person until then. 😂

[@DivineLightPaladin]

Anyway, I adopted my puppy at 8 weeks, whether anyone thinks that's a good age or not it wasn't my choice, he'd have been adopted by someone else. Still training every aspect of him, from food guarding to potty training, we can only get a few lessons in before one or both of us needs a nap. Can't add more hours to the day. Not an excuse just a fact. I've already tried several times with handling lessons and it's one he is not getting down at all. He absolutely hates his feet touched no matter what I do, it feels like I'm torturing him. No high value treats, praise, pets, toys... Nothing seems to help. I managed to clip his nails once and after that he thinks I'm trying to torture him, he screams, wiggles and fights, bites, and cries at me then goes away to mope with a distrusting glare and acts like I just hurt him all day. No video tips have been helpful in my situation and as anyone with a real life can obviously understand, you can't just stop working, doing chores and living to wrestle your puppy with more than 5 mins of torture touch training (every few hours? Day? How often?) unless you want to fall behind on bills (and make them hate you)😂 "Be perfect no excuses" man shut the front door, you go take care of everything perfectly for the rest of us with lives.

[@Solitude11-11]

@@DivineLightPaladin No one has to have a dog. I’ve spent over 50 years taking in hundreds of discarded dogs, doing remedial training to sort out issues unprepared owners have created or irresponsible breeders selling to unsuitable homes. I’m done with excuses. Tired, retired and thank god because I don’t have to listen to all this any more.

[@devilishdiamond]

Lucy looks like a mix between a German Shepherd and Border Collie or German Shepherd x Australian Shepherd. Such a beautiful dog 😍

[@carolk6002]

I agree about the kind of mix. She is beautiful. I want her.

[@krissyg7026]

Yep, she looks exactly like my boy Buddy. Border and German shepherd.

[@baka15kun]

Lucy looks like our Remmy. Such cute sweet dogs!

[@kenbe62]

Grinding my dogs nails (I have three) has been the safest and surest method for me. It took a while to get them each to accept the grinder but with each session they have become more and more accustomed to it.

[@deanbalouris330]

Great way to demonstrate approximating behaviors! People tend to think that their dogs should learn all the components of a behavior at once. Since we can’t reason with our dogs, it is very important that we start teaching a behavior at step 1, and break everything down slowly working through all the parts of the desired behavior and only then put it all together. Along the way, observing how the dog is feeling about what’s happening, and tailor our training so that the dogs learn to feel comfortable and trust that they won’t be harmed. At the same time you did a great job of bringing the dog through the parts that were causing stress without letting the dog fail. Five stars!!!

[@jamesolojo787]

I haven't even got a dog 🐕 but l found this very interesting.

[@ladyfarrier5949]

That's why I always trim the nails weekly when they're puppies, so it gets to be "no big deal" for them and sets them up for lifetime success.

[@mirawenya]

I’m gonna be a first time dog owner soon. 8 week puppy when we get it. Owner has been clipping nails regularly. But I’m scared I’ll mess up and hit the quick. Any top tips how to avoid that?

[@ladyfarrier5949]

@@mirawenya White nails, you can see through and see the pink area to avoid. Black nails, look underneath to see what the excess is. There is typically a natural curve in the nail that i use as a guide. If i could add pics, I would, so you could see what I'm talking about.

[@mirawenya]

@@ladyfarrier5949 my puppy is now 14 weeks. It’s white ones, and is indeed easy to see, but still scared to mess up a bit. First time I cut them (10 weeks), i was super conservative. Hardly cut any at all hehe. But feel I’ve gotten too close for comfort a few times now too.

[@ladyfarrier5949]

@@mirawenya just make sure you leave a small gap ahead of the pink/quick. You could also get a heavy duty file to help take it down a little closer if you left extra but didn't want to nip any more.

[@katemccracking4100]

This was great! Last time I took my dachshund to get his nails trimmed, all 3 of us were covered in blood and poop. And we only got 3 nails cut. I had to tip the guy double because he bit him twice. He only bit me once. Since I’ve watched this, I at least got his dewclaws done. One step at a time.

[@anamberti577]

😂😂

[@justice07mc]

Robbie did a fabulous job explaining the process!! Lucy did good too!!

[@roxannew7354]

Thanks for this thorough example of positive training, lots of patience, and seeing the good in small victories. It makes me feel so much better that it's not a perfect situation every time, but it will pay off in the future.

[@kerryputland3635]

Loved this method of training in general and used it to clip dogs nails today-worked a treat! Thank you.

[@FauxStalgia]

ive never heard a more true statement than the opening one used in this video. His whole body language changes. I feel like he thinks im trying to hurt him lol. He now has claws long enough to box wolverine XD

[@terrywereb7639]

Soaking the feet in warm water softens the nails. This is helpfull in preventing the squeezing of the whole nail by the clippers. It also makes grinding faster! I had 12 large breed dogs..gave two baths every day...trimmed nails before using the dryer on them.

[@oksills]

This seems like a wonderful tip, IF it’s true. No offense at all…..but it doesn’t seem right to me. My nails don’t seem to be softer, more playable after a hot bath. Does anyone else have a comment on this tip?

[@terrywereb7639]

@@oksills it works. And if your personal nails don't get soft in water, then they are either fakes or your body has an unusual way of growing them.

[@rickmucci4785]

Instructor Robbie! Highly professional and amazing video = Priceless! 🐾🐕

[@daisybuchanan5378]

My golden lays on his side while I lean over him and grind his claws with a nail grinder. I started slowly when he was a puppy, and treated him. After claws he gets a big hug.

[@jennynovoa8586]

Last Night my 9 year old dog met a 10 month old HUGE puppy 😅 they played a bit, came home and she was so tired from the playtime, I could clip her nails very easily! ❤

[@AvaGrayson]

Such helpful instructions for such a common training issue. We're working on this with my rescue dog and he's learning quickly...thanks so much!

[@misscarmen491]

Thank you! So helpful to watch how gently and slowly you take pup through the process.

[@gailfagan7579]

EXCELLENT!!! Thank you so much! We have received a very ill, infection laden 18 month old German Shepard ‘puppy’ who was seriously neglected, confined in a kennel and chained up for many hours with little play or human attention. He’s truly a 6 month old puppy in a very powerful 85 lb body. Lots of issues we’ve worked through with the veterinarians, walks and now a professional police dog trainer. No one has mentioned this before and it is very important. Not cheap but this athletic dog is worth it. Thanks again!! 👍👍💕

[@melody5683]

❤

[@amyclarke1139]

Thank you Robbie, this is an awesome demonstration. I feel confident that I could imitate those very clear steps with my anxious dog.

[@tamaranorrish8173]

Aw Lucy had me smiling. She’s a cute dog! Thanks for demonstrating how to tackle this!

[@amazingsupergirl7125]

Imagine if someone cut your nail to the quick. I’d never forget it either. I feel like I can relate so much because I can’t stand manicures or pedicures. It’s like nails down a chalkboard

[@bobbybarrett1846]

enjoyed how relaxed and smooth this lady is with the dog. definetly gave me greater confidence for an upcoming 1st trip down this road. thank you!

[@danielgil80]

Thank you for posting a realistic scenario on your training video, and not editing the video to look like this could all happen in a single day.

[@beebowsher1089]

Brilliant tutorial-it’s nice how Lucy was listened to-my dad always use to trim his big Alsatians laying down but I realise it’s not always possible with an abused reactive dog. Definitely will give this ago . Thank you 🙏🏻

[@1AnimalWhisperer]

Which type of Alsatians does your dad have? Alsatian Shephard, more commonly called a German Shephard? Or American Alsatian, like the breed bred to look like a Dire Wolf?

[@alisonscousin9275]

@@1AnimalWhisperer very funny, but, we don't call them Alsations in the USA. My GSD weighs 120 lbs, straight-backed and is my shadow, guarding me from anything smelling of danger. Dire wolf? I wish he looked like that just to scare people away, but, he has deep brown eyes and a little worried look that melts your heart. I had to teach him to bark at the door by woofing myself..such a wuss. His line comes from West Germany and was bred to be large, no sloped back and great family personality. Show dog, no. Beautiful, yes.

[@mstarplasse]

Thank you so much for this very detailed helpful video. It came just at the right time for me and my pup. I will be more patient and work these steps every day now!

[@commonsense6611]

I had a long haired Chihuahua that weighed all of 12 lbs. The sounds of the hair and toe clippers were not favorites. Then, one day, I had an "Ah Ha" moment and used the handle of the hair clipper while turned on to give a gentle neck/back massage first. That physically relaxed, and desensitized, her to the noise. After that, clippings just became something that happened between massages. She enjoyed the whole process, took her own breaks, and would casually walk back on her own for more, and of course a "Good Girl...!" treat.

[@deborahs2593]

This is such a useful video, thank you. I think half the battle is with us- to be calm and patient. Training can't be rushed. I have to discipline myself before I train- be willing to take the time to love my dog.

[@beverlywood8141]

Our dog was so afraid of toe nail clippers... yes, the strong loud clipping sound really made her want to escape. To fix that, I put small felt or rubber picture hanging dots to stop the sharp sound. Withsome practice like the Dr’s method,life was much easier...🌼

[@d.9430]

For me electric nails grinder is must have. They prefer it more than scissors after short time

[@amberhall3603]

We started our first session this morning warming up to the clippers and so far so good! Thank you for this video!

[@dcon9708]

I struggled with this for 30 years across several dogs. Have a place specifically for nail trimming. When you bring them they’re lavish with praise and affection for two to five minutes. Trim gently, stay positive and tell the dog they are doing great, don’t expect to get. All nails or even all paws the first time. Very important, when done follow by two to 5 minutes of hugs and praise. They will only remember the praising at the begining and end, they will associate being praised when you bring them to get trimmed-I do this in the shower to clean my dogs ears too.

[@hazmania4794]

Nice vid, particularly the emphasis on patience, but use the same training techniques with a Dremel instead of clippers, trust me. No dull clippers pinching claws, no bleeding from cutting too much, picture perfect claws w/no rough edges. My 182 lb. Boerboel loves his pawdicures. Happy dog=happy you.

[@normajeanchartrand8688]

Thanks so much for the explanation sounds like something I can try

[@frenchie1132]

I started when my Doberman was a puppy, after playing, walking and feeding she was ready for a nap so at times I would bring out the clippers and touch her nails with them, she was lying down - no problem since!

[@gloriam.sweatman3152]

Thank you for this very helpful lesson on nail clipping ! I needed this! Now I'm going to try this with my pup! ❤❤❤

[@erinm3522]

This was so helpful! Thank you!

[@melissabuteyn1638]

Thank you for such a detailed video!

[@Mrsthinksideways]

You have given clear and helpful guided information continually throughout the video. This has been very helpful and very useful for myself and my five month old Cavalier, King, Charles, Little girl, I I appreciate all the information you have given I appreciate all the step-by-step and the very clear video you have shown I like that you’ve taken your time through each step you have shown it has been fabulous. Thank you. ❤

[@marthaross6301]

Wow, so pleased that this was exactly how I desensitized my rescue dogs in this manner. Glad I did it correctly. I had one that it took a month to fully complete. Now it’s all easy. Even through we only do one paw at a time.

[@emg5659]

I don’t think my little puppies attention span would last half the length of this video 😂😂😂 but the steps over time make sense!

[@xwystgcs8476]

SAME 😭😭😭😭

[@xwystgcs8476]

@@jeffreywilliams7205 happy weekend to you too bro. the weather is too hot! its hard to stay outside on noon (idk where did ur comment came from but yeah)

[@derekdouglas6147]

Thank you for the video, it's gonna be super helpful when I pick up little girl Nova in 14 days

[@lindafitak]

Congratulations on your new little puppy Nova! You’re in for an exciting time! My Pomeranian puppy Lambert is now almost 5 months old, and these training videos have been really helpful!

[@amybisalski9246]

I’m thankful that my service dog let me do anything to him I am clippers toenails since he was a puppy now he’s gonna be six years old

[@velvet5922]

One of my Chow Chows did not like his nails clipped, until I had a new vet show me how to clip the nails while he was standing! It was crazy how after that I would just have him stand and he would be a gentleman and wait until I was done. I never had an issue with clipping his nails again. (Yes treats were were always given!) This was a really helpful video, I would have loved to see this when I first got my fur babies. :)

[@heathernile4700]

Thank you. My chocolate lab also has black nails. The first time I tried to clip his nails I cut the quick. I have not done it since instead I have taken him to the vet and they clipped them for me. But with your information, I found it very helpful and will attempt it again.

[@julzhepburn3688]

Try just cutting the very tip ,,until you and your dog get your confidence back , even one nail or paw at a time,,trust and confidence is success at first, getting the nail perfect can come after.

[@ordash1136]

Brilliant video thank you for reminding me that training can take forever and that’s okay. I built it up before to a point where I was able to clip any paw.. but, once it pinched him or something (it wasn’t bleeding) he yelled and ever since lets me do everything, but as soon as he feels the pressure of it as i start actually clipping very same moments pulls it which results in pulling the claw as he is lightning fast. That is just reinforcing that it hurts and we are back to step one. going baby steps doesn’t help as he quickly builds trust again for all the stages but he will still pull the very moment it is clipping… i could never ever clip a front claw again. he is less concerned about the rear ones. I am searching for an electric clipper (not grinder) which can be faster than my hand otherwise it’s just not possible. the vet can sometimes clip a few when he is having a good day but 3 adults are holding him down:( which is super stressful and unhealthy as he is fighting hard and hurting himself.

[@shastadimension8169]

Lucy is ADORABLE!

[@charmainerees5870]

I just want to say thank you so much for this video, I have tried so many things and ways to get my dog to let me cut her nails and nothing worked. When she was younger, I did it really slow and got really far and then I went too quick and cut too many nails in one go. Since then, I wasn’t able to cut her nails and it’s been over a year. Obviously, I walk her and that grinds her nails down but I always wanted her to be comfortable for when she was older or wasn’t able to be walked due to hot weather or whatever. I followed this video and I just cut the first nail with no problem in over a year ! I never thought to desensitise her to the sound of it. Thank you so so much !

[@Rikkcas]

Really great video and information. I have 3 border collies. You can imagine my challenge.This helps a lot! TY 👍🏼

[@Rikkcas]

I’ll add..two are deaf. It’s an adventure 😊

[@gabeangel8104]

I love the way she seems to be working out that you having her foot gets her treats and she keeps offering you her foot slightly in the hope that she will get a treat for it. One of my dogs often does things like that. The problem is that sometimes she will accidentally teach herself the wrong trick and then get stuck on that and I can’t work out how to then also teach her the thing I actually wanted her to do in the first place because every time I try she just goes right to the trick she taught herself instead! I know it’s a combination between me making mistakes with the training and her being very intelligent, but I’m not sure what mistakes I’m actually making or how to change it

[@Solitude11-11]

It’s all about timing. If she offers the trick she thinks will work, just don’t reward it. Break the trick you do want down into tiny stages, build it up. Also teach sitting stock still as a trick, so you can start with that, so the dog isn’t offering you her whole repertoire straight off. Mine get excited and start doing that sometimes, so I just stand and wait, maybe say sit, then when they are sitting quietly in front of me I ask for the trick I want. She is intelligent but she just needs to learn focus and patience! Teach the ‘watch’ command to help with that.

[@HLDickson1]

This is the best video on nail-trims I've ever seen. Well done and thanks for sharing!

[@davecstevens4964]

That's so Amazing. I always remember about my lost dog

[@MaceyJane1]

Well done. All the steps are broken down nicely, and what to do if a dog is reluctant at any point.

[@rogerknight2267]

You haven’t met our Chinese Pug, Cosmo, or in the nail trimming experience, Cujo. I can walk him into any Veterinary office, and he immediately resigns to whoever is holding him and allows them to trim his nails like he loves it. They tell me that he simply has one over on me, playing me like a smuck, probably so he can go riding in the truck. I don’t care. I love him all the same.

[@d.9430]

Yeah pugs are extra sensitive about their paws. Like french bulldogs, staffies etc they need more work

[@homesteadgmad8223]

Such a common problem with dogs...I wish I could just give them a sleeping pill! Presto! All done! 🤩

[@traceyspence5118]

If you meet one of my huge dogs you would understand why I would agree with this method. He grows and wants to be petted. He is always grouchy when he is happy and and angry. Because I can not really tell which is which makes it very difficult to cut his nails. He is 120 lbs dog with a large mouth. He is fixing to get neutered will get his nails done while he is under I keep his nails done everyday with a nail file after that. The 2nd issue he has is dark brown nails.

[@mirahermoso4980]

..yes hoping for that idea..

[@agilitysuze]

Not sure who McCann is, but this is exactly the same method I used to clip dogs nails years ago. (Retired trainer now). Glad there’s a wonderful, positive, and very clear process defined online for folks to find. Well done.

[@MAKINGITAGAIN]

The best video on the subject! Thank you!

[@RasheedKhan-he6xx]

Really annoyed, had a 'professional' groomer in to trim my dog's fur and nails. Sort of thought she was a little stressed when I picked her up. Came home, had a big drink of water and collapsed at my feet for the rest of the afternoon. Slowly dawned on me to check and yup, very nervous about giving me her paws or me bringing anything at all, a pencil, a remote controller etc near them. So total regression and I now have to try to slowly reverse the damage. Ps. I did have a word with the groomer. I don't think they're horrible people but obviously very poorly trained. I've no interest in destroying some young person's career so I'm not taking any stronger action, especially if they seem quick to acknowledge their lacking and are willing to learn. I told them frankly that I couldn't recommend them to friends but that I hoped they will improve.

[@VK-qo1gm]

Perhaps you could enquire or do some research before leaving your dog at the groomers as to how qualified or experienced they are, not after & then complain. Only the dog suffers, not because of groomers but your lack of asking questions first

[@RasheedKhan-he6xx]

@@VK-qo1gm my how wonderful is hindsight, especially a whole year after my original comment.

[@barrybebenek8691]

My last black lab used to just fall asleep until I was done. I was quite lucky. She never minded the clippers.

[@user-pf1gg6wg4q]

My rescue did fine until she turned 14 months, even though she had had no negative experiences, and she watches my other two rescues calmly get trimmed, without warning she turned into a Tasmanian devil! So we're starting all over again at the beginning! Thank you for some great encouragement.

[@pentamelli8713]

Thats one of the greatest videos i have watched about aninal health care. Thank you very much

[@sarikoske396]

What a fabulous training video! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!!!

[@deetee5156]

I wish I could like this more than once. Great video. Brilliant at the breakdown. Everything in baby step. Well done.

[@LETCEO1]

Thank you guys for doing this how to video !!!

[@dawnharrold4474]

That was fantastic thank you so much. I’ve learned so much from this no wonder my dog won’t let me trim her nails. Back to class for ME 👍👍👍

[@johnw8578]

I had a Shetland Sheepdog a long time ago who trimmed his own nails,

[@maywong518]

My problem is how to avoid cutting the “quick” area of the dog’s nail?

[@KathgoKat]

There are lots of diagrams..Google How to not cut the quick on a dogs nails...the quick grows to where the nail starts to curve..thats where you cut....

[@woopwoop1236]

You can’t always follow the diagrams that are posted online, that is because some dogs have longer quicks then others. It depends on how often they have been trimmed etc. the easiest way is to cut small pieces. When you see a “bullseye” you need to stop. It’s kind of a black circle, that’s the quick. If you are very unsure I would suggest using a dremel tool as they trim very little at a time and you don’t have to do a straight cut.

[@justnix4487]

@@woopwoop1236 I agree I have a Shar pei and his nails are naturally longer than most dogs

[@kathleenking47]

I wish, we could give dogs a tranquilizer, before we clip..

[@Solitude11-11]

@@justnix4487 They are not naturally longer, if you leave the nails the quick grows further down and needs to be gradually pushed back by correct clipping. Nothing to do with breed, they are all the same in this. Some feet, eg greyhounds with ‘hare’ feet, make the nails appear longer, but yours has blocky feet where the nails should be very short.

[@Dodi-zp1es]

Thanks for awesome video as it motivated me for my dogs at home. I got to cut my dogs 🐕 nails. All is about getting their confidence & petting them.

[@karinecarde1254]

What a very excellent training method! Thank you so much! It makes great sense 😊