Nail Trimming
I have been asked to share some tips on learning to trim a corgis nails. I hope what I share will be helpful to some.
First may I say that the sooner you begin this process the better. Please practice handling your pups feet from day one. I like to start with a small cordless dremmel. This is less powerful and makes less noise that the corded ones. If you have a helper this makes it so much easier. I do not generally have a helper so I do it on my own.
I generally bring a handful of small treats. I prepare my area and make sure I have all the tools I need for the groom session. I usually use the bathroom as it is small and I can keep my pup confined. I generally enter and give a few treats. I turn on the dremmel and let the pup investigate and become a bit comfortable with noise. Depending on the pup I may then hold the dremmel in my hand and let the feel the vibration on their body (while my hand is wrapped around the dremmel) I give litte treats so they realize this must be a pretty good thing.
I then lay them across my lap, head to my left (because I am right handed) and pet them to comfort and relax them. I may give them another treat or two. I then turn on the dremmel and start grinding. I do little bits at a time. Remember the friction will cause heat so do not push hard or leave it on the nail for long. Keep going until you can get a little off each front nail. This will likely be enough for the first session.
Some pups will be much more receptive then others. Those that have been raised in a home environment and been handled frequently will fair much better. One needs to know their specific pup and work at his level.
I think one of the biggest problems with nails is the tension the people feel while attempting it. If you are tense and/or nervous your dog will feel it. Try to be calm, relaxed and confident when doing nails.
If you have a helper I suggest they sit in a chair with the pup in their lap. I generally sit on the floor which puts me at a good level to work with the nails. Have your helper pet, talk to and treat the pup frequently. I also seem to notice that the dogs that can not see what is happen do not react as much.
Another little trick is getting a jar of peanut butter just for the dog. Let them work at licking the peanut butter out of the jar as you trim. Some dogs totally ignore the dremmel when this is the method used.
I personally do not use the clippers often. My dogs seem to be more reactive to those then the dremmel. More room for error with these as well. If you do choose to use clippers have "blood stop" or another product on hand should you "quick" your pup. Thankfully many corgis have white nails so the quick line is easily seen. Be most careful to clip too far. This is quite painful to the dog and I think often the reason many dogs are so bad about having their feet done.
The newest dremmel out now is the Pedicure. The design is great as the actual rotor is covered and can not drop and get caught in the dogs hair. I have not used it and do not know how strong it is.
Most of all trim frequently and make it as pleasant of an experience as you can. Plan ahead, have all of your tools ready and have plenty of little morsels.
First may I say that the sooner you begin this process the better. Please practice handling your pups feet from day one. I like to start with a small cordless dremmel. This is less powerful and makes less noise that the corded ones. If you have a helper this makes it so much easier. I do not generally have a helper so I do it on my own.
I generally bring a handful of small treats. I prepare my area and make sure I have all the tools I need for the groom session. I usually use the bathroom as it is small and I can keep my pup confined. I generally enter and give a few treats. I turn on the dremmel and let the pup investigate and become a bit comfortable with noise. Depending on the pup I may then hold the dremmel in my hand and let the feel the vibration on their body (while my hand is wrapped around the dremmel) I give litte treats so they realize this must be a pretty good thing.
I then lay them across my lap, head to my left (because I am right handed) and pet them to comfort and relax them. I may give them another treat or two. I then turn on the dremmel and start grinding. I do little bits at a time. Remember the friction will cause heat so do not push hard or leave it on the nail for long. Keep going until you can get a little off each front nail. This will likely be enough for the first session.
Some pups will be much more receptive then others. Those that have been raised in a home environment and been handled frequently will fair much better. One needs to know their specific pup and work at his level.
I think one of the biggest problems with nails is the tension the people feel while attempting it. If you are tense and/or nervous your dog will feel it. Try to be calm, relaxed and confident when doing nails.
If you have a helper I suggest they sit in a chair with the pup in their lap. I generally sit on the floor which puts me at a good level to work with the nails. Have your helper pet, talk to and treat the pup frequently. I also seem to notice that the dogs that can not see what is happen do not react as much.
Another little trick is getting a jar of peanut butter just for the dog. Let them work at licking the peanut butter out of the jar as you trim. Some dogs totally ignore the dremmel when this is the method used.
I personally do not use the clippers often. My dogs seem to be more reactive to those then the dremmel. More room for error with these as well. If you do choose to use clippers have "blood stop" or another product on hand should you "quick" your pup. Thankfully many corgis have white nails so the quick line is easily seen. Be most careful to clip too far. This is quite painful to the dog and I think often the reason many dogs are so bad about having their feet done.
The newest dremmel out now is the Pedicure. The design is great as the actual rotor is covered and can not drop and get caught in the dogs hair. I have not used it and do not know how strong it is.
Most of all trim frequently and make it as pleasant of an experience as you can. Plan ahead, have all of your tools ready and have plenty of little morsels.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Priscilla, CARLY, and Frankie on
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awesome explanation...! thanks
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Permalink Reply by Guy & Kolby on
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I use a regular nail trimming tool for the initial cut. I use the pedi-paw cordless dremmel to finish so there is no risk of getting to short and into the quick and then I finish the whole experience with a good ol fashion furminator brush down. After we are all done, she loves to take the furminator in her mouth and play chase around the house. When we are done chasing, I simply command "out" and she drops it and goes to the goody cabinet for her treat, which is a third of a bully stick. As some others have already mentioned, starting the training from the day you get a new puppy makes life much easier later. Also, messing with your corgi while they are a puppy eating makes them non aggressive later while feeding.
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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Markley on
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I love the peanut butter suggestion! We are still working with Jackson to dremel his. We've been successful with doing the back ones while he eats treats...front ones are still a no go. I've been taking him to the vet to do his, which has worked well because they did it while he was sedated for his teeth cleaning and ACL check, but this next time will have to be wide awake. And I know they'll have to muzzle him and fight with him, which just breaks my heart. It took 4 of them to just draw blood before his teeth cleaning. I hate to put him through that! I'm going to try the peanut butter tonight....:-)
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Permalink Reply by Wendt Worth Corgi's on
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I start trimming my pups nails at 2 weeks old and trim nails every 7-10days. I just lay them on their backs in my lap and trim. As they get older I will lay them on the floor between my legs with them on their backs and make 4 cuts if not using a dremel. First cut is taking the tip of the nail off and then the remaining 3 cuts are angled around the nail to get real close to the blood line and by doing this it leaves the nail clean likes its been filed. I always cut slowly to not startle the dog and the less restraint on them the better they respond. With the puppies I just sing to them which catches their attention and have them forget I'm trimming and puppies are the only ones who appreciate my singing!!!
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Permalink Reply by Peggy Woods on
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I concur: lots of great information here. I know I'm supposed to start early but I was a bad mom & his nails were in great shape as I walked him alot. Well, now the ground is covered in snow until May so I'm gonna have to get after it! I already bought a corded "dremmel" so will have to make do. I'm going to try the one nail a day method... oh with lots of treats.
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Permalink Reply by John Wolff on
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How to get your husband to do the dog's claws:
$4 grinding stone from the hardware store; introduce the tool and its noise with lots of treats:
I'd expected this to be coarse and fast, but it's quite slow, polishing more than grinding (you can do your own nails on it); I will probably keep using the clippers and let the sidewalk do the polishing. It's important to hold the claw, not the toe:
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Permalink Reply by Bob and SparkPlug on
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Are there any pros or cons to trimming the hair between their toes? I don't have to worry about ice balls.
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Permalink Reply by Natalie, Lance &Tucker on
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Keeping the fur on the paw pads trimmed helps them with traction, especially on wood floors.
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Awww, it's fun watching him slide across the kitchen tile when he's chasing the laser!
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Permalink Reply by Anna Morelli on
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@ Bob: very bad for the hip joints....but can also cause other injuris. Keep the game to where traction is good.
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Aww. Ruin my fun!
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Permalink Reply by CorGeek on
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I do it because otherwise it's too easy to catch those hairs in the clippers...and THAT isn't pleasant.
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