Touchy About Feet?

Okay, I don't know if there is another discussion out there for this same purpose (I couldn't find one) - does anyone have advice about getting my Corgi to stop being so touchy about having her feet handled? For practical purposes, trying to clip her nails is a cross between a wrestling match and a nightmare. I researched and checked with others with experience to make sure I'm doing it right, not bending the nail in an uncomfortable way, not cutting too close to the quick, nor hurting her in any way, but she absolutely HATES the entire process. I've tried many different approaches and can't seem to find anything that makes it less stressful for both of us. On a more fun note, I'd LOVE to teach her to shake hands, and have been trying to for several months. She is admittedly a slow learner (it's more a problem of willpower than intelligence; sit and lay down took us a year), so maybe I just need to keep persisting. :)

I heard before I got a Corgi that sometimes they are funny about having their feet handled, so I've made a point to handle her feet regularly ever since she was 8 wks old, but it's never made any difference. She's fought me ever since the first time I tried it, and continues.

Can anyone suggest anything to help me? Does anyone else have this problem???

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Markley on September 11, 2009 at 8:01pm

I use a Dremel too--works great!

Permalink Reply by Jennifer Markley on September 11, 2009 at 8:00pm

I put Seanna on her back between my legs. I've done this ever since she was a puppy--they recommended it to put them in a submissive position. It works great--she just goes to sleep. She might protest a little, but eventually gives in and just let me do it....

Permalink Reply by Spencer (and his parents) on September 11, 2009 at 8:33pm

With regards to Spencer feet, he's not touchy at all about them. But I have gotten him in the habit of getting a full wipe down after every walk. So we wipe his tushy, his weenie, and his paws. I put hiom on his side. He now closes his eyes when i wipe down his paws, like he's enjoying a foot massage. I can touch and see every part of his paws.

Nail clipping, we resort to bribery. He has his own peanut butter jar we open it and let him lick directly from it when he clip his nails. Give him the peanut butter and you can clip his nails for as long as you want.

Permalink Reply by Allison Musick on September 11, 2009 at 8:37pm

These are such great ideas - thank you all so much! I wish I hadn't just clipped Heidi's nails recently b/c I want to go try it. ;-) She does have dewclaws that grow pretty fast (and sharp!!), and where we live (out in the country), there's mainly gravel roads which don't wear the regular nails down very much. I might try the peanut butter combined with a Dremmel and see if that improves things. Definitely start working with her more seriously with just giving her treats while I touch her feet. The 1 nail a day thing is a great idea too.

Thanks!!!!! :)