PLEASE HELP!: Nail Clipper Phobia

I just took Napolean a bath yesterday and noticed he had really tough and long nails. Grooming isn't in my area so I haven't really clipped his nails down in a while due to the convenient running down of the nails as he runs on the cement. As I went to clip his nail he let out a loud squeal of fright and this wasn't a small whine, it was a full out scream. The next thing I know he jumps of of my grasp and he wouldn't allow me to see the damage. Eventually I caught him and saw I actually did absolutely nothing. No blood, no damge, no cut, in fact I hadn't even cut into the nail yet. I soothed him and tried to reintroduce the clipper with a treat but he still is sort of wary. What should I do?? It frightens me to hear him squeal so loud. I really need to be able to cut his nails too because they're getting really long. Dos anyone have any advice??

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Permalink Reply by iulia on November 30, 2011 at 2:43pm

So, this is what the breeder that we are getting our puppy from told me about the issue. She mentioned that Corgis are simply not fond of the nail clipping thing. It seems that their feet are pretty sensitive or something along those lines. She recommended using a dremel type tool because it seems to be less distressing. It also may be a two-people job...one to hold him and one to actually do the clipping/filing. Supposedly, with persistence, they won't dread it nearly as much but it doesn't sound like they will actually be very docile about it. I don't have any first-hand experience so far (I haven't brought my puppy home yet ) but this is what the breeder mentioned when I brought up the nail clipping situation. I hope it helps at least a bit. Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by iulia on November 30, 2011 at 3:34pm

This seems to be a great resource too:

http://www.mycorgi.com/forum/topics/toenail-clipping

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Markley on November 30, 2011 at 6:40pm

I do all of my dogs with a dremel. It does take getting them used to it though over a period of time. The best trick we've found for the really skittish dog is to smear peanut butter on the arm of the person holding them. They are so into licking the peanut butter off you can easily do all nails. But start slowly and work your way up. I started by just touching a nail with it off, giving a treat. Then we worked on touching a nail with it really slow, giving a treat. Worked our way up from there. It can be done, just takes time.

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Permalink Reply by Dawn M. on November 30, 2011 at 8:28pm

I don't even attempt at home anymore. Percy is a full fledged fighter when it comes to nail clipping. It usually takes two to three folks at the vet's office to hold him down. He needs to be muzzled and he howls, drools and his eyes look like they are going to bulge out. It's painful to be in the room even though I know he's not being hurt. Arwyn is not so bad. Takes one to hold her down, no muzzle but she cries the entire time.