Grinder Suggestion - Touching the Nails?

I've read Beth's success practise of getting Jack used tothe Dremmel. That was really helpful!!! (Jack let me Dremmel his back nails!)

I am conditioning my 6 month DouBao with the grinder. She gets used to the sound and knows the grinder means "lots of treats for just being lying on the floor"... And I could use the body of the grinder (when it is on and vibrating) to touch her paws, even nails. I could also put the grinder very very close to the nail BUT without touching it.

My problem is that as soon as the grinder touches the nail, she will flip over right away and becomes a Down position, which it is not a ideal position to continue.

- Does anyone have suggestion on this critical transition to the actual trimming the nail?
- Should I hold the paw still, or Just give treats and finish(but wouldn't it be rewarding the filping over? I'm confused...)?

I haven't try to position her b/w my legs and the head against me yet. Maybe it will help?

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Permalink Reply by Beth on May 28, 2012 at 11:04am

If she is comfortable lying on her back between your legs, this is easiest by far (but watch for nail dust in the eyes). This is how I do Maddie. I do Jack in a sit because (as you read) he won't tolerate restraint (it's even on his chart at the vet, much to my dismay).

What I did for Jack (because I had this very same problem with the front) is:

1) Try rubbing the grinder part on his nail in the "off" position to get used to the sensation. Then turn on and work up to holding it near, then go back to off and touching. It may take some time.

2) If you are working on one foot all the time, try the opposite foot. I found I made huge strides when I switched from doing Jack's left front to the right front; even now he hates the left front and I think it's because I kept hammering away at trying with that one while he was still jumpy about it, and he ha a bad association.

FYI, with Maddie, if she struggles I hold her tighter and that works; she's not a fighter and she is not scared, just tired of staying still. With Jack, the opposite is true and if he struggles I release his paw but do NOT reward him and just try again. Poor guy will moan/whine a bit when he knows he flubbed it and pick his paw back up and hand it to me to try again (which is how I know he's not trying to be stubborn, just truly is miserable with the whole process).

Good luck! Be patient! If you hit a road block, let it alone for a week or so before trying again from a different approach. Glad you found my post helpful.

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Permalink Reply by Nora on May 28, 2012 at 12:50pm

I tried a few times of lying her b/w my legs without the grinder. She seems OK with it, but I didn't try further. Maybe I should start working on it. How do you watch for the nail dust? Protective glasses for dogs? --- That will be cool. Haha...

The first point you suggested is BRILLIANT!!! --- How can't I figure out that point? I couldn't wait to try it tonight!!!

Thanks very much Beth!

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Permalink Reply by Beth on May 28, 2012 at 8:34pm

For the dust, just watch you don't position her so that her paw is over her face. I am sorry to say I made that mistake!

I should have mentioned that you want to hold the nail itself at the base; the vibrations are pretty strong and you don't want the whole nail moving around. And only hold for a couple seconds; it gets hot fast.