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Caissie Canine Instruction: How to Clip Your K9’s Nails (without the drama)


We begin this week’s “RUFF TAILS” featuring a beautiful 6-year-old Dogo mix named Dakota.

 

Dakota was rescued from Texas, where he was found abandoned in a field of trash with his mother and brother, at 7 months old. Dakota’s mother and brother (Dallas) have also been adopted into loving homes.

 

Dakota is now 6 years old and lives in Ontario with his human mom and dad, along with his 16-month-old human sister (whom he adores) and his 2 feline siblings (whom he cautiously adores).


Dakota is a very relaxed dog at home with his pack, but you would never believe it if you saw him in the forest or field, as he is incredibly fast, agile and full of energy. He loves other dogs, and he particularly loves to be chased by them.


Dakota has a huge heart and the kindest eyes, which is what made his mom and dad fall in love with him. We couldn’t picture our lives without him in it!!!

 

 

Welcome to Doggie Dialogue

 

Trimming your K9’s nails can create stress for most dogs and owners alike.

 

We recommend before you start your nail clipping session, set up a non-slip towel, rug, or yoga mat for your K9 to stand on.

 

Another idea before you begin, you can use calming pheromones such as Adoptil for dogs, if your K9 is anxious. We recommend using calming music, calming scents, such as lavender or chamomile, and keep a good supply of your K9’s favourite treats.



A lot of stress with the nail trimming session comes because the owner tends to do “too much at once”, therefore causing your K9 to become overwhelmed.

 

Once you have your mat non-slip towel set up, let your K9 investigate and sniff the nail clippers, grinder, or file on the ground, then follow-up with a tasty treat.

 

When starting, let your K9 get used to the sounds of clipping or grinding beforehand. We find if you “clip” a piece of pasta near your K9 it will stimulate the sound of a nail being clipped.

 

Remember if you use a grinder, turn the grinder on several feet away from your K9 at first, then follow with a treat. Repeat this until your K9 gets familiar with the sound. 

 


We recommend for you to “create a sensation” of a nail being touched. How do I do this?  Start at your K9’s shoulder, gradually glide your hand down the leg, then to the paw, then to the nail. Repeat this several times, before moving towards the next step.

 

When your K9 is okay with you touching their paw and nail, then gently squeeze a toe to isolate your K9’s nail for clipping. Follow with a treat. Repeat several times. Do not clip yet. If you are using a grinder, repeat these above steps, before starting to clip. Remember you want your K9 to get accustomed to the sound and touch, while rewarding a treat and every step.


Only when your K9 is comfortable with the above steps, trying clipping one nail for just one or two seconds. Immediately feed a treat afterwards. Proceed only if your K9 is not showing signs of stress and feed a treat after each clipped or ground nail.

 


Should this become too stressful for you or your K9 we recommend taking your K9 to a Professional Groomer. Please see our cooperate partners for the groomers we recommend.


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