I need some help knowing what to do to tend to my dog's nails?

Question

My dog absolutely refuses to allow anyone to trim his nails. Even the vets can't do it without putting him to sleep(temporarily of course) But don't get me wrong he's the sweetest dog ever, but he has a lot of strange fears, and I don't mean strange in general I mean strange for a dog. So well his claws have started to get long and some are a little broken and I wanted to smooth them out or shorten them for him, especially his dew claws. Is there something I can do to get him to trust me more. And if so then how can I properly tend to them. (keep i mind I'm only 16 so I can't really take him to the vet but if I'm not 100% sure I could do it without hurting him I'll leave it up to my mom and the vet, but I just don't know when she's going to take him again. plus it costs lot....) So what should I do?

Answer 1

I have a dog that does not like her nails clipped,i get a sheet of rough sandpaper and we play a game together i  use  the sandpaper to rub her claws on she loves it and comes back for more i also give her a t*t bit for letting me do it.her claws soon get worn down as i do this daily also i play outside with her on concrete this also helps.

Answer 2

well,just try touching his paws,tail,belly,ears and see if he reacts.if he looks at you, just act as if it were nothing and feed him a treat.try doing that while he's sleeping.when he's awake,try touching his paws lightly and give him a treat if he doesn't bite or bark.keep doing that until he lets you hold his paw.Then,you might be able to cut his nails.But it does take time.Maybe even try to teach him to give you his paw each time you say "paw".before clipping,make sure he is completely calm and relaxed.

Answer 3

pedi paws it really works i have used it for my dog and finally i have no more scratches

Answer 4

When you are kickin back with your dog begin to pet her in all her favorite places and as she relaxes begin to work towards her feet (like a doggie massage) talk to her why you do this.  If she tenses up go back to her favorite spots until she relaxes again.  This will take several days or weeks but don't give up and be consistent.  After she lets you handle her paws you can use dog nail clippers to tap on her nails don't yet attempt to trim them just tap to get her used to the sensation.  When you do feel confident to trim be careful do not cut to short because that is what causes the pain and the nail to bleed.

Good Luck!

Answer 5

Hmm... if trimming with nail trimmers absolutely don't work, then maybe you can file them with a nail file. I did that with my rabbit, and it worked out fine.

Answer 6

Your dog is a fearful dog - simple as that.

My fear aggressive biter would FREAK anytime anyone touched her feet.  It never got better.  They were her genetics, just as the fears your dog has is likely related to his temperament.  

Either get a muzzle for him, or have your mom take him to the vet.

Answer 7

You could try the muzzle. Just be really careful when cutting the nails and cut just the tip off. If you get the quick he will bleed.  Then praise him and give him a treat when you're done. My sister walks her dog a lot and says she doesn't have to clip his nails because they get worn down from walking on the sidewalk. I would say she walks him about two miles a day.He is 70 lbs, his nails are pretty thick. Maybe initially you should have his nails trimmed at the vets since you say they are ragged right now. Then start up with the walks to see if that helps.