Discussions

I've never had issues with any of my XL, XXL dog breeds but with my current Medium dog breed it feels like no matter how much I play with her paws, introduce the clippers to get her used to them, provide her with treats etc. (just like I have done with my previous dogs) she sounds as if she is dying a horrible death! Even at the Vets office it's a big ordeal. I am worried this will lead to her being scared, fearful and become a biter so I have started introducing a muzzle, treats, praise to start muzzle training (with success). Do any other dog owners have any other suggestions (aside from taking her to a grooming salon to have nails trimmed)? I want to make trimming her nails more pleasant for her so in return she is more cooperative without her sounding as if she is dying a horrible death.

My dog is 4 yrs old now. I have to insist that he let me trim his nails. He doesn't like it one bit. The first three years were crazy. Even with someone distracting him with a treat I could not trim his nails. Now his nails are extra long and I have to cut them frequently to get them shorter.  
 
Yeah it used to sound like he was being tortured. Now he just pulls away. Slowly he is calming down. One thing I pay attention to is my dogs level of anxiety during the process. Only do one nail a night if that is all he can take. Do that for a month or two. Then gradually increase then number of nails as he allows you. If he starts showing signs of stress stop and give lots of praise during the process. I wish I had known this when I started with my dog.

My anxious one does better with nail trimming after a good run/play when he is more tired out. Try to keep it positive, even if you only get 1-2 per session then reward with more play/treats and take a break

I will definitely try to exhaust her and hopefully can at least trim one or two a day for a week to get them done. I am surprised that trimming nails has been the worst feat out of all tricks, bath time or getting her to listen/follow commands. Thank-You all again for your responses.