Nail Trimming can be Pleasant

Many owners take their dogs to the groomer or vet simply to have their nails trimmed.  If you have a little time to work with your dog, you might find that trimming your dogs nails can be easy and even an enjoyable event for you and your dog.

In this video, I am desensitizing Pablo to having his nails trimmed.  Like many dogs, he does not enjoy this, however he tolerates it because it predicts him getting food, which he loves!

Note how Pablo begins to offer me his paw as the trim actually predicts his reward coming.

Do you remember going to the dentist as a child?  Who did not stare at the Treasure Chest and wonder what new toys might be inside!  This reward of getting to pick a toy was all I could think about!  Hence it made the entire process of holding my mouth open so the dentist could poke around bearable for me!

It is helpful to go at your dogs pace and be consistent.  Always begin each session the same, tap, treat, tap, treat, trim, treat, and so on.  Progressing to fast will only make your dog more anxious as the unknown is scary and the known is safer.