Basic Dog Training - Sitting for a Nail Trim
Teaching a Dog to Allow Nail Clipping Without Fear or Aggression
Apr 22, 2009
Too often, performing a nail trim for a dog is a difficult procedure which causes stress for the owner and pet alike. With some simple basic dog training techniques, this does not have to be the case. These techniques will work for the puppy who has never had his toenails clipped. However, they will work equally well for the dog who is aggressive or fearful about having a nail trim.
Training a Dog to Sit for a Nail Trim: Getting Started
The first step in preparing a dog for a nail trim is making him feel comfortable and not frightened or insecure. Start by having an assistant hold the dog. The assistant should be someone who the dog knows and trusts. For a small dog, have the assistant hold the dog on his lap. Larger dogs can be seated on the floor in front of the assistant.
Start by simply holding the dog's foot. Do not try to cut the nail or even handle an individual nail yet. Simply hold the foot in your hand and have the assistant offer a treat at the same time.
The trick to this method is synchronizing your movements with your assistant's movements so that the dog is offered a treat each time you handle the foot. Soon, your dog will start to realize that having his feet handled means getting a favorite treat and he will come to accept the action.
Step Two of the Dog Training Process: Introducing the Nail Clipper
Once your dog is sitting calmly and allowing you to handle his feet while your assistant offers treats, you can try slowly introducing the nail clipper. Do not attempt to cut or trim the toenails at this point. Just gently tap the nail clipper against the nail while your assistant continues to offer treats to the dog.
If the dog becomes frightened or aggressive during this process, simply back up and repeat the previous step until your dog feels comfortable having you handle his feet. Then try again to tap the toenail with the nail clippers.
Next Step in the Basic Dog Training Procedure : Performing the Nail Trim
When your dog shows no fear or aggression toward having the nail tapped with the nail clipper, you are ready to move on to actually clipping the nails of the dog.
As before, each time you handle the foot or clip a toenail, your assistant should offer a favorite treat to your dog. Start by trimming just one nail. Be careful to trim only a small amount of the nail. You do not want to cut the nail too short and cause pain for your dog at this point.
If your dog is calm when you cut the first nail, move on to the next. If not, go back to the previous step and repeat it until your dog is comfortable and relaxed. Then move ahead.
Soon you will be able to do a nail trim for your dog quickly and easily with no hassle, fight or fear. Once your dog is comfortable with the procedure, you will likely be able to perform the nail trim without assistance. However, you should continue to reward your dog for good behavior when he allows you to trim his nails without fuss.
