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Preparing your Puppy for Nail Trims
Nail
trimming will serve an important role in the health and well being
of your dog, and preparing for this experience will help you, the
groomer and the puppy.
Here
are a few tips I hope will help:
- Choose a quite
time to begin. For some this may be just after meals. Sit with
the puppy and gently massage the paws, including the paw pads
and between the toes. Work your way up to the pasterns (ankles).
Avoid “baby talk” and fast hand movement. Calm and soothing is
the key here.
- Start with the
rear paws- they will pay less attention to what you are doing.
For tiny puppies you may wish to hold them gently and use a
gentle rocking motion as you begin the massage. Remember- no
baby talk- just low, soothing tones. If your pup resists or
would rather play, give him some play time and immediately
return to your massage technique.
- After a few
sessions, use an emery board or other nail file on the tip of the
nails. Just one or two passes with the file is enough to begin
with.
- Once the puppy
has gotten used to you handling the paws it’s time for the nail
trim. I prefer to use the scissor or pliers type of tool. (The
guillotine type is acceptable but will sometimes pull on the
nail causing the puppy some discomfort). Hold the paw in one
hand and snip off the tip of each nail. Start with just the tip. Keep in
mind that there is a vein that goes down into the nail and if
you snip up too far you can cause bleeding. If you aren’t
comfortable with this process- see a Professional Groomer, they
have the equipment and experience to ensure a safe and non-
traumatizing experience for your puppy.
- Remember that
some breeds are more sensitive to touch. Some of these are
Dachshunds, Terriers, Chow-Chows, Lhasa Apsos and Basset Hounds.
Dominant dogs and those that frighten easily will take more
patience in handling.
Perhaps more importantly, using these suggestions will establish a
bond of love and trust and go a long way towards a lasting
relationship with your pet.
Carol is a Nationally Certified Master Groomer,
certified by the National Dog Groomers Association of America, Inc.
A pet groomer since 1993, she attained National Certification in
2002.
To visit her website, click
http://www.carolsbows.com
Here you will find her selection of dog bows, dog collar charms and
further articles on care for your pet. |
