Last night I clipped Bella's nails. They were long, because I'd been putting them off, because of how she acts when I do. Shuts down, wont take treats, cowers, hides, and just isn't the exuberant Bella I love.
So, yesterday morning while lying in bed with Psyche and Bella, it came to me. Peanut Butter! I thought I could use a glob of peanut butter to distract Bella while I quickly clipped her nails. That didn't work - I was hoping she'd take her time and smack and lick, etc., but she swallowed it right away, so I got in her crate with her, and used what was left on the spoon as a treat. Clip one nail, lick, clip the next, lick, etc..
What surprised me was that it WORKED! She wont take hot dogs from me, liver, or any of her other favorite treats, but she'd lick the spoon. I'm very happy, and plan to use this as much as I can with her nail clipping, hoping one day she'll realize that it's not a terrible thing, and I don't hurt her while I'm doing it. (I've never even quicked her, knock on wood!)
I love Peanut Butter! And apparently, so does Bella.
So, yesterday morning while lying in bed with Psyche and Bella, it came to me. Peanut Butter! I thought I could use a glob of peanut butter to distract Bella while I quickly clipped her nails. That didn't work - I was hoping she'd take her time and smack and lick, etc., but she swallowed it right away, so I got in her crate with her, and used what was left on the spoon as a treat. Clip one nail, lick, clip the next, lick, etc..
What surprised me was that it WORKED! She wont take hot dogs from me, liver, or any of her other favorite treats, but she'd lick the spoon. I'm very happy, and plan to use this as much as I can with her nail clipping, hoping one day she'll realize that it's not a terrible thing, and I don't hurt her while I'm doing it. (I've never even quicked her, knock on wood!)
I love Peanut Butter! And apparently, so does Bella.