How do the pros do it? (big dogs)

[Buckshot]

The way that I trim Buckshots nails is with a dremel tool and I lay on top of him. There has got to be an easier way, he is too much dog to wrestle and I dont like using that much force on him. His front paws cause a major rucus, but he sits still for the backs. I think if I could keep him from watching it would be much easier.

[Renee750il]

When you find out, let me know. Right now, the only reason Kharma's nails aren't extra long is because we walk at least a couple of miles a day on sidewalks. She does not like having her feet messed with at all - especially not the one that was shot.

[PWCorgi]

Wow, I feel pathetic that I can't wrestle my bitty corgi to the ground for nail clipping. Though it does take me, a vet, and 2 techs to hold him for shots

Mollie's groomer has a body suit thing that hangs from the ceiling and she puts the dogs in it and their feet dangle down and she clips them. Don't think you're going to have much luck with a Fila on that one though.

I'm working on desensitizing Frodo to the clippers right now.

[Buckshot]

Hmm perhaps when I build a cherry picker I could make a sling, like they lift horses with only dog sized. He would be much easier to handle without the ability to push against the ground. Now I just need to find a way to keep me from seeing his "how can you do this to me? I'm your buddy" look

[RD]

There actually is a way to do it and make them willing to cooperate. Bribery. When I was grooming I had to do the nails on a 150b Komondor with a mean streak, and the way that worked best for her (and the way that's worked best for my dogs, too, actually) is to use a clicker or a verbal conditioned reinforcer (like "yes") and mark the exact moment you cut the nail (or touch the dremel to it) then give a really valuable piece of food. The dog will learn that each time a nail is cut, he's going to get something cool and his attention will be on the reward to come rather than the awkwardness of the nail trim. Eventually you can work your way up to cutting 2 nails before giving him a reward, then 3, then a whole foot, and so on. My dogs kinda enjoy it now, they offer me their front feet for dremeling and lie down politely for their rear feet to be done. When you're first training them though, it is crucially important to never hit the quick with clippers or burn them with the dremel. If you do, you've just about got to start at square one again because you've confirmed his suspicions that it's bad news when people mess with his feet.

To keep sensitive dogs from looking (Dakota is like this) you begin to keep your stash of treats off to the side and encourage the dog to keep his eyes on those instead of what you're doing to his feet.

[Ash47]

LOL This is the way the pros do it! Lay on top of them where you can get a firm grip on the paw, then clip away. Afterwards, a treat seems to make the fight worthwhile to the dog.

ETA: But, Grace's way sounds soooo much better!

[Buckshot]

I think I would pay her to do it

[RD]

Will he let you pick up his feet and mess with them when you don't have the dremel in your hand?

[MysticRealm]

pros do it with a grooming table, grooming arm and a noose (I also add collar and hook that to the front of the grooming arm so they can't reach me to bite even when I do the front legs) then you try every holding manuever in the book till you find one that the dog can't struggle as much in and go to town.

[mrose_s]

we have to hold tight to SOhie's feet. She had her front thumbs hacked off when she was young and she's still nervous about you touching her front feet.