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Trimming Your Puppies Nails Nails that are too long interfere with the way dogs stand and walk. Dogs frequently exercised on concrete seldom suffer from this malady because of the filing effect of that surface. But it is a problem for more sedentary, indoor dogs. Their nails must be trimmed regularly in order to keep them a comfortable length.Nail trimming appears deceptively simple -- as easy as holding a dog's paw and cutting away the excess claw with a clipper. But, if it's that simple, why do so many dogs fight the process, often forcing their owners to seek the aid of professionals to accomplish the task? The answer is twofold. Many dogs dislike nail trimming because they are not used to having their paws handled. Others actually hate it because they were hurt when their owners used improper equipment and/or trimming procedures. Happily, with a little training and the correct procedures, difficulties are easily avoided and nail trimming becomes the quick, painless process it should be. To condition a dog to nail trimming, you must accustom him to having his feet handled. Ideally, this should be done from puppyhood, but even adult dogs may be taught to accept it. To do this, you must understand a bit about dog behavior. Maybe you've noticed that when you touch most dogs' paws, they pull them away. This instinctive reaction goes back to the dog's wolf ancestry and the need for self-protection in the wild. Obviously, to trim a dog's nails, this reaction must be overcome. This is usually done easily by handling the dog's feet while speaking to him in a friendly, upbeat voice. Then, gradually hold the paws for longer periods of time. Some dogs have a real thing about surrendering their feet. This is often the case with older dogs not familiar with the nail trimming process or those who've been hurt by it. When working with them, it's essential to be patient, and to make the conditioning process gradual and fun. You should remember to reward accepting behavior with praise, pats and a treat. Consistent reinforcement of desired behavior speeds the process. To trim nails properly, you must know something about dog anatomy. Otherwise, you may hurt your dog, and your conditioning will be to no avail. Dogs have a vein which grows part way down the inside of the nail. This tender area is called the quick. If you slice into it when trimming, it will bleed and cause your dog discomfort. This unpleasant experience can set the stage for future nail trimming battles. The quick is easily avoided in dogs with light-colored claws. It's much harder to avoid, however, when trimming nails that are dark, since it's impossible to see where the vein ends. The best solution for dogs with dark-colored nails is a program of regular trims where only a small amount is removed from the nails each time. Cutting into the quick is also a problem when nails are allowed to grow too long. Without regular trims, the vein grows abnormally far down into the nail. It becomes almost impossible to avoid when trimming, no matter what color the dog's claws. So put the dog on a program of very frequent trims -- about once a week. Clip only the tiniest amount away from the nail tips each time until the claws reach a normal length. Even with the most careful effort, though, it is impossible to accidentally cut into the quick. If you do, you'll undoubtedly feel bad, but you should downplay your reaction. If you make a big deal out of it, your pet will too. This will make him difficult to work with the next time.... (Note: a styptic pencil will stop any bleeding. Keep one handy when trimming.) Another way to make nail trimming easy is to use the proper tools. There are two types of nail trimmers: guillotine and pliers. The guillotine is preferable to the pliers type because the latter pinches the nail and causes discomfort as it cuts. It's also important to change nail trimmer often. Dull ones make for more difficult trimming. Proper technique is the final aspect of correct trimming procedure. It's easiest to trim a dog's nails if he's sitting on the floor at your side or positioned on a table. If you choose the latter, provide him with a non-skid rug for secure footing. It's also advisable to get your pet used to being on the table. Do this several times before the actual trimming, and be wary of escape attempts, as a small dog may hurt himself jumping from a high surface. Once he's in place, wrap your arm securely around the far side of your dog's body. In one hand, firmly grasp the paw to be trimmed. With your other hand, position the blade so that it's well below where the quick ends in each nail. Keep the blade with its bottom side facing away from your dog's foot. Squeeze the handles of the clipper together decisively. (If you hesitate, you're likely to only trim off part of the nail and be forced to clip a second time to finish the job.) Remember to trim your dog's dewclaws as well. When all your pet's nails have been trimmed, smooth any rough edges left by the clipper with a nail file. Lastly, tell your dog how nice his paws look, and what a good boy he is. Then give him a treat and a big kiss!
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