Clipping Toenails? No Problem

Hobbit is hyper sensitive to touch, which makes doing things like clipping toenails tricky. I had progressed to the point of being able to handle his feet when he's calm, including touching his toenails, but I wanted professional guidance in adding the nail clipper to the equation. We made an appointment to have a private session with trainer, Jacqueline Munera of Courteous Canine. She has worked with Hobbit in group classes the last few months, so is well versed in his personality.

We started by sitting on the floor with Hobbit. He was relaxed and laid down. I had taught him to hand me his paw the week before. Jacqueline asked for his paw and treated him. Then picked up the clippers and treated him each time he nosed them. Then, she touched his paw with the clippers and treated when he didn't pull away. Finally, she asked for his paw, touched him with the clippers and treated. Then, with his paw resting lightly in her hand, she clipped his toenails. She didn't grab his paw in any way, which probably would have resulted in Hobbit withdrawing his paw. It was amazing to watch this dog, who had been a snarling, biting dervish when the vet tried to clip his nails, sit quietly and allow the same process to happen without any fear.

Here's a great YouTube video about nail clipping through clicker training.