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Trimming Your Dog's Toenails

Many people keep a dog as a pet. Allowing a dog's toenails to grow without trimming can be damaging to the pet, as well as furniture and floors, if the animal spends time indoors. Part of good grooming for a pet dog, whether indoors or out, is trimming the toenails; a chore that many pet owners defer to their veterinary doctor.

If a dog spends much time outside, nature will help to maintain the toenails in an acceptably short state. Walking, running, scratching, and digging contribute to wearing the dog's toenails down naturally. Sometimes-if a dog is inactive whether outside or indoors, either due to illness, advanced age or just laziness-your pet will need to have its toenails trimmed by you or a veterinarian.

In general, there is no reason to avoid trimming your pet's nails. This can be a time of valuable training for your pet and an opportunity for you to return your pet's love and affection. Some animals can be particularly difficult because of their large size or surly temperament, but usually, even these can be trimmed without undue distress on the part of the animal or the owner if time is taken to train your pet accordingly.

It is best to start slowly, training your pet to readily accept the toenail clippers. You do this by using an element of play as you introduce the clippers. Hold your pet, stroking and playing with him or her in the usual manner, talking to the dog softly, using the same tone you would as you normally play with her. Now begin to play with your pet using the dog's favorite play toy, a ball, a sock, a stuffed toy or animal, whatever it normally loves to play with.

As you play quietly with your pet, introduce the toenail clippers in a very casual manner allowing the dog to sniff them and look them over. Touch your dog with them, gently and slowly so as not to alarm or startle your pet. Stroke his or her forepaw up and down as the dog accepts the clippers. It is best to introduce the toenail clippers over a period of time, allowing the dog to associate them with you and play. Use pet treats liberally during this period as a form of reinforcement so your pet associates food, toys, and toenail clippers with you and play time as well. Each time your dog reacts to the introduction of the clippers positively, give him or her a treat with lots of verbal praise and physical contact, stroking and petting.

Now begin to handle your pet's forepaws and hind feet, rubbing them and massaging them gently. Use the

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