Clipping Nails

[Chip's Mom]

Does anyone have any suggestions on the best way to handle a spoiled little corgi that does not want his nails clipped. My Chip will not hold still and he growls and licks my face - not good because I start laughing and he gets his own way. The vet had her assistant feed him a treat while she clipped. This worked well for her but I only have 2 hands. I guess it is good that he starts Obedience Class on Thursday. I probably need it more than him.

[corgimom]

I personally do not like clipping the dogs nails. I am afraid he will pull his paw
just about the time I am about to clip and I will hurt his wick. I have my vet
do it. Cody is walked frequently, so his nails are kept short from the road.

They have only needed clipping twice in the 5 months that we have had him and I am at the vet often enough with owning 4 animal. He doesn't always charge me if I am in there with a cat for an appointment.

linda

[Chip's Mom]

Well I got the job done - When he growled, I told him to stop real stern and tapped his nose with my finger - not sure if that was the correct way or not but his nails are clipped. Afterwards lots of praise and a special treat. I am going to start clipping nails weekly!

[Chip's Mom]

You posted the same time I did. Chip is on grass most of the time so he doesn't wear his nails down much. Also, his nails have a tendency to curve in so they have to be done quite often so the vet says. His nails are white so that helps and I only clip white nails where I can see the wick.

[corgimom]

Glad that Chip sat good for you finally. Cody gets his 2 walks a day on the
street/sidewalk, which helps alot.

linda

[Michael Romanos]

Clipping the nails regularly will help Chip get into a good behavourial manner much more quickly when the job is to be done. Praising and rewarding whether after each foot is done with or after the whole job is completed, is a key action to the drama. If you can get help from a friend, it would be an advantage. The best position for Chip and you is for him to be on his back. But I have seen people perform the task with their Corgis on a table and the owners lifting up one leg at a time.

The same as above goes for clipping the hairs between a Corgi's pads and toes

[Jane Austen]

By walking Duchess on hard surfaces I haven't had to cut her nails often and then only some of them seem to get long enough to need it. Trimming the hair between her pads is another things she does not like but I have blunt scissors and put a muzzle on her. Michal mentioned trimming the hairs so they don't slip on slick surfaces. It may be a good idea to keep reminding newcomers that this needs to be done.

[Chip's Mom]

I had never heard of clipping the hair between his pads. I will check that out tonight - I put Chip on my lap last night and clipped his nails. That seemed to work the best. I praised and praised and then gave good treats.

[tandemgal]

Usually I hold and Hubby clips... lucky both Girls have white nails.

Last time he use his drimmel on Emma and sanded her nails down - I thought he was crazy to think of it given Em's skidishness with loud noise. She seemed to not mind it at all - I kept her busy with treats and pats and he was done in no time.

We have grass and no sidewalks in our neighborhood and I don't want the Girls to think it's ok to walk on the street - we are only a few blocks from a busy secondary road.

[Fluffypants]

I use the dremel also . . . the clipper was much too stressful for ALL involved! Jackie definitely prefers it to the clippers, but it's still not her favorite activity. I put her on her back to do them (and also to do the hair on the feet). Sometimes you can't do all at once, it's better to just do it a little at a time, and end while the dog is still comfortable, so that it's not remembered as torture.

[fido]

Hello. We use the rechargeable Lady Remington (Walmart for about $20) to trim the pad hairs and our little guy (a beautiful seven month old Pem) appears relaxed and ready for the next paw to be groomed. It has several attachments and when pressed against my skin is not sharp or abrasive. It makes it a nice quick job without stress for either of us!

For more info: I use the smallest attachment about 3/8" across. Also motor is very quiet and low key. Buddy says Hi!

[Michael Romanos]

Fido - that's a brilliant idea for Corgis who don't mind 'machines.' I often use my wife's hair dryer to blow dry Taylor after a bath. Hair trimming from around the pads and toes is important for two main reasons - they are less likely to lose their footing if hair is trimmed away and they need clear access for sweating - dogs sweat through their pads. For agility and for conformation shows, trimming is a necessity.

[ChloeLouise]

On the way home, after we picked Chloe up from the breeder, I played with her little baby toes...the second day home I began clipping her tiny toe nails (she was a mere 7 weeks old)...she HATED it! Undaunted, I praised, I "treated"...determined, I continued...patiently, calmly - every few days...convinced that I would (unlike our last dog) be able to trim her nails myself. I never nicked her, I never scolded...FORGET IT!!! God made dog groomers for a reason!! $10 every month is written into the budget - I figure it is a small price to pay for tranquility in the home! ...now, if there is ever a puppy buddy for Chloe - I will try AGAIN...otherwise, there is always Courtney-the-groomer!!

[corgimom]

I love groomers also and like I said before my vet usually does it for me and
if I happen to have a cat appointment and I bring Cody in, they sometimes do
it as a courtesy - as they did with my last dog also. Cody's nails are staying
really short though with all that outside walking he does.

Linda

[fido]

Whew! Thanks to your encouragement, I purchased a small Sears rotary tool (couldn't find a small Dremmel). Took Buddy for a long walk, filled a puppy kong with 1 tsp of peanut butter, got his favorite toys. I tried to emit calm, assertive patience and we got started. He was so enthralled with his kong (we rarely give peanut butter), that it was easy to do all 4 paws and took just a few minutes. The small tool emits a whisper hum and I made sure I didn't stay on one nail too long. The tool never got hot (used 1/4" drum and 120 grit sanding band on lowest speed). Buddy received lots of praise for job well done! Thanks again, y'all!