How to Hold a Dog While Clipping Their Nails
Many people can set the dog on a counter or table, so the dogs nails are close up and can get at them thoroughly. Others will get down on their level. I choose a very different method with my small dog that makes it quick and painless.
Tuck and Dangle Method Used for Smaller Dogs: In some ways, small dogs are easier than larger dogs when trimming their nails due to their weaker status and smaller size. Unfortunately, small dogs can easily slink away and are more apt to nip at you while clipping their nails.
One method that works well, especially to get the front paws, is the Tuck and Dangle Method. You tuck your puppy under your armpit so his legs are loose, but his body is firmly tucked under your armpit. He will feel vulnerable in this position, making him more docile and willing to allow you to clip his nails. The dog must be small enough that you will not accidentally drop him.
Once your dog is securely under your arm, take the front paw and clip just the very tip of the point off. It should take less than two minutes to get all the front claws. The back feet will be trickier but not impossible from this position. Ideally, you could have someone else get the back paws in this position. If not, place the dog in your lap, and use the same method for a larger dog, which is explained next.
Headlock Method: This is an excellent method for most dogs that will not stay still while clipping their nails. Larger dogs may require a second person to help you clip their nails: one to hold the dog still, the other to cut nails. One of you places the dog in front of you and tucks his head in your armpit so your dogs face is pointing behind you. The person holding the dog should talk very soothingly to the dog and pet him.
If there is a second person, they should quickly clip the dogs nails. With smaller dogs, one person should be able to do this with ease. With this method, I can cut my dogs back claws in less than two minutes.
Before you begin clipping your dogs nails, you will want to have a solution that will stop the bleeding—just in case you cut the quick.
How to Trim a Dog’s Nails
Distracting the dog is only a portion of what you need to know to clip the dogs nails. You need to be able to hold its paw firmly without causing harm. When you press slightly down on the paw, their claws will extend.
For dogs who have white nails, it is very easy to see the quick. The quick is the pink section of the nail. If cut, then the claw will bleed because it contains veins. You must be prepared ahead of time in case this happens. Please read the section about the quick bleeds later on in the article.
Dogs with darker nails are much trickier to see where the quick is. You can tell where it is by how the nail curves. When the nail starts to arch downward is where the quick ends. If you are unsure, only clip a little bit off at a time. Once the nail is short enough, you will see a dot at the tip of the nail that signifies you have reached the quick. Any further will cause pain and bleeding.
Some believe that the more you clip the dogs claws, the shorter the quick becomes. I am unsure if this is true, but it does make sense, which would indicate that it is a good idea to trim their nails often; I recommend at least once a month. Some choose to do this once a week when they bathe their dog.
Supplements
Use supplements like melatonin to keep your dog sedated before the nail-clipping pr.
How can I sedate my dog to cut his nails at home?
Frequently I am asked about nail trimming, but for the first time, I was asked how to restrain a dog to clip its nails.
My initial reaction was to ask questions about their dog and why they needed to restrain their dog to clip its nails.
As my dogs get older, I have needed a second pair of hands to distract or hold the dog, but not restrain.
My personal experience with restraining is that it can cause your dog to react more than if you just distract them with a treat or chew.
However, I am also not so foolish to think that all dogs can have their nails clipped safely without being restrained.
Some dogs display fear aggression and snap or even bite their owners when the nail trimmers come out.
It’s also vital to point out that restraining a dog is not cruel, nor does it hurt them when done correctly. And securing your dog can be necessary, especially if the dog is hurt or at the vet.
So, even if your dog doesn’t need to be restrained for their nails to be cut, it is a good training opportunity in case it is ever required.