puppy nail clipping -- traumatic!?

Its a puppy pitching a fit! Clip the nails ignore the behaviour and eventually the dog will learn you have its best interest in mind!

FYI comforting noises are not comforting noises! There is no such thing to a dog. Saying "its ok" or "dont worry little guy" actually reinforces the negative behaviour. In dog language you are saying "Its ok for you to be freakingout right now you should be and I praise you for it" So at all cost avoid this whether the dog can hear or not!

My 4 puppies are 8 months old now but I got them used to having a Pedi Paws used on them when they were 3 months. It wasn't hard getting them used to the noise because they are accustomed to the sound of clippers. Since your dog is older and already seems to be traumatized I would opt for regular nail clippers rather than something making a strange scary noise to them. The only thing I can suggest, and it will probably take 2 adults, is to swaddle him very tight in a large towel leaving just his front paws exposed. Since he is already nervous and will make you nervous too I wouldn't do more than a few at a time until you are more adept at clipping them and feel comfortable that you won't cut the quick. You do not want to further traumatize the poor thing. Eventually if you are able to get him to co-operate you will become a pro at it. Mine have long fur on their feet and I have become so good at clipping them that I don't even have to cut the fur around their nails any longer. Most of the time I use the Pedi Paws. Good luck! If this doesn't work after trying a few times you will be stuck with the vet forever.

I work at petco and when we have to cut dogs nails that are hard to handle we have to have 2 people hold. Actually 2 people in total. There is one person clipping and one person holding. I got my german shepherd used to it by just holding and handling his feet all the time and clipping the nails. Just try handling the feet and toes more than trying to cut them. Then try to clip after a while

It's normal at this age for them to start resisting nail cutting. Mine all go through this stage.

Just be firm, *smile*, ignore the hysterics, and keep cutting the nails on a regular (preferably weekly) basis. She'll settle down again when she realizes that her hissy-fits get her nowhere.

Handle the pups feet as much as possible while you are doing this let her see the clippers and soon she will settle down and be still for you. Continue loving on her an giving her treats this helps also. Good luck

Try putting a towel over the puppies head!

Maybe try to cover her eyes or play with a ball or something and distract her(fromt he text you said her so i think its a girl) while someone else clips her nails.

^_^