Does walking a dog regularly keep its nails short?

Yes, especially concrete sidewalks and bare earth, wear down a dog's nails. I can't recall the last time I had to trim a dogs claws. Horses are a different matter.

Some dog's nails hit the ground with every step and get worn down easily but dogs like Dobermans have their nails high up on their toes and are far less likely to get worn down easily. Dogs that RUN on hard surfaces (concrete, macadam) usually wear down the hind nails very well but not always the front nails so much, and the dew claws aren't going to hit the ground very often. So, most dogs need at least some of their nails trimmed about once a month. I trim my dog's nails once a week to keep them short and to get her used to it.

I allow my GSD's to run in a safe fenced field, then I put their leads on and do road work. I theory this should keep their nails short and healthy, unfortunately I still have to trim their nails.

Way back I did not need to do this. I always buy my puppy's from a reputable breeder however their feet are now different.

That's a case of being a neglectful owner. It hurts the dog for their nails to overgrow. Yes, walking definitely helps the nails. But it sounds like your sisters dog needs to visit a Vet and have his/her nails done professionally. I find it quite sad that your sister is neglecting her dog. You really do need to step in and help this poor dog!

Dogs need to walk on a rough surface(asphalt or concrete or gravel) to wear the nails down. Plan on getting e nails done regularly and be pleasantly surprised if it is not necessary.

Generally, concrete sidewalks will grind the nails, **except** for the dewclaw. The nail that's on the side that doesn't touch the ground, doesn't get ground down, so that needs to get clipped.

It also depends on how much walking on concrete you do with the dog. If' it's just around the block, then not much will happen

NO. Nails should be trimmed at least every couple of weeks. Shame on your family never shaving that dog's nails!

No. They have to be trimmed every 4-6 weeks. if they're on grass, 6-8 weeks if on pavement, each individual dog is different, some dogs need trimming more often, some less, when given sufficient daily exercise.

that seems logical, so maybe!