Doctor picked up the clippers. The tech put Casey in
a headlock. Casey proceeded to have a screaming, peeing, pooping,
snapping fit. She bit the tech and the vet in the process. In
the end it took 4 people, tranquilizers and a muzzle to get her
nails done.
Years later now, I guess I should thank Casey for a career. Our
subsequent visits to a canine behaviorist and Caseys progress
landed me a new job apprenticing with the behaviorist and then
onto my own business.
The problem with toenail terror is fear of dominant
handling (handling the toes) and restraint (the headlock). Heavy
discipline compounds the problem. Positive reinforcement conditioning
and calm determination on the part of the owner can overcome
most toe terrorists in a very short time. The program
outlined here calls for twice daily 5 minute training sessions
for 1 month, each step lasting one full week. DO NOT RUSH
ANY STEP!
Casey was put on a basic obedience training refresher. She had
taken a basic class as a youngster, but we wanted to condition
her to respond instantly to commands. Teaching Sit, Down, Stay,
Heel and Come help conditions the dog to listen to you even in
other areas and under different circumstances.
NOTE If your dog is a serious biter you will need a basket
muzzle. If your dog is a serious biter, you need the help of
a professional trainer.
During normal snuggle sessions, handle each paw gently. If the
dog pulls away thats fine, but go back to that foot until
you are the one deciding to release the foot. This exercise is
continued FOREVER. We also brushed her every day and wiped her
feet every time she came back in the house, not just on muddy
days.
1. Put the dog on leash and get some food treats. Use something
special like cheese, liver or chicken cut into small pieces,
not just a boring old dog biscuit. Sit on the floor with the
dog and sit on the leash. Show the dog the treat. Pick up one
foot. Let the dog nibble the treat while holding the foot for
just 2 seconds. Before the dog finishes the treat release the
foot. Praise in a high, happy voice Wow! What Good Toes! You
are now a cheerleader for your dog. Avoid whiny, sympathetic
voices. If the dog struggles, take the treat away and say NO
in a calm firm low voice. There is no need to yell. Go back to
holding the foot. Then, still holding the foot, give the dog
a treat and praise highly as if there had been no struggle. Patience
and minimal restraint are the keys to this step. Praise the smallest
progress. Start with 2 seconds of foot holding and gradually
increase the amount of time until the dog is accepting foot holding.
If the dog begins to panic you are holding too long. Patience.
2. Get the nail clippers, the dog, the leash and the treats.
Start by holding a foot, and then handle each toe with treats
and high praise for compliance. Pick up the clipper and stroke
it across the top of the dogs foot. Treats and high praise
throughout this section of the exercise help condition out the
fear of the object (the clipper).
3. Get the nail clippers, the dog, the leash and the treats.
Repeat step 2, but stroke each toe and nail with the clippers.
More high praise and treats.
4. Gather your dog and all your stuff. Repeat step 3, but at
the end actually clip ONE nail. Be absolutely sure you do not
hurt the dog (if you do, go back to step one). Before the dog
has a chance to react, praise as if it just rescued your entire
family from a burning building. Quit toe practice and go play
ball. Play after training is a good stress release for both of
you and is crucial. In this step it is important not to rush
and try to do all the nails. You can do another the next day
and at all other sessions during the next couple weeks. You will
need to practice regularly for a long time, gradually working
your way up to trimming all the nails in the same session. Weekly
nail trims of just a tiny bit are better than whacking blindly
into a long nail.
Even when the dog will let you do the nails without a battle,
remember they dont have to like it. They only have to tolerate
it. Ive used this method on all my dogs since Casey and
hundreds of clients. And while no dog likes toenail trims, they
love the treats they get for tolerance! |