Trimming Nails

[bradl]

How do you trim your Cairn's nails?

[leigh]

with great difficulty and much wriggling and nipping.

Suggestions of techniques would be appreciated?!

Leigh

[bradl]

I'm always on the lookout for a better way. Lately I've been standing them on a grooming table (in a grooming noose) so I can lift one leg at a time. By making them stand and controlling their head, they don't seem to move so much. I use a dremel plugged in near the grooming table. I'd love to try a hand file but the one I have seems to go bumpity bump rather than actually remove any nail.

[abe's dad]

When we trim Abe's nails I catch him sound asleep and use one of the guilutine style clippers . If I am easy enough I can get all 4 paws before he knows what is going on. We have tried a nail file but that usually wakes him and then the struggle starts. Our Vet tried to show a safe way to control him but then it takes 2 of us to do the nails. The vet's assistant held abe like you would a baby and put Abes head kind of under her chin and off to the side . He didn't even wiggle .

[LyndaHammel]

Over 20 years ago I purchased a four in hand file wood file which can be purchased at most home improvement stores for around $15. One of the

surfaces is perfect for Cairn nails.

I lay the puppy on its back on my lap. Yes, some wiggle more than

others.This is where the temperment test comes in but that is another

story. For the ones that are not sure I scratch their ears and gently

tap--no filing at this point--their nails. I go slow and accustom the

dog to having its nails tapped and then one or two filed. I decide

when enough is enough. This is a great way to establish who is alpha

8-)))---make sure it is you and not the Cairn!

I have not quicked a nail in years using this method. All my dogs

accept it and have given up protesting. It is quick and easy.

I have to say that shortening nails is no longer an issue in my house.

I have even used this method on Cairns whose owners said were

impossible as far as filing nails was concerned.

Lynda Hammel

[magadog]

Yup, the despised Dremel tool-- but it works! They see the thing and run for cover, but once the deed is done the cavort and jump around-- it's cathartic, and they get treats and I get the satisfaction of knowing that I don't have to chase them around the house for at least two weeks!

I once wondered why my Geordie was barking so furiously at a television commercial with not a single animal in it. When I discovered that it was for a Dremel, all became too clear. . .

Maggie loves to try to cover one paw with the other-- or dramatically throw her head back over my shoulder Theda Bara style.

Jill "Dremelhands"

[Iagan's Mom]

We are chicken and take Iagan to get his nails done. It's only $8.00.

[Courtbro]

How ofen do you clip their nails?