Taking fear, anxiety, and stress out of nail trims

Keeping your pet's nails trimmed is part of their regular care and grooming.  Many pets don't like this task but because it is necessary, we have to get it done.  If your pet has a hard time with nail trims, give some of these techniques a try.

Classical Conditioning

Pairing a neutral stimulus (nail trimmers) with an unconditioned stimulus (treats) will eventually produce a conditioned stimulus (nail trimmers) causing a conditioned response (happiness and excitement).

Stationing Behaviour

Is a way for pets to consent and let us know they would like to participate.  It is taught using positive reinforcement.  The pet can ALWAYS leave.  Treats are often tossed off the station (yoga mat) throughout sessions to ensure the pet chooses to come back. Tricks are not taught on the mat because the mat is used so the pet associates it with treats.  Eventually they will also associate you getting the nail clippers and preforming the task with a good quality treat.

This is a visual guide on where to cut your pet’s nails to help you out. 

Here is a great video demonstrating how to make trimming nails a positive experience. 

Here are some nail trimming tips.

​https://www.clickertraining.com/how-to-teach-canine-nail-trims-with-a-team-approach

It may take some time to get your pet conditioned to getting their paws touched and their nails trimmed.  Here at the clinic we try our best to use a Fear Free approach and give plenty of treats along the way.  We also have started a nail trim reward card, get five nail trims and get the sixth one free!