[Staffi Lover!]

Ok my dog absolutley flips when I try to do this I dont know if its because im hurting her or if her nails are to sensitive, but she wil just not have it.

Is there anyway I can help reduce the size of her nails without havingg to actually clipping them & avoiding any kind of anaesetic?

[Seppala]

I actually recently talked to my vet about this because my dog would start to act hysterical also. She actually pulled out some clippers and basically started to talk sweet to him and pet him; telling him he was a good boy. During this entire time she was getting one of his nails ready to clip. Than she quickly clipped it and he'd start to be hysterical again. Well she just kept doing the same thing repeatedly until she was done. Seemed like it took forever but he didn't seem to be as scared as he usually is. Worth a shot anyhow; it has helped me out a lot.

[Staffi Lover!]

Ok thanks seppla I shall try it lol.

Normally i end up chasing her up & down the stairs lol she absolutley does go mad.

If not I shall seek the Vet, also is there any sort of specific clippers i should use?

I know they have to be strong to be able to do it quick, but do I have to go buy a pair specifically for dogs?

[Dollydog]

Yes, you do have to buy a pair specifically for dogs. If you try and use ordinary nail clippers then you will have problems.

The best type for staffies are the guillotine type ones. I can't remember the name of them now - but they are used a little like garden shears and the cutting blades form a circle closing together.

Don't chase your dog round to do it and get her stressed. Feed her tidbits if necessary, but be nice and kind to her through the entire process.
Don't let her associate it with anxiety.

[Staffi Lover!]

ok thanks Dolly I shall have a look round on the internet for a proper pair which will do the job quickly & will probably more stress free for here.

I'll also try the methods of talking to her etc to try & keep her calm.

Thanks for the info x

[Nansetty]

It's too bad that once a dog has a bad experience with nail clipping it is hard to wipe away the experience.

Dogs have very sensitive nail beds which hold many nerve endings. You can tell where the nail bed starts by looking for the change in color of the nail. You should always make sure you don't get to close to it because it will really hurt and maybe even cause bleeding.

Check out http://www.happyk-9.com for great information on other types of dog grooming. A little knowledge goes a long way.

[Staffi Lover!]

Thanks for the link, and when I have managed to clip her nails I've never gone down to far its quite easy to tell as well like you said when you get near to the nail bed as the colours are quite obvious.

And I see what you mean about wiping away the experience, it's going to have to be something that I shall work on.

[rutylr]

This link shows the two types of clippers.
Nail Clippers and Styptic Powder For Dogs, Cats and Birds
I don't like the first one (the guillotine type)I use one that looks like the red handled ones.
Plus the powder is great to have ,is you make them bleed this will stop it.
You can also use a dremel tool and slowlt wear the nail away.Some dogs who don't like the clippers will sit for this.
The cordless one is the best.
Amazon.com: Dremel 761-03 Cordless Pet Nail Grooming Kit: Tools & Hardware

[thegroomingpad]

You could try a grinder instead of a clippers, or just walk the dog a lot on the path,
Ann

[Staffi Lover!]

Originally Posted by thegroomingpad

You could try a grinder instead of a clippers, or just walk the dog a lot on the path,
Ann

I've tried this chucking tennis balls etc on concrete to help try to grind them down I think it does, and you can really here them when shes scurrying alonng to get the ball lol.

Does this do it efficently?