Every dog owner I know complains to me about clipping their dog's nails. Yes, it's a tad annoying, not to mention messy/painful (not so much for the dog, but the owner as well). So I've decided to post this for others to refer to as well. PLease note that there are many products on the market designed to make this task easier, and some dogs are in fact not that difficult to groom. Also, different techniques obviously work (or don't) for different dogs. I first read this solution in a book, then realized it was true, baed off of my own dog's results.
The natural way to keep the nails short: cement.
By allowing your dog to romp along the patio or take a long walk along the sidewalk, the cement will file their nails. It may not keep them extremely short, but it helps. I noticed the difference for my dog. When I moved and no longer had a large cemement patio, and couldn't take my dog on as long of walks, his nails became incredibly long--and the less often the nails are cut, they HARDER they are to cut. It is also painful for the dog to walk if its nails become too long (but we're talking REALLY long, so don't panic).Because I hadn't actually clipped his nails in years, it was very difficult to trim them.
By walking my dog on a cement pathway, his nails were kept short. (Keep in mind not to walk your dog on the cement too much, especially when it's hot).
It may not be the only solution, but it will allow you to cut less often, and avoid forcing your dog to hold still so much.
The natural way to keep the nails short: cement.
By allowing your dog to romp along the patio or take a long walk along the sidewalk, the cement will file their nails. It may not keep them extremely short, but it helps. I noticed the difference for my dog. When I moved and no longer had a large cemement patio, and couldn't take my dog on as long of walks, his nails became incredibly long--and the less often the nails are cut, they HARDER they are to cut. It is also painful for the dog to walk if its nails become too long (but we're talking REALLY long, so don't panic).Because I hadn't actually clipped his nails in years, it was very difficult to trim them.
By walking my dog on a cement pathway, his nails were kept short. (Keep in mind not to walk your dog on the cement too much, especially when it's hot).
It may not be the only solution, but it will allow you to cut less often, and avoid forcing your dog to hold still so much.
