Have just picked up an interesting piece about cutting nails - my lot are awful cowards, so was interested, but haven't tried this as yet. Have a look and tell me what you think
http://members.nbci.com/DoberDawn/dremel.html

Jo and the Casblaidd Flatcoats

Must admit Jo, the thought of it made me cringe.
It brought back memories of the Tooth Torturer's drill !lol

Leigh

Perhaps it is a Dobe thing? I have used a Dremmel for years - had one bitch who hated having her toenails clipped and would tolerate, just, a bastard file being used on them. The dremmel though was anothe thing altogether as she would lay on the floor with her feet up for me to do it. Could never work this out myself as it has noise, vibration, dust etc but she seemed to actively enjoy it.

Depending on the indivual dog I either clip or grind but often grind after clipping to get rid of any rough edges.

Christine

My weim bitch has had her nails clipped since she was a tiny puppy and hates it, however I found a way around it. I get out her tub of treats, I clip one nail she gets one treat, I clip one nail she gets one treat and so on. Easy Peasy.

Now I have to convince my 5mth pup to do the same, I'm currently still clipping his nails when he's giving it big ZZZzzzzzzzz

Eee Claire, thought that's what your supposed to do!!!! I get Milo's when he's in the standard Weim sleeping position of on the back , all paws in the air, like you say , easy peasy!!!!! Not sure I'd even attempt it during waking hours......

Hello Jo!
I used the Dremel a lot in the States to trim nails. I've still to get one here since we only have the two dogs now. Christine was dead right when she said that it must be a Dobe thing! Dobes normally have their nails trimmed back so there is very little nail. We normally trimmed all the dogs so that the nails were very short.

The Dremel (or there is also a grinding tool by Oster) not only will it trim the nail but it also smooths out the rough edges, making it much more pleasant for the humans when the dogs happen to paw at them! Some dogs will take to the grinding easily. Perhaps it is because regardless of how we cut the nails with conventional nail clippers, the nail is pinched, putting pressure upon the dog's nail which may be frightening or hurtful to the sensitive dogs. Grinding takes a bit longer at first, but the dogs normally will learn to lay on their sides and relax while the nails are being ground. I even had some that would snooze during the procedure.

The article is very insightful and the key is to take your time in accustoming the dog to the grinder. Good luck!

Think I might give it a go, actually, as mine really appear to be hurt when you pinch their nails, however careful you are. Sierra - if you're anywhere about maybe we could meet up for a coffee or something and you could show me the ropes.

Jo and the Casblaidd Flatcoats

I'll be at Windsor, Jo. Otherwise, perhaps we can arrange a date that would be good for both of us and I'll be happy to give a hand. I've been vascillating over getting a Dremel here for the two imps, but I think I'll put it on my birthday-wish list since your question really made me think about making things less traumatic for both dogs. Looking forward to seeing you again!

whatever happened to good old fashioned road work!?

Roadwork does not seem to get the nails short enough on Dobes. Some however, llike my male very rarely need trimming but his sister's need doing nearly every week (inspite of exercise).

Jo and the Flat coats - where abouts are you?

Christine

Agreed, Christine. Different dogs, like humans, seem to have different types of nails. While some will not grow excessively or are softer, others tend to be very hard and grow like wildfire.

As far as road work goes, my dogs are run daily in a huge wooded park that goes on for acres by us and the dirt, stones, wood, etc. do not wear down the nails. I've not been a proponent of working the dogs on 'roads' or cement which will wear down the nails to a certain level (though certainly not the level to which most Dobes and some other dogs are trimmed) because it is an unnatural running surface for the dogs. Just as humans will encounter joint and shin problems from running on these very unforgiving surfaces so will dogs. In nature, the dogs' nails would break or tear with the jagged edges eventually wearing down as the dogs dug, scrambled over obstacles, etc. I prefer not to have my furniture or skin marred by jagged edges, so I tend to trim or file the nails.

The small amount of time that trimming/grinding takes is offset by the benefits to both dogs and myself.

Quite right, dogs shouldn't be "run" on roads, but that isn't exactly what I said is it?
Road work ususally entails walking, at least thats what our hounds get & every other pack of hounds that I know of!! No sore shins here. An hour a day alongside a fast walking horse, and never a nail cutter in sight. Obviously not everyones choice but sure works for me.

Actually you said -- "whatever happened to good old fashioned road work!?" but I'm sure that it was merely a case of semantics and you didn't mean 'road work' as you stated. Have a good one.

No, I did mean road work. Thats what its been called in my working environment for as long as I can remember, and, on asking, for as long as my family can recall. We have given our pack daily roadwork for 33 years, as described in my previous post.

Kerioak - we're in Haslemere - Surrey/Hants/Sussex border. Where are you?

Jo and the Casblaidd Flatcoats

Hi Jo,

I am in Sussex - if you fancy a visit to try out a dremmel on your dogs

Christine
kerioakdobes@btinternet.com

I'm coming down to Brighton very briefly tomorrow - are you anywhere about; unfortunately I can't hang about too long, as I have the puppy duppies at home, but am running my Mum back. Husband will baby=sit for a while!

Jo and the Casblaidd Flatcoats