Trimming Dog's Nails 101.2

(Note: The photos in this post have been lost. Without images it is very difficult to understand these methods. My sincerest apologies! I will try to replace them as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience!)

Mechanics
Stability, stability, stability...!
What makes your dog freak out is in-stability!
In the Mechanics section I'm gonna show you how to create stability for a nail trim.

The Hold
I cannot tell you how many times I've watched in horror as a so-called professional attempted to trim a dog's nails, because they had no idea what they were doing!!!!!!!!!!! (YES, that many exclamations!)


The first mistake is the way they hold the dog.  Or better yet, the fact that they don't hold the dog!  They just grab the paw.  Very unstable...

Notice how this little guy above has ears back and is pulling away...
Notice how the groomer is NOT holding the dog or the actual nail... This is like trying to catch a fly with nail clippers and just cut off one wing...  Unless you're Mr Miyagi, there will be blood!

First hold the dog correctly...

Start with the BACK paws.  
This takes a bit of the drama away for the dog, they can't see what you're doing and so they don't have as big a reason to be confrontational or resistant.
The groomer is snuggly beside the dog, facing the opposite direction. The 'non-clipping arm' is holding the body of the dog securely, just like tucking a news paper under the armpit.  If this dog decides to travel, all the groomer has to do is squeeze their arm to their body and the dog isn't going anywhere, nor can the dog interfere with the clipping. You'll want to get both rear paws at this time. 

While you're in this hold, you have the option to pull the outer front paw off the table, (or floor), and let it bend naturally at the joints exposing the nails to clip them.

Now either switch sides or turn the dog so that you are both facing the same way.  Same hold - tuck him under your armpit like a newspaper.  Lift the paw in a natural bend at the joints.
You can do both front paws in this hold instead of bending the outer front paw back while trimming the back paws.  Whatever is more comfortable and less stressful. 

The Nail
Now notice to the right how the groomer is holding the entire paw securely, with the index finger pushing the toe forward.  This index finger is both a brace for the nail to hold it steady as well as a guide for the blades of the clippers.  This prevents cutting wildly at the nail or chasing the nail.  It offers precision, which takes away stress, which creates calm, which creates security and stability for the dog... (magic...)                     

Hold that nail!!!  Remember, the fingers serve as a guide for the clipper blades to prevent you from cutting wildly or from aiming too deeply.


Joints
In all these photos notice the bending positions the dog's legs.  They are properly bent at the joints in a very natural posture, not pulled out to the side or lifted too high against the natural bend of the joint.  Unnatural bending is PAINFUL.  Not to mention the fact that dogs can get muscle cramps too...  Try it on yourself and see how it feels.... !      

Be sure to follow up with each installment to get the entire course.
And always remember, I make house calls locally if you need personal instructions or demonstrations for the family or groups.  Visit the website for info on fees and scheduling.
www.petgroomer911.com  
Be sure to share, re-post and otherwise spread these sites every chance you get.  We appreciate it!