Any good ideas on how to trim toe nails on a 4 month old GSD that doesn't like it.

A sharp ax. Make certain you miss the quick. Dogs don't like being quicked. They understand how, "He cut me to the quick." actually feels.

Better yet, you can do a "Nail Trim" search in the archives. It's been covered quite frequently.

Most methods involve desensitizing the dog to having it's feet handled. Some prefer using a Dremel MotoTool with a sanding drum.

Leerburg sells a nice video about grooming your Shepherd. Trimming is probably covered there also.

Thanks I will try the search in the future 1st.

I've had good results with trading a treat for a toenail. He got the idea pretty quickly.

Now, when I'm trimming the other dog's toenails, Chance will come over and start holding out his paw. He also notices if I try to do more than one toenail per treat and pulls his paw back.

I have had good results using the dremel. Just make sure that you go slow and easy and allow the dog to become acustomed to the noise and the sensation of the dremel on his nails. I liked the treat idea and will definitely add that to my trimming routine. Also Ed has information on his video about trimming the puppy's nails. It is on his video about puppies 8weeks to 8 months. I highly reccommend it. Good luck
Terry

Treat them like they are animals
Train them like they are animals
Love them like they are people

I just wanted to add one thing. Back when my dog first had her vaccinations as a pup (the only time we've been to the vet with her so far), I asked about the nail trimming. I had done it before but just wanted a refresher. And he said that clipping the nails actually tends to make them grow in faster and that the best way to keep them short is through walks and having the dog natural file them down on sidewalks or whatever.

But at the same time I wanted to teach her that it's ok to let me hold her paws so I have done the treat method which works good. And one other suggestion the vet made was to just take your finger/nail and "flick" their nail...from the underside if you know what I mean. Turn your hand upside down so your nail goes into the curved part of the dogs' nail and do a motion as if you're going to light a candle. He said it gives the dog the same sensation as if they're getting their nails cut but it's a good way to get a puppy especially used to it even before they actually need a trim. And also keep the trimming sessions short in the beginning. Do only one paw or maybe even only one toe a day. But make it as pleasant an experience as possible <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Good luck

Thank you all, good ideas and I'm sure trimming his nails will be more easily now.

I have never had an issue trimming my older dogs nails. She will sit there completely docile and let anyone, including the vet cut her nails. But the younger one, is a workout to trim his nails. We tried the trim for treats method with no luck. I finally found what works for both of us. I put him in a down, make him roll on to his side and I sit over top of him. He still is not too happy about the trimming, but he tolerates it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I had dogs all my life and with the exception of my wifes little 3,2 kg toydog i never ever had to clip a dogs nails. They just wear off


Greetings


Johan

I take my dogs to the park and run them until they are exhausted. They are so tired, and panting so hard, they hardly even notice that I'm trimming their nails.

Works like a charm.