How to Cut Nails When a Dog Is Aggressive
Nail clipping is part of the grooming routine pet guardian's must follow for their dogs. However, some dogs--even those who are well behaved in other situations--become aggressive when they see the trimmers. If your dog's nails don't naturally wear away with walking, or your dog doesn't get enough exercise to naturally wear his nails down, you must clip the dog's nails despite the aggression. A muzzle is likely your best option. The muzzle reduces the stress for your dog, causes many dogs to become more submissive and eliminates any chance of you getting bitten.
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Instructions
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Introducing the Muzzle to Your Dog
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Introduce the muzzle to your dog at a time other than nail trimming. Hold the muzzle toward the dog and let him sniff it. When he smells it, give him a treat.
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Take the muzzle away for a few seconds and then hold it back to the dog. Let him sniff it again and then give him a treat. Repeat this several times until the dog reaches for the muzzle with his nose each time you hold the muzzle toward him.
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Place the muzzle over your dog's nose, but don't buckle it. Give the dog a treat.
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Remove the muzzle and repeat the process several times.
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Place the muzzle on the dog's head, attach the straps, remove the muzzle and give the dog a treat.
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Repeat the process several times, leaving the muzzle on for longer periods of time before you remove it and give the dog a treat.
Trimming Your Dog's Nails
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Place the muzzle on your dog.
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Give your dog the command "sit," if your dog is trained for basic obedience. Then given your dog the command to "lie down." If your dog is not trained, try to get him to lie down on the floor beside you, or if he is a small dog, put him in your lap.
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Trim the dog's front nails first. Then trim the back nails, if necessary. Complete the task as quickly as possible to minimize stress for the dog.
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Remove the muzzle and give the dog a treat as soon as you have finished.
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Tips & Warnings
If you simply cannot get your dog to behave for a home nail trim, even with a muzzle, you can have your veterinarian do it, which might involve sedating your dog for the nail trim. Of course, sedation carries with it certain risks and this is going to be more expensive than giving your dog her pedicure at home.
