grinding

Grinding a dog’s nails: Crazy or genius?

If you’ve been following our dog nail trimming series, you’ve already read (and watched) about getting to know your dog’s nails, the mistakes people make when trimming their dog’s nails, how to get your dog comfortable with having his paws handled, and how to introduce the grinding tool to your dog. In our fifth and final article in the nail trim series, you’ll learn exactly how to use the Dremel to trim your dog’s nails.

This is the easy part. You’ve already worked with your dog to get her used to having her paws held without fear or growling, and you’ve paired the noise of the Dremel tool with really tasty food. Now, all that’s left is to actually trim some nails!

Here’s how to trim your dog’s nails with grinding tool like the Dremel.

1. Provide a comfy spot for your dog to sit or lie down.
2. Have some of those fabulous treats at the ready.
3. Turn the Dremel on, ask your dog for her paw.
4. Hold the paw firmly, but gently and put the grinding tool directly on the dog’s nail briefly, grinding some of the nail.
5. Click (or yip) and let go of your dog’s paw.
6. Deliver a fabulous treat.
7. Repeat!

Be careful.

You want to tap, tap, tap the Dremel on the nail, not hold the Dremel there for any duration. The friction can heat the dog’s nail and it can be uncomfortable for the dog. If your dog is new to this, do just one nail and be done with the whole thing. You can give it another go tomorrow. Your main goal is to ensure the dog is enjoying the process and is voluntarily staying with you.

Talk back! Let me know how your grinding sessions go and if you like grinding better than clipping.