This is the third installment on nail trimming. I'm introducing the Dremel to Talos in this video. (The first and second installments are also posted on the blog.)
The Dremel is noisy. My first goal is to desensitize him to the sound. Notice that I'm only working with the noise in this step – I'm not working on his toenails at all. I need to get him comfortable with the noise first – if I don't do that first, I'll never be able to work on his nails with the Dremel.
I have really good treats (chicken salad leftover from lunch).
I keep my sessions short (about three minutes).
Talos is free to leave whenver he'd like.
Note how far away Talos is from me in this video – you can't even see him in the beginning! The noise is a bit much for him. And my graceful knocking over of the fireplace tools did nothing to help the situation.
I'll work with him for several short sessions each day, always using high value treats. Once he's used to the noise, I'll move on to the next step. Stay tuned!
Thanks for the video. I have been reading about clicker training. I had questions, whether or not to use praise, time between click & treat, number of repeats etc… This was a very nice example for me to use. Thanks again.
I cannot wait to see the dremel technique. My friends always say you just tap-tap-tap, but I’ve never seen it done. Some even recommend practicing on a piece of plastic first.
I wanted to let you know that I have been using this technique on Katie. I used to do one or two nails at a time while she was napping. I just did her front nails and when I was done she kept whacking me thinking if I keep cutting her nails she’ll keep getting cheese. Haha
Here’s a video of me Dremeling Nemo’s nails. I don’t use the clicker here (not enough hands!) but I use a verbal marker “Yip!” instead. And I use delicious food as the reinforcer!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqQuuDO23Mw
I’ll try to get some video soon of me introducing Talos to both the sound AND the feel of the Dremel…
Yay! I love it when dogs don’t want you to stop trimming their nails! Makes the job MUCH more enjoyable for us and for them! 🙂