Isla Bennett
Many dogs dislike having their nails trimmed, and some owners find it challenging to cut their dogs' nails. Fortunately, some dogs can learn to trim their nails by scratching an emery board or by running and walking on abrasive surfaces like concrete. Dogs may also chew their nails, although this may be due to anxiety or an itch. Teaching dogs to scratch an emery board involves demonstrating the behaviour and rewarding the dog with treats.
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What You'll Learn
Dogs can chew their own nails
While it is not typical for dogs to cut their own nails, some dogs do chew them down. This is more common in certain breeds, such as Australian Cattle Dogs, and may be due to the dog's natural behaviour or a previous negative experience with nail trimming. For example, one dog owner observed that their rescue dog, who was anxious about having her paws touched, appeared to be chewing her nails down. Another owner of an Australian Cattle Dog mix noted that their dog would chew her dew claws and that they only started to grow long when the dog was no longer able to go on walks outside.
Chewing their nails may be a way for dogs to avoid the discomfort of long nails or a traumatic experience with nail trimming. It is important to note that nail trimming can be stressful for dogs, especially if they are already fearful of having their paws handled. When nails are clipped too short, it can cause pain and lead to negative associations with nail clippers or foot handling.
To address this issue, dog owners can try to condition their dogs to be comfortable with traditional nail trims or explore alternative methods such as using an emery board. One successful approach involves making a makeshift doggie emery board with a Frisbee and sandpaper, along with spray cheese to encourage the dog to file its nails. Over several sessions, the dog can be trained to scratch the emery board, effectively trimming its nails.
Overall, while some dogs may chew their nails as a form of self-grooming, it is important for owners to monitor their dog's nail length and comfort level to ensure they receive proper care and avoid any potential harm.
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Long walks on pavement keep nails short
Walking on pavement can help wear down a dog's nails to some extent. Dogs that walk and run a lot on sidewalks, asphalt, or concrete may not need to have their nails trimmed often, as the abrasive action of these surfaces keeps their nails to an acceptable length.
Several dog owners have reported that their dogs' nails are naturally short due to walking on pavement. Some dogs that walk on pavement regularly have nails that are too short to be clipped any further. However, it is important to note that this is not true for all dogs, as some dogs' nails may still grow long even with regular walks on pavement. Additionally, the dewclaws may need to be trimmed separately, as they do not always wear down in the same way as the other nails.
The amount of wear on a dog's nails from walking on pavement can depend on various factors, such as the dog's weight distribution, the type of surface they are walking on, and the individual dog's nail growth rate. For example, some dogs may only wear down the nails on the back feet and the outside of the front feet, leaving four nails that still need to be trimmed.
While long walks on pavement can help keep a dog's nails short, it is still important to check your dog's nails regularly and get them used to having their paws handled. Weekly nail checks can help identify any issues and ensure that your dog is comfortable with paw handling. Additionally, it is a good idea to trim or file your dog's nails occasionally, especially if they are not wearing down evenly or if the dewclaws are becoming too long.
Overall, while long walks on pavement can help keep a dog's nails short, it is not a replacement for proper nail care and grooming. Regular nail checks, handling, and occasional trimming or filing are still necessary to maintain your dog's nail health.
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Training dogs to scratch an emery board
While some dogs may naturally maintain their nail length by chewing their nails or wearing them down by walking on certain surfaces, others may need a little help. Scratchboards or emery boards are a great way to keep your dog's nails under control. They are easy to make and can be used to train your dog to file their nails independently.
To start, you will need to gather the necessary supplies and build a size-appropriate nail scratchboard. You can use a piece of flat wood or a curved PVC pipe cut in half vertically. The curved option makes it easier to shorten all nails. Cover the board with sandpaper or traction tape to create a gritty surface. You can use self-adhesive abrasive tread tape, or glue on regular sandpaper.
Next, choose a room with a door to minimise distractions and place treats on a chair or somewhere up high so that your dog does not snack between rewards. Place the scratchboard on the floor in front of you, with the bottom on the floor and the top against your leg, facing your dog. You can also experiment with different seating positions, as some dogs may prefer their owners to sit on the floor, while others may need the additional distance of a person seated in a chair. Try sitting with the side of your body facing your dog, rather than facing them directly, as this may be less intimidating.
Now, you can begin training your dog to scratch the board. First, reward your dog for simply looking at, walking towards, or touching the board with their paw. You can scatter treats on or near the board to encourage this behaviour. Once your dog is comfortable approaching the board, you can start to train the scratching behaviour. There are a few ways to do this:
- Prompt your dog to dig on top of the board by hiding treats or a toy under a towel.
- Toss treats behind your dog so that they drag their paw on the board when they turn to get the treat.
- Hold the board at a comfortable height for your dog to reach with their paw. You can experiment with different angles and positioning to find what works best for your dog.
- If your dog knows how to offer their paw, you can use this skill to teach the scratching behaviour. First, have your dog practice their "Give Paw" behaviour without the emery board. Then, hold the emery board in your hand and cue the "Give Paw" behaviour. When your dog's paw lands on the board, mark "Yes!" and reward with a treat. Over several sessions, you can shape this behaviour into a scratching motion.
Remember to keep up a high rate of reinforcement, providing plenty of treats and praise for your dog's efforts. Gradually, you can start to fade out the prompts, such as reducing the size of the fabric covering treats or skipping the treat entirely to see if your dog will try the scratching behaviour on their own. With patience and positive reinforcement, your dog will be well on their way to maintaining their own nails in no time!
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Nail clipping can cause dogs stress
While some dogs may naturally wear down their nails, either by chewing them or by running around on abrasive surfaces, many dogs need their nails cut by their owners or a professional groomer. Nail clipping can be a stressful experience for dogs, and they may exhibit signs of fear or anxiety, such as trembling, excessive drooling, panting, growling, or snapping.
To reduce stress, it is recommended that dog owners begin training their dogs to accept nail clipping at a young age. Owners can start by gently rubbing and handling their puppy's paws and toes, allowing the puppy to become accustomed to the sensation. Owners should also introduce their puppy to the nail clippers, allowing them to investigate the tool and get used to the sound it makes. It is important to provide positive reinforcement with praise and treats throughout this process.
For older dogs that have not been accustomed to nail clipping, the process may take longer, and owners should be prepared to spend extra time training their dog. It is still possible to train older dogs to accept nail clipping by following similar steps to those outlined for puppies. It is important to remain calm, firm, and gentle during the process, and to avoid punishing or getting upset if the dog exhibits signs of stress.
In some cases, medication for anxiety or mild sedation may be beneficial for dogs that exhibit extreme fear or anxiety during nail clipping. Consulting a veterinary healthcare professional is recommended if a dog shows signs of distress.
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Dogs with long nails may experience discomfort
While some dogs may be able to trim their nails by running and walking on hard surfaces, or even by chewing them, it is important to be mindful of the potential discomfort that can arise from long nails. Dogs with long nails may experience discomfort, similar to the feeling of wearing shoes that squeeze your toes. This is because the pressure of the nail tips being in constant contact with the ground can cause the digit to rotate backwards, twist sideways, or deviate in other ways. This can be painful for the dog and may even lead to permanent changes in the shape of their toes if left unaddressed.
Additionally, long nails can increase the risk of injury during nail trimming. If a dog's nails are allowed to grow too long, the quick, or the part of the nail containing nerves and blood vessels, will also lengthen. As a result, any attempt to trim the nails may accidentally cut into the quick, causing pain and potentially negative associations with nail care for the dog.
To prevent discomfort and maintain nail health, it is important to regularly check the length of your dog's nails. One way to assess if your dog's nails are the appropriate length is to observe their standing position on a smooth surface. Ideally, the nails should hover slightly above the ground, only making contact during movement. If the nails are consistently touching the ground, it is an indication that they may be too long and causing discomfort.
In cases where dogs are resistant to traditional nail trimming methods, there are alternative approaches to consider. One creative solution involves using a makeshift doggie emery board. By attaching sandpaper to a Frisbee and encouraging your dog to scratch at it, you can help them file their nails in a more enjoyable and voluntary manner. Positive reinforcement with treats and praise can also help make the experience more positive and less stressful for your dog.
Overall, it is important to prioritize your dog's comfort and well-being when it comes to nail care. While some dogs may naturally maintain their nail length through physical activity, others may require more frequent trimming to prevent discomfort and potential health issues. By regularly checking your dog's nails and providing alternative solutions if needed, you can ensure their nails stay at a healthy length.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, dogs can cut their own nails. Some dogs chew on their nails, while others file them by running around outside on hard surfaces. Dogs can also be trained to use an emery board to file their nails.
There are a few methods you can use to train your dog to cut their own nails. One way is to use an emery board and get your dog excited about it as if it were a fun toy. Then, demonstrate the desired behaviour by scratching at the board with your hand. Finally, cue your dog to give you their paw and reward them with a treat when they scratch the board.
Yes, there are some risks associated with dogs cutting their own nails. Some dogs may not be effective at trimming their nails, which could lead to overgrown nails that cause discomfort. Additionally, dogs that chew their nails may ingest bacteria or other harmful substances. It's important to monitor your dog's nail length and health to ensure their nails are being properly trimmed.
