Toe Nail Sensativity and Hardness

by td
(Ohio)

Not AGAIN

Not AGAIN

I have a 2 year old Great Pyrenees crossed with a St.Bernard. His toenails are extremely hard and can't be cut with large dog toe nail clippers. (It takes two hands to squeeze as hard as I can). He is very good when brushing and handling his feet until you get the clippers out. Then he becomes a bucking bronco and uncontrollable. I have done the relaxed watching tv approach when he is half asleep, I have done the "be still I mean business" approach, I have been given a sedative from my vet and even sedated, he freaks out at the toenail clippers. I have had him since he was a puppy and he has not been mishandled. Please advise.

Comments for Toe Nail Sensativity and Hardness

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Aug 01, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		tough nails
by: Anonymous

Had a dog like that once, and we kept his nails more pliant with hoof cream (for horses). You could try this or coconut oil. Apply every now and again. When you position your nail cutter it is also important to not squeeze the nail sides, but rather carefully place the cutting edge at the underside so that when you squeeze you cut, quickly. Make sure your cutting edge is sharp and you are well away from the quick. Hope this helps.
Aug 02, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Nails
by: Donna

I have had many fosters come through who ran to the other end of the yard when I brought out the dremmel (yes, nails are too hard on some dogs so dremmel is great). However, I've managed to train all of them to be fine with the dremmel. It's a grinding tool on which you can put a sanding attachment. Works very well.

Have someone hold your dog and simply run the dremmel and have other person feed dog treats. Next day, same thing just to have him get used to the noise. Do this a few times.

Then, next time, have person hold dog, feeding treats. You take a paw and hold dremmel near a nail and even attempt to grind the nail. He'll freak a bit. Stop.

Keep doing this, and each time you do more nails. Work your way to being able to do all the nails.

Eventually, you won't need anyone holding your dog or feeding treats. At the end of the sessions, always say 'good boy and all done' and throw a bunch of treats down for him.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Great Pyrenees Questions.

Show / Hide
CLICK TO FOSTER A PYR
PLEASE CLICK THE IMAGE

Breaking News

RSS

  1. Gaston

    Sep 16, 25 06:09 AM

    Gaston *Foster-to-Adopt* DOB appox: 2020 (6-years-old) Location: Acton, ON Beautiful Gaston the Pyr has not had a lot of exposure to the world as his

    Read More

  2. Hardy

    Sep 15, 25 02:41 PM

    Hardy Location: Acton, ON DOB: Approx. January 2025 (we think he is older though) Single-family home required. Minimum 5-foot securely fenced yard.

    Read More

  3. Willie

    Sep 12, 25 10:00 AM

    DOB: late Sept 2023 (don’t know for sure) rescued Dec 2023 Location: Norwood Ontario Name: Willie Single dwelling home with a securely fenced yard

    Read More

  4. Whalen

    Sep 12, 25 09:59 AM

    DOB: late Sept 2023 (don’t know for sure) rescued Dec 2023 Location: Norwood Ontario Name: Whalen Single dwelling home with a securely fenced yard

    Read More

  5. Bo

    Sep 12, 25 09:57 AM

    DOB: late Sept 2023 (don’t know for sure) rescued Dec 2023 Location: Norwood Ontario Name: Bo Single dwelling home with a securely fenced yard of

    Read More

  6. Courtesy Post - Virgil

    Sep 05, 25 02:51 PM

    DoB of Virgil: 2021 (4.5 years old) Reason for rehoming this big white fluffy: Owner has passed away and he is presently living in an apartment. The people

    Read More

  7. Courtesy - Jax

    Aug 26, 25 05:51 AM

    *ADOPTED*. Jax Working Dog DOB appox: July 2020 Neutered Location: Beaverton Ontario Secure fencing of at least 5 feet is required. Good with kids

    Read More

  8. Courtesy - Pink

    Aug 26, 25 05:50 AM

    *ADOPTED* Working Dog Spayed DOB approx: December 2022 Location: Beaverton Ontario Good with kids when you are there?: Yes, great with kids with us

    Read More