Some dogs don't mind it, some dogs don't like it, and some dogs run under the bed if you even think the words: nail trimming.  It's perfectly natural for dogs to object to someone holding their feet.  How can they run from danger if you've incapacitated their gateway vehicle?

Small dogs in particular are notorious for objecting to nail trimming, no matter how many bits of hot dog or cheese you wave in their frantic faces.  However, long nails can make walking difficult and even injure feet, so do this grooming chore regularly.  You can train your dog to endure, if not adore, nail trimming.  Just follow these five steps:

Choose your tool.
Nail trimmers come in two basic types: guillotine and scissors style. Either choice is fine. More important than style is a sharp blade that will cut rather than crush nails. Another option: a nail grinder.

Hold on gently.
Put your dog on your lap, on a table, or on another comfortable surface like a chair or couch. Put your arm around her upper body above her front legs to secure her. Use your other hand to hold the trimmer. Better yet, have someone else hold your dog with one arm gently but firmly around her neck and one around her chest. Stay calm and upbeat.

Clip the tip (not the quick).
Take her paw in your hand. Position the trimmer so the flat surface of the cutting blade is perpendicular to the nail, with the trimmer tip pointing up. Cut just the nail tip to avoid the blood vessel and nerves in the nail called the quick. If you cut the quick, it will bleed and be painful. You may be able to see the quick in light-colored nails, but not dark nails.

Embrace regularity.
Although it may seem like more trouble, frequently trimming nail tims rather than infrequently cutting larger pieces of nail has two benefits. First, more frequent trimming encourages the quick to recede, reducing the change of an injury. Second, it becomes less traumatic for your dog, as she realizes nail trimming is routine. 

If trimming makes her nervous, just trim one nail each day. When she adjusts to the routine, work up to all nails in one session. Don't forget the dew claw, which some breeds have higher up on the leg. At this point, repeat weekly.

Pay up.
Reward your dog with praise, petting and a small treat that will make it all seem worth the trouble.

Carol is pictured with Ronny the Beagle who is available for adoption. Please click on the image to be lead to his profile.