cutting too much of a dogs nail

Just after I wrote my previous post in this thread I got inspired to work on the long nails of a foster dog I just took in (temporarily) last night. http://www.petfinder.com/pet.cgi?action=2&pet=5195528

Morgan is the largest dog we've had and he likes to use his teeth - he 'mouths' things but he's always very gentle. I figured trimming his nails would be a good way to find out how much restraint he has.

Well, I learned that he doesn't like having his paws held and he was pretty much terrified by the sound of the grinder. I ended up with him in our walk-in shower, trying to make him comfortable. It wasn't going well.

I tried 'fake grinding' his nails with the grinder off. That eventually went alright. Then I tried running the grinder and then touching the handle to his body, legs and paws. His paws were still sensitive but he tolerated the rest, for the most part. I wanted to make sure that I did not grind either of us while doing this so I finally removed the sanding head. It was much quieter then. (This B&D model only has two speeds.) He tolerated it even more.

Then I was able to put the collet up against his nails. I did that for quite awhile and then I put the sanding head back on. He let me do his dewclaws - no problemo. What a difference from the dance we were doing at first! I did other nails that were off the floor because of the way he was sitting but he wouldn't let me lift his paws to trim.

I wouldn't have been so tolerant of all of this resistance with my dogs. I'm becoming 'kinder and gentler' in my old age and having a dog this big is especially good incentive to work *with* the dog! I like it.

BTW, although Morgan mouthed the grinder a few times and brushed against me a couple times, he never showed anything close to agression in this very stressful situation. What a great guy! Please tell me if you know someone who would like a great dog like this. (I'm in Indiana but would fly him anywhere around here.)

I posted in this thread awhile ago right after I first tried to grind our latest foster dog's nails. Morgan is a big guy (for us). http://www.petfinder.com/pet.cgi?action=2&pet=5195528 I don't want to coerce him to let me trim his nails. I'm not sure I even could.

Our first attempt (as I described) got off to a rough start but eventually ended in success. I tried again this morning, in the open after trimming a couple other dogs' nails. He backed away from me with great force (but with amazing gentleness).

I finally realized I had the grinder on the high speed setting like I do with the other dogs. I switched it to low (as I had the first time) and gave him some liver treats. He eventually tolerated some grinding - even with me lifting his paws.

I did his front paws with lots of liver breaks. I didn't want to spoil our progress but he was doing so well that I finally did his back paws. He spun around on me a few times but he tolerated it. I kept it light.

After I was done he was standing there wanting more so I went another round! Gotta love those liver treats!

Both of our foster dogs and Gable, our PWD, are happy about nail trimming now. Only Grazie avoids it but she'll tolerate it for me.

I've recommended grinding to friends for a long time. Now that I'm getting better at it I'm even happier with it. I'm also seeing that it's not limited to well-trained highly-controlled dogs; with enough praise and treats it can work well for foster dogs.

Never grind nails always trim them with profesional trimmers bought at a reputable store or vetrinary supply house.

Nails are very important for the dental and orthopedic health of dogs and puppies so it is prudent to cut them in graduated regular intervals.

Bzzzt, wrong answer. Grinding is gentler, doesn't pinch the nail, far less likely to quick the dog, and leaves lovely rounded edges that don't scratch or snag on clothes.

What's a 'reputable store'. I didn't know a building could have a

A reputable store is one where they carry trhe good stuff like chains and other needs of a real dog who is owned by his Master. Since only good stores verses BAD stores where time is wasted as oposed to Bzzzztuted by boredom with trivials and poor nail hygene.