Fear-Free Nail Trimming Training Sessions

While most owners only tend to be alarmed by their dog’s click-clacking on the hardwood floors, nail maintenance is a major factor in your dog’s physical structure and bodily comfort. When a dog’s nails are touching the floor on a hard surface, they are long enough to push up on the dog’s joints. In the case of super-long nails, the dog’s entire paw structure may flatten to avoid this pressure and the dog’s entire gait is affected. An uncomfortable gait leads to a dog with mobility struggles, defensive behavior, and lack of concentration. 

For dogs who are already struggling with reactivity and anxiety, tight muscles due to uncomfortable nails can compound their anxiety and exacerbate their sensitivities. Often these dogs also feel extremely vulnerable having their paws handled to the point that they need to be sedated for nail trims. This is not a financially-sustainable option, considering that maintenance trimming for most dogs is every three weeks!