Dremel

[I am Groot]

So I am new here. I just got my puppy a week ago. I know that I need to start on things early to that I am struggling when he is a 150 pound teenager. I am just starting to read and practice things. Being single (but working from home) doesn't make the training easy but we are working through a lot of things.

I have started with brushing his teeth and he is good about that but is not a fan of dremel. I am just working on touching his paws while the dremel is on. I will do more research on the site to see if I can find more advice but if you can point me to something, I would appreciate it.

[Adrienne]

Hi there, 

Welcome to the forums! I am happy that you have made the choice on working on your puppy early rather than later on, 150 pounds later. This approach is great for starting on the right paw.  I have a guide on using dog nail clippers, which technically requires a similar approach, but there are some variances to keep in mind, so I will be posting some steps here. 

With using a Dremel we need to work on several levels: 1) getting the pup used to having paws handled, 2) getting the pups used to the sound of the Dremel and 3) getting used to the sensation of the Dremel grinding the nail. I had to add another level for my dogs: getting used to the smell. Both seemed bothered by the smell of the powder being released upon grinding their nails more than the grinding sensation itself. Sometimes I had to place myself in between to prevent the fine powder from reaching them as it often irritated their airways and made them sneeze.

The methods I use are based on desensitization and counterconditioning, paying attention that the pup is not sent over threshold. 

1) Make it a habit of touching/rubbing each paw (don't forget in between the toes!) and delivering tasty treats. Paw touch-treat, paw-touch treat, paw touch-treat. Do this often enough that your dog comes to associate the paw touch with treats, leading to what's known as a positive conditioned emotional response. In other words, upon touching the paw, your pup looks happily up to you in anticipation of the treats. 

2) Make the Dremel your dog's best friend. Let your pup get used to seeing it around. Don't just get it out when your dog needs a nail trim. Keep the Dremel behind your back and then show it to your dog. Every time he sees it or sniffs it, give a treat. Then put it behind your back again once he has finished eating the treat and repeat several times, aiming once again to obtain a positive conditioned emotional response.

3) Help your dog get used to the noise. Turn the Dremel on and feed a treat, then turn it off when your pup is done eating the treat. Rinse and repeat. Noise-treat, noise-treat, noise-treat. Once again, look for that happy, anticipation response. Gradually, bring the Dremel closer to your pup's paw, but no touching. If he acts scared at any time, take a few steps back, splitting the exercise into smaller steps (present it farther and work at the distance until he seems comfortable before moving it closer).

4) Start making contact with a nail. You will likely need a helper initially. Make the Dremel (turned on) touch the nail and have a helper feed him a treat while you do this. Once the dog is done eating the treat, remove the  Dremel. Rinse and repeat. Once again, aim for that positive emotional response. If your dog acts scared at any time, take a few steps back, splitting the exercise into smaller steps (maybe have the Dremel turned off initially until your pup seems comfortable before turning it on).

5) Once your dog seems comfortable, you can start feeding the treats on your own after each trimmed nail. Trim one nail, then once done feed a treat. Trim another nail, then once done feed a treat. Remember to go slow. Don't make those nail trims a tedious job during which your dog is wincing every time a nail is trimmed. Try doing just one or two nails a day and make it a fun, rewarding and upbeat activity! 

Once your dog is relaxed enough, you can even try trimming the nails when your dog is resting, giving a treat every now and then to reward compliance (I never take that for granted!)

As seen, it may take several steps to create positive associations with nail trims. This is because many pups aren't very comfortable having their paw handled. The process may require some adjustments (going back a few steps before moving forward) if we notice any signs of being uncomfortable, but the good news is that if we go at the pup's pace, we can progress to the point of the pup growing to accept nail trims, and in some cases, even being relaxed enough to nap through it!