Twice a year is definitly not often enough unless the dog is naturally wearing the nails down anyway like on concrete. Monthly is good. You can even do it weekly if you want and just take the tiniest bit off each time.
Just some helpful hints if your dog is difficult. Don't put it off too long with a new puppy. Get them used to having their nails clipped on a regular basis or it will always be a difficult chore for both of you. I don't like holding the dog in my lap because she can just squirm away too easily and every time she gets away it just makes her squirm more next time because she has learned that she can eventually get away if she tries hard enough. With my girl I have her standing on a counter and put a harness on her and anchor it to a cabinet above her. Gently lift a back foot behind her so you are looking at the pad. A second person to hold her body upright is helpful because she may try to flip over and you would end up having to let go of the foot. You don't want to let go of her foot because again you have taught her that she will win if she fights enough. Hold the foot firmly and take just the tiniest tip off each nail. Praise her when you finish the foot and give her a treat if you want. It doesn't matter if you get every nail done the first time. As a matter of fact it is ok if you don't actually clip any nails the first time. As long as you manage to hold onto the foot and go thru the motions long enough for the dog to give up so you are releasing the foot on your terms and not her terms then you are making progress. Sometimes I just tap the clipper against each nail so the dog thinks I clipped something. As long as you don't let your dog win the battle you will eventually get the upper hand. Oh and one other thing I have learned - kisses and cuddles and sweet talk do not work during nail clipping. Your baby knows she has you wrapped around her little paw and will be much more wiggly if you are sweet talking her. It's hard to be firm and not give in with these little guys but it's in their best interest to train them to accept nail clipping on a regular basis. |