I found a way to clip his nails!!

[T Doll]

Ok, so it might not be that exciting, but I gotta say I'm pretty ecstatic! I've tried EVERYTHING you can possibly think of to clip Mocha's nails and every attempt ended up being a tiring, unsuccessful struggle. He's perfectly fine with letting me do his back feet, but he totally freaks out when I try to clip his front feet. I've tried every trick in the book, but last night I realized that I've overlooked the simplest trick of all! The trick is....*drum roll*......Make sure he can't see the clippers! I've always gone right towards his feet with clippers in full view, and that was what made him freak out so much. This also explains why he doesn't have a problem with me doing his back feet...because he can't see the clippers! After I discovered this, I couldn't believe how easy it was to clip his nails!

Here's what I do:

I put him on the grooming table with his head facing towards me. Then, I turn my body to the same side as the foot that is getting clipped. For example, if I'm clipping his front left foot, I turn my body towards that foot (so that's to my right, since he's in front of me). When my body is turned, I use my side and back to block his head (I just lean in towards his left shoulder) while I clip his nails. I'm sure there's also other ways to block his view, but I found this to work very well for me.
I recommend putting your baby on a table while clipping their nails, as opposed to putting them on your lap or having somebody hold them. I've just found it easier this way.

I used to think that he simply hated getting his nails clipped, but now I think he just doesn't like to SEE it being done. When I think about it, it makes perfect sense. I HATE needles and I'm terrified of getting shots. But when I must get them, I always turn away and close my eyes. I know it's coming and I know exactly what the doctor is doing, but there's no way I could just sit there and WATCH the needle going into my arm I really think that's how my baby was feeling every time I would go towards him with the clippers (or Peticure grinder).

For those of you who have a hard time doing your babies' nails, please give this a try and let me know if it works! Even if this suggestion helps just ONE person, it'll be worth it

[fufufashions]

Good job!! Thanks for the tips!!

[Smarty Bones]

[chattiesmom]

Fantastic idea! Way to go! Dr. Amy uses the same technique when giving shots and it works!

[izzierj]

I'm going to that tomorrow....I don't have a grooming table, but I will put on their harness , have my dh hold the leash and mimic a grooming table while I snip snip snip.......thanks

[T Doll]

Originally Posted by izzierj

I'm going to that tomorrow....I don't have a grooming table, but I will put on their harness , have my dh hold the leash and mimic a grooming table while I snip snip snip.......thanks

Ya know, even though I have a grooming table, I never actually use the attachable leash to hold him in place He does pretty well on the grooming table, so I've found no use for it. Plus, it's easier to brush/groom him without a harness on. If your baby does ok on the table, you don't even need your hubby to mimic a grooming table lol