In response to MyBirdys2003 question regarding the nailtrimming, Cuddles never really became any better about it. I hated that because I let him get away with everything and then he became a total nightmare. If he didn't like something I would just not do it. I didn't want to "stress him out". I felt bad about it. Needless to say, yorkies are very smart dogs and they learn how to "work you" quickly. Since he realized "he won" he started to act that way with everything he didn't like to have done. But it doesn't have to be that way. After Cuddles, I worked for a veterinarian for 7 years. It was there that I learned what I did wrong. You can start by just holding and massaging his paws for a short while. If he does good with that offer him a treat/reward. If he pulls his foot back, just calmly take it in your hands again and let him understand that you are not going to hurt him but you are going to hold his paw. After a while, you may move his nails around as if you were looking between the toes. This may take some time. Keep rewarding him for his good behavior. Always watch his reactions and be guarded. You do not want to be bitten. I don't know if you trim the nails or if you have the groomer or veterinarian trim them. Let them know that you are working with him regarding the nail trimmings and they may be a little more patient with him. They don't want to traumatize him either. You don't have to trim all four paws in one day. Just do a little at a time and hopefully he will start to trust that no one is out to hurt him and hopefully he will tolerate it. So far, it is working for my little guy. I hope this has been some help to you. |