[yorkietalkjilly]

I have used one of those very coarse cardboard type nail files and they work wonders, too. Slow but sure! Worry it makes those tiny toes sore, though, with all the back and forth, repetitive filing so I stopped and went back to the dremel type filing. Bought a Gentle Paws, not very powerful but gets the job done. Takes patience, working the dog up to the filing session, made very positive with treats, lots of smiles, upbeat praise and repetitive, very short sessions once the dog is used to the dremel tool.

Worked up one toenail a day after gentling Tibbe to it by letting him sleep with the Gentle Paws dremel, play with it, etc. for two weeks, then just ran it beside him, treated, praised him x2 weeks. Then touched it to his nail while off, treats, praise for another two weeks, finally turned it on, used it on one nail for 10 seconds, treats, praise, stop for day and a romp outside. Next day, 10 seconds on another nail, treats, praise, romp outside. And so on. Eventually we worked up to 30 - 45 seconds on each nail, 20 toenails, lots of treats, heartfelt praise followed by a good romp outside to work off the pent up energy and nerves. He's fine with Gentle Paws after that slow build up where he was allowed the time and treats and praise, happy times associated with those sessions. Time and patience, treats and happy, heartfelt praise, i.e., good associations, work wonders on Yorkies.