Please help!!!!!

[Dara311]

Hi! I am a new yorkie owner! I used to be a vet tech for 7 years, so I am pretty used to dealing with puppies and animals in general. I have never really been prone to little dogs, but when I first laid eyes on Fiona at 6 weeks old, I knew she would be mine! I moved into a new house with my friends, and Karen (breeder, who lives accross the street) insisted that I take Fiona. So, I got her when she was about 3 months old. She has been great! She is great in the crate, potty training was a breeze, with only 2 accidents total, and all on the hardwood floors at that! So, all in all, I"m doing pretty well with the whole puppyhood thing! Well, once being a grooming assistant, I attempted to cut Fiona's nails! OH BOY what a mess I found myself in! She started growling,flaring around, and just being HORRIBLE! At this point, I"m not really sure what else to do. We took her to the vet on Aug. 25th, and she was so bad with the vet- Now, Im not sure if she was acting up, because I had to hold her , so she probably was trying to protect me and my boyfriend, or if she is just gonna be one that needs to be sedated to be groomed. So, I have been working with her little by little. We are now at the point where I can get her to sit completely still to brush her, and I can hold her paws now. She still is growling and freaking out if I cut her nails. Anyone have a yorkie with this same behavior!? I'm at my last straw with her, and I don't want her to not like me because I'm trying to do things to her. Her nails are sooooo long, it's really embarassing. Any suggestions!? THANK YOU!

[nancyfancypants]

Wow! Mine wasn't that bad, but he still doesn't exactly love it. I've gotten him to the point, though, where he knows that at the end of it all, there's a treat waiting for him. Might not hurt to condition that kind of response and give her something tasty in between nails - maybe clip one or two, then a small bite, etc.

[bchgirl]

Sit on her.

Seriously...do not let her win the battle. I have three...only one has allowed me to trim his nails from day one without initially fighting me. Ramsey and Reese went WILD. Sometimes it took me 20 minutes to trim nails...but I didn't not relent. Eventually they realized it was going to be done...it could be over in 5 or 20...their choice. After each session I did dole out treats. Now when I trim nails...trust me...when I set one done...they demand that treat.

[bchgirl]

Btw, she isn't going to dislike you over the nail trimming. Dogs are so very forgiving.

I should mention mine aren't still aren't happy to see mom with her nail clippers in her hand. LOL

[JesBred]

i just recently read on here to put peaut butter or cheese on the counter and let the dog lick it up while you cut their nails.. it could be worth a try.. might distract her for a minute or two

[Dara311]

THANK YOU!

Ok, I did Sit on her, and then she will stop!

I totally forgot about using peanut butter on a table or floor...you guys are good...real good!!!!

I'll let you all know later!

Thanks again!

[mkawczak]

Aiden bites and growls at it even when I have it on the floor net to us. The brush is o.k. when he allows it to be o.k. I try to do it when he's chillin with a chew toy or bone. I always try to space out all the "drama" Baths, brushing...but I hate the nails. I looked into that new nail trimming thing...too scary. I'm afraid I'll hurt him and myself. My 14 year old Daschund hates it also. I've let his nails grow,but when he goes to the vet he'll have them blasted off. He's old and very protective of both me and his self.

[donnarod]

I started out with Tricksie at 8 weeks, rubbing her feet and toes, have no problems with getting them cut.
My groomer of 18 years tried that new nail trimmer, said, "no", it is battery operated and once you touch the nail, it really slows down and if there is long hair it will get caught up in it.

[Dara311]

yes, i wouldnt recommend using a nail dremel on a long haired dog- it gets twisted up in it and FREAKS the poor dog out.

I told the breeder that when these babies come next week, she needs to really play with their feet, ears, and mouths- I'm not sure if something happened to Fiona or if it's just her personality.

My doxies will let me just cut away, no problems, so I guess I'm just frustrated that I thought Fiona would do the same.... grrrr

[Jessbell]

Originally Posted by bchgirl

Sit on her.

Seriously...do not let her win the battle. I have three...only one has allowed me to trim his nails from day one without initially fighting me. Ramsey and Reese went WILD. Sometimes it took me 20 minutes to trim nails...but I didn't not relent. Eventually they realized it was going to be done...it could be over in 5 or 20...their choice. After each session I did dole out treats. Now when I trim nails...trust me...when I set one done...they demand that treat.

My Chi, Ellie, is exactly the same. She has never, and I'm pretty sure would never bite me in anger but she is scared of the whole nail cutting business and wriggles a lot. It took me a few times of just holding her tightly while she wriggled around for 5 minutes and then finally gave up and let me do it. Now she's pretty good at it, but she always sits at my feet waiting for a treat afterwards! lol Only fair I guess! lol

I agree, dont let her win this battle, or you'll never be able to do it. However, make it as good for her as you can by treating and praising a LOT.

Good luck, let us know how you get on?

Jess

[Dara311]

I will let you all know! Thanks again!


It will probably be later, because Fiona is going to visit her lab boyfriend sonny tonight!

[Dara311]

Good Morning!!!!

I just HAD to share my news with EVERYONE!!!!!

So, as you all read, I was having issues with cutting Fiona's nails. Last night, after I got home from hanging out with some friends and my boyfriend, her and I were laying in bed, and all of a sudden I hear her whining, well she was scratching her neck with her hind legs, and her nail got stuck in her long hair, and she was FREAKING out Well, I put her off the bed, and I feel asleep, thinking that was just a fluke thing, well 1am, it happened again!

So, this morning after I took her out, and got myself ready for work, I picked her up, and said " Sorry girlfriend, but I gotta get these nails cut, or your gonna be hurting yourself! " So, I layed her on her back, and literally sat on her (of course not putting all my weight on her) and got her to hold still, and I CUT HER NAILS! I did it!!!!!

And after I let her go, she got lots of treats, and seemed to not be upset with me!!!!!!

Thank you all so much for your advice! Guess, I showed her whos boss!

[jfalz73]

Originally Posted by Dara311

Good Morning!!!!

I just HAD to share my news with EVERYONE!!!!!

So, as you all read, I was having issues with cutting Fiona's nails. Last night, after I got home from hanging out with some friends and my boyfriend, her and I were laying in bed, and all of a sudden I hear her whining, well she was scratching her neck with her hind legs, and her nail got stuck in her long hair, and she was FREAKING out Well, I put her off the bed, and I feel asleep, thinking that was just a fluke thing, well 1am, it happened again!

So, this morning after I took her out, and got myself ready for work, I picked her up, and said " Sorry girlfriend, but I gotta get these nails cut, or your gonna be hurting yourself! " So, I layed her on her back, and literally sat on her (of course not putting all my weight on her) and got her to hold still, and I CUT HER NAILS! I did it!!!!!

And after I let her go, she got lots of treats, and seemed to not be upset with me!!!!!!

Thank you all so much for your advice! Guess, I showed her whos boss!

YAY!!!! Glad you were able to get the job done!!

[hviola]

My doxie is like this, but he is way too strong for me. I have to have the vet do the nails. He even has to wear a muzzle.

[Dara311]

Originally Posted by jfalz73

YAY!!!! Glad you were able to get the job done!!

Thank you sooo much!!!!!