Help with Clipping Nails

[roseyg76]

Any ideas on how to help Blazey get more comfortable with getting his nails clipped? He is 3 years old and we got him about 6 months ago. The previous owner warned that he was sensitive about his paws....well that was an understatement because he is petrified!! He has warmed up to me playing with his paws(at first he wouldn't even let me touch them), but I haven't been able to make any progress with the nail clipping. I even tried the Pedi-Paws (which files instead of clips) and he yanks his little paw away as soon as I get started, and if I persist he yelps even though I am not doing anything that hurts....oh how can I help my little man?? His claws are getting too long and I am afraid they will start to hurt him...some people say to take him to the vet or groomer, but he gets so stressed so easily...they have to put a tiny muzzle on him just to take his temperature because he nips out of fear, and he cries the WHOLE time...it breaks my heart. Sorry for the long post...just wanted to give as much info as possible, so that maybe I can find someone who is or has been in a similar situation and offer advice....Thanks in advance for any help!!

[Britster]

Jackson is 1 year old and TERRIBLE with his nails. I had to bring him to Petsmart once and it was not a fun situation, lol, he was flipping out and the dude had to hold him really tight and the girl clipped really fast. I felt really bad for him, he was so stressed, he expressed his anal glands which he had never done before, it was gross. He will let me do it but it takes a lot of time and patience. I usually will only get 2 or 3 nails before taking a break, and then trying again later. His groomer does them pretty good and she said he wasn't terribly bad for her but did put up a bit of a fight. Sooo many dogs don't like their nails being done but I think the key is just patience and calmness even if it takes you 5 days to cut 1 paw.

[mimimomo]

You have to make sure to grab hold of his paws w/out him yanking away & w/out hurting him. It helps tremendously when someone else is holding him tight & w/the other hand, holding his leg & paw firmly. Then, you can trim his nails.
It's very important not to cut his quick. You need to earn his trust & eventually, nail cutting will become easier (hopefully). After he lets you cut one nail, over praise him. If he's food motivated, pop in a treat. Don't praise/treat if he's fighting.

Momo & Turbo act like I'm going to kill them lol. It's getting a tiny bit easier, they don't fight as much & scream murder lol.