Dremels are great but can be loud and frightening.
Lots of foot handling. All the time. Every time I take one of my dogs out (he’s super fussy) that dog gets a once over by me- I check his teeth, I run my hands down his body, and pick up each one of his feet. I only clip one nail on any given day and jackpot a reward (eg an entire hot dog, not just a piece) and I make sure I don’t hit the nail quick. It’s a slow process but you don’t lose the dog’s faith and you’re training it at the same time. I also would not bring it to any old groomer- my sisters German shorthair got ruined that way. The dog was a complete disaster about it’s feet after that visit.

I don’t know your dog but you’ve got a damn smart breed - it’ll understand the trade off really quickly if you’re absolutely consistent and firm. No wishywashyness at all. Chew him out verbally if he misbehaves, reward in your happiest voice while he’s behaving. By the way, Imho I do not recommend manhandling this particular type of dog- I believe he’ll outfox you at best and at worst, mistrust you.

You simply have to convince him it’s in his best interest and you can do that with food if he’s food motivated. Otherwise, praise, shame, etc. This breed typically wants to impress you and wants to be your partner. Good luck!

ETA: how long have you had this pup? Also, whatever special treat you use, make it SPECIAL. I’m talking steak, or whatever the dog really loves- and that’s the only time the dog gets that particular type of treat. It’s the super special nails only treat.

quote:

Originally posted by Johnny 3eagles:
CAUTION when using a Dremel. Can cause heat on the nail from the high speed.

Just a general rule when using any abrasives at high-speed. The coarseness of the grit (lower number ie 60 vs 120 grit) means the less heat/contact with the material. This is a golden principal when grinding with abrassives.

You learn this quickly when using tools like a belt grinder. I generally work with steel. However I could imagine working with softer materials you might have tear-out issues? (I’ve ground plastics and wood as well and the rule about grit coarseness seems to hold true.) You feel the heat in steel right quick.

My two are brothers, a pit bull / bull mastiff mix. The older, bigger one grudgingly allows me to trim his nails. The younger one I have to take to the vet. I hold him still while the vet tech does the clipping. He doesn't bite, he's just too strong and slippery for me to hold on to and trim at the same time.

Most of the pros use a cordless Dremel with a sanding disk.

I use a groomer.

Dremel. Been using it since ours was 12 weeks old.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by irreverent:
Dremels are great but can be loud and frightening.
Lots of foot handling. All the time. Every time I take one of my dogs out (he’s super fussy) that dog gets a once over by me- I check his teeth, I run my hands down his body, and pick up each one of his feet. I only clip one nail on any given day and jackpot a reward [QUOTE]

This.
When you get a puppy or a new dog spend time touching their feet. If the only time a dog gets its feet touched is to clip the nails, there will be problems.
The other thing is self talk. Start thinking of cutting nails and problems with the dog’s behavior don’t be surprised if you have problems.

I pay my vet 3-4 times a year to do it.

I do have a cordless dremel and all kinds of sanding attachments. He is about 1.5 years old, we have had him about 6 months. The quick is pretty easy to see in his nails. I've kept his nails in check by 2 15 minute walks on pavement a day.

We give ours, a 125 lb. GSG, a popsicle. He loves popsicles. No problem cutting nails as long as he has a popsicle. I feed it to him and the wife cuts his nails. It's a no-go without the treat.

quote:

Originally posted by Tommydogg:
I do have a cordless dremel and all kinds of sanding attachments. He is about 1.5 years old, we have had him about 6 months. The quick is pretty easy to see in his nails. I've kept his nails in check by 2 15 minute walks on pavement a day.

He’s a baby! But undoubtedly quick to establish rules if you let him

Run the dremel by him and see how he reacts. It definitely can get hot if you hold it more than a few seconds on his nail but it’ll take the tip off fast. The real question is whether it’s you holding the feet that upsets him or the tool you use.
It’s too much hassle for me to take the dremel out and set it up, esp when I’ve got the clippers in a drawer in the kitchen, but I’m an old school vet tech. Certainly have used the dremel, but mainly on my parrots, not the pups. There’s a saying that I’m sure many use across many industries, and my old jrt was no exception: when it came to handling, “less is more”.

As others have said, Dremel and lots of treats. Both of our dogs get treats when one gets trimmed, standing by the pantry in anticipation as the other is trimmed.

It might be best to have pro cut a problem dog's nails.

Most independent pet stores offer this service. We do and charge $6.00.

We encourage people that come into our store with puppies to spend time handling their feet to get them use to it

 
Here is my wife's take on toe nail trimming:
 
Toe nail trimming, both sides of the story........

What I say happened

I got out the trimmers and the dogs all acted like it was the end of their lives. Some were resigned to it, others screamed in pain before I even touched their feet. All survived unhurt.

What the dogs say happened

She came at us with a chain saw. Those of us not paralyzed with fear tried to avoid having our paws cut off by running away and/or crying out. There was an ambulance and a helicopter standing by to transport injured dogs to the hospital to get paw transplants. It was horrible. After we returned from the intensive care unit, we got treats.

I have always trimmed my dogs nails. Get a good trimmer, go slow and stay out of the quick.

Best to start whwn theyre young. Had a chihuahua had to use peanut butter and do one a day. Start there and move to a treat or thier food and cut one nail everyday. After it becomes routine theyll be more willing.