Trimming dog claws

[HumbleJim]

Hi our dog hates having his claws cut or feet touched makes the whole thing a stressful time.

Do all dogs need their claws clipped? When I was a child we had a dog, I don't remember ever having to do it.

[Escort3500]

It partly depends on the type of surfacing they usually walk on. When we lived in a town our dogs' claws didn't need clipping very often as they were walking on hard, slightly abrasive surfaces. Now they're generally walked on fields and tracks and clipping is necessary more often. I think it might also depend on the breed. Our whippet needs his clipping every 3-4 weeks, but the retriever/collie cross only every few months at the most. A good pair of clippers is essential too.

[HumbleJim]

We walk mostly on fields, pavements won't help dew claws though. I can't get near his feet, clippers or not so we ask a local groomer to do it. Last time two of us had to hold him (one at front and one at the back) muzzel on whilst the fearless trimming lady did the business. he goes every 3-4 months.

[Escort3500]

You're doing the right thing given his fear of clipping. Every few months isn't too bad

[Jasandjules]

Have you had him since a puppy? Just wondering if at some stage someone has cut too far down and hurt him.

We do all ours, and the cats.

[bexVN]

Some dogs just seem naturally phobic, through no obvious reason, some just don't like the sound of the clipping.

It can be reversed, we had a whippet on our books, owners used to clip, never cut them too low but became more sensitive after an allergic reaction on his feet due to certain grasses. They couldn't do him anymore and I witnessed the poor soul getting into a frenzy when colleagues tried to do them.

With a lot of patience and time by myself and a fellow colleague we gradually regained his trust and now he doesn't even pant when I do them and I can now do them on my own.

We would have him come in every month initially and sometimes just trim the tips or not even cut them all etc..

[HumbleJim]

Well that's done for another couple of months, excellent brave groomer that shows no fear and doesn't take "no" for an answer.

http://kenilworthdoggrooming.com/

[AdiT]

So do some breeds need claws clipping and others not?

I've never done my Weim', though I did get a set of clippers when he was a pup but have no idea where they are now. He does have a min' of 1 1/2hr a day walking, mostly off the lead, which I guess wears them down (though a lot of that's on grass). Even his dew claws don't seem to need doing.