Q: We took in a 4-year-old stray cat in December and the one problem we have is trimming his nails. It is quite expensive to keep taking him to the vet, as he needs to be medicated. I have tried to touch his feet but he pulls away or bites. How do you suggest we make him trust us and feel comfortable having his feet held? Declawing is not an option for us.
- Jennifer
A: Nail trimming can be a nightmare whether you are working with a cat or a dog.
Techniques such as repeated handling may work with some animals but, for others, it can backfire. The owner ends up with bloodied arms while the cat cowers under the sofa. It becomes a lose-lose situation.
But it is possible to have an animal who happily offers its paws for trimming. The technique and the theory are simple. Animals who enjoy nail trimming will not struggle. So we need to teach them to love the process.
Execution is critical. As the teacher, you need to work one step at a time, letting each step build on your previous work. The stronger the foundation, the stronger the end result will be.
Most owners have done this unaware. Leashes result in tail wags, for example, because your dog knows a leash mean walks. In the same way, nail clippers need to trigger a positive emotional response.
If your pet already has issues, start fresh. Buy a radically different style of clipper. Choose quality tools. Sharp blades cut quickly and cleanly. Dog shows are one of my favourite places to shop for grooming supplies.
Get prepared with some special, high-value treats and the nail clippers. Hide the clippers in your pocket. Most important, reduce the amount of attention your animal is getting. Your pet may fuss or offer tricks to earn a treat. Do not give in.
When you are ready, pull the clippers out of hiding and feed a few of the special treats. Fuss over the animal. Put the clippers away. Stop feeding and reduce the amount of attention. The clippers are the predictor of good things.
End the session while the animal wants to do more work. This gives you leverage. It also teaches the animal that things always end well. They will want to return to the game.
Repeat until the animal visibly gets excited to see the clippers. Some animals, in their eagerness, will begin pawing at the clippers. That is a great sign, and a behaviour you can reward.
The next step is to pull out the clippers with one hand and gently touch the pet's paw with the other. Feed and put the clippers away. Over time, try touching the bottom of the paw. Then work toward picking up the paw. Finally, start touching the paw with the clippers.
The first time you actually clip, only cut the very tip of one nail. End each session on a high note.
Spread the steps out over several weeks. The animal should never feel the need to fight. If you see signs of fear, go back a step. Patience and a positive teaching environment are your greatest allies.
Continue using the veterinarian for real trimming until you have completed the exercises. If your animal is growling, snapping or has other handling issues, you should consider getting some personal coaching with a behaviour specialist.
Yvette Van Veen is a certified animal behaviour consultant. Write her at petadvice@awesomedogs.ca.
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/living/article/350660 *** This article was reprinted with the express written consent of freelance writer Yvette Van Veen, Awesome Dogs
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