Every responsible dog owner should pay attention to their dog’s health and regularly perform certain care routines. How to trim your Shiba Inu nails is probably the first thing you want to learn because those tiny paws do a lot for their bodies. Even though many Shibas don’t get thrilled when it comes the time for performing this routine, there are steps you can take that will help you make your pooch relaxed.
Shiba Inu nails- How to teach your pet to enjoy this routine?
In case your furry friend runs away when he sees nail clippers in your hands, then it’s time for training. Since this is one of the most important routines, your dog should get used to it from an early age.
Just like with other routines, your Shiba will need some time to get used to this one too. By going through a desensitization program, your dog will gradually accept having his paws touched. Other steps represent having his nails clipped, and using treats for a reward. Depending on your Shiba Inu’s temperament and personality, this process can go quickly or it might take some time. Anyway, it’s of great importance, not to give up and have a lot of patience.
Tips to teach your dog feel relaxed during nail trimming routine:
- Prepare treats for rewarding your Shiba Inu. Choose your dog’s favorite snacks or something he doesn’t get very often.
- Let him/her lay on the couch with you and gently run your hands down his legs toward the paw. If your dog feels calm, say the word “Yes” and reward him with a treat. Repeat this session and keep it short until your furry friend gets used to this routine.
- The next step represents teaching a dog to become more relaxed while touching his paws. If he/she mastered the previous routine, then try to touch his paws briefly, say ‘Yes’, and reward him/her. Try to do it with all 4 paws and keep the lessons short and fun.
- Show your dog the clippers and let him/her sniff them. Don’t forget to reward this step too. Practice this session for a few days, until your Shiba Inu becomes completely relaxed when you approach the clippers to his paws.
- Keep him occupied by allowing him to eat treats and gently try to trim one of his nails. During this procedure, don’t forget to shower him with praise words too.
- Day by day, your furry friend should show progress and calmly accept getting the tip of his nail taken off.
*Extra tip: Place a silicone mat on your tiles and smear a couple of spoons of peanut butter to make your pet relaxed and distracted.
How to trim your Shiba Inu nails? What to pay attention to?
When trimming your Shiba Inu nails, it’s important to pay attention not to hurt a so-called quick. The quick contains a blood vessel and nerve and it’s much easier to spot it on light dog nails. The quick is visible through the nail and looks like a nail-within-a-nail. Since cutting or injuring the quick is very painful for a dog, a safer option is probably to use a nail grinder instead of traditional clippers.
By regularly cutting/ trimming your Shiba’s nails, you’ll improve his traction while walking, and prevent ingrown nails. Dogs who more often walk on concrete pavements will have to trim their nails less often.
