Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Our dog's nails have gotten out of control. I've been ill over the past few years and we haven't been able to take them on the long walks we all enjoy, walks that also help to keep their claws in check. We have 2 dogs, a boy & a girl, with completely different nail types. Our lab-mix has traditional nails; the quick is easy to see, the nails aren't thick, and they're easy to grind down. We also have a coonhound who has thick black nails that are closer to talons than claws. Her nails are difficult to trim no matter what method is used. The lab-mix's nails are a dream to grind down with this device while the coonhound's nails are a nightmare. The hound's nails are so thick that they don't fit well in either of the openings on the device and make it more difficult to use on her. This also means she has an unpleasant experience no matter how comfortable we make it for her. We do have a few ideas that may help if you're new to this. They're our own trial and error tips; we learned each one having never used something like this on their nails before. Keep in mind we're not professionals and this is not expert advice. We're providing tips on things that we have found to be helpful. Neither of our dogs is aggressive or has any behavioral issues, if your dog(s) have these issues you may want to consult a trainer or your veterinarian before purchasing this device. Here are things we've learned in the past few weeks while using the nail grinder: • Trim the fur/hair around and in between the dog's toes before you first use the device on them. You definitely don't want to get their fur or hair stuck in the grinder. • Go slow, use the slower setting to begin with, and offer plenty of treats. Even if your dog is fine with the device you still should keep treats handy so that your dog always associates the device with something good. • Pull all of YOUR hair back with a ponytail holder, barrettes, etc. After using the grinder a few times I leaned in to get a better look. At the same time a chunk of my bangs fell forward and of course got caught in the grinder. I'm glad it was my hair and not my dog's fur! My hair was pulled back into a bun but I didn't secure my bangs. Don't be me, be smarter than me! • We started out leaving the device uncovered, but turned off, on the coffee table, couch, and even the floor so they could get used to seeing and smelling it. Then we'd turn it on and just hold it or pass it to one another. We always ignored the dogs, making sure to look away from them specifically, so as to not acknowledge their reactions. At first they were obviously uncomfortable with it as they'd get up and leave the room. Eventually they began to ignore it. •Tip: don't try to leave it on something that can amplify the sound of the motor such as the coffee table. •Tip: If you have an electric toothbrush this is a great training tool before you ever buy a nail grinder. Brush your teeth as you walk through the house; ignore your dog, don't look in their direction, but make sure to watch out of the corner of your eye. If they don't show any reaction try sitting on the couch or floor while brushing. If they seem a little uncomfortable give them a treat & a pet/scratch for reassurance. If they walk away do this a few times a day keeping treats easily accessible. If they stay in the room toss them a treat, f they take a step closer give a treat, if they show any little sign of making progress give them a treat. Make brushing your teeth a positive experience for your dog. I bet you never thought you'd read that sentence...I never thought I write it so we're on the same page! • If you have more than one dog make sure that you use it on each dog when they're alone; at least at first. Make sure that your other dog(s) can't get in the room. If they freak out they may cause the next dog, who might otherwise remain calm, to also freak out when you try it on them. Alternatively if one of your dogs is fine with the device being used on them and you have another dog who is less than fine with the device being used try trimming the calm dog's nails first, in front of the nervous dog. Do this every time so that your nervous dog can see the calm dog's lack of reaction. If you have someone else in the house who can provide treats to both dogs, and especially provide treats and reassurance to a nervous dog, this would be the ideal situation. If not try to take at least one break per paw (I do it after the first 3 nails are done) to give treats to both pups and try to reassure your nervous dog...though at the least take a break before beginning the next paw to dole out treats and love. • Treats are big, I'm sure you've figured that out by now. Have treats handy, as in they're out of the packaging and (if needed) broken down into bite size pieces and in a spot where Spot can't get to them. If your dog is a fan of yogurt or peanut butter try smearing some on a plate and letting them go to town while you work. If you can't find a comfortable angle to work at, for you or Fido (you both need to be comfortable but it's most important that Fido is comfy), using this method try smearing the peanut butter on a wall or the side of something like the bathtub. I don't think it'll work the same with yogurt. •Tip: BEFORE doing this on a wall or other surface make sure that you test an inconspicuous area to make sure that the oils don't leave a permanent stain. I refuse to take any blame for a new and permanent, oil spot because you didn't think to test it first. • If your dog is tolerating the device but is obviously not happy/comfortable try doing one nail and stopping. Make sure that you give a treat immediately after you pull the device away. Always make it a happy experience. •Tip: We always begin AND end with a treat when trimming our dog's nails. We want both of them to see it as positive every time. Overall keep the experience as positive as you can and try not to get frustrated...easier said than done sometimes. We've been using the nail grinder for a few weeks now and one of our dogs has no issue with it, though he started out nervous. By the second week he had no problem with it. Our other dog still stands up and walks out when she sees it. We keep it on the coffee table at all times and all she has to do is notice it and she leaves. I can say that she has stopped shaking and peeing when we use it on her...that's the extent of her progress. If given the slightest opportunity during the process she will try to walk away. Distraction is key with her. I'm not sure that she'll ever be okay with it but I know that she'll get better at tolerating it. Again, we are not professionals in the dog grooming industry. The tips and tricks listed above are things we've learned from our own experience. If you are unsure about using this device at all please contact your veterinarian or a trainer. If you don't have a trainer that you currently trust please make sure that you get referrals from others.