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Livestock Gaurdian Dog Needs a Little TLC, Resistant

 
steward
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Our LGD, Emmer, is a 4-year-old male Pyrenees/Anatolian/Akbash mix.  He is great.  Incredibly well-trained, great with all our animals, responds well to our direction.  

The situation is that he gets the typical in-grown claw on his dew claw.  He used to let me trim it, but now he won't.  I think it's a trauma response at this point - he'll run away if I am holding the trimmers and I try to hold his foot.  I may try some skull cap and valerian to see if it will calm him down.  

I'd like to avoid a veterinary visit and hardcore tranquilizers.  

Any suggestions?
 
master gardener
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I own a Plott Hound who will let me mess with any part of her unless she gets suspicious that I am even thinking of the idea of nail trimming.

She is a pet moreso than a LGD but I have found her price.

Ice Cream. (Purina Frosty Paws or I might do some Whipped Cream)

She doesn't come running happily to me to get her nails trimmed but I can put the trimmers in my back pocket and work on her with minor resistance now.

However, after the fact I have to pay the piper!

If you have a high value object/food, that might help at least make the job tolerable.
 
Rusticator
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I use the same method with Charlie - a high-value treat. She still doesn't like the clippers, but will usually tolerate them, for that high-value (in her eyes) treat.

Have you been able to take a good look at it? If it's inflamed or painful, all bets are off, as far as getting cooperation. Like with 'happy tail', if it's a constant or frequent source of pain, that's about the only time I'd recommend surgical removal. It might not be a bad idea to take him to the vet, for an evaluation.
 
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While this will not help now though this might help future dog owners or folks thinking about getting a puppy.

When the puppies are young play with their feet by rubbing or stroking.  Getting them used to the feet being handled.

I did the same thing with the kitten when we got her.

Nowadays anytime I pick her up I stroke her feet.

Treats will help distract the dog.

This article talks about using lavender oil to calm the dog:

Aromatherapy relaxes and helps your dog fall asleep. Use some lavender oil for massaging your dog to calm it down. Make sure to rub the back of its head using your hands.

Don’t forget to stroke down the base of the spine. Massaging helps stop the production of cortisol, reducing stress on your dog.

When your dog is calm enough, you can prepare your clippers, nail file, or nail grinder.



https://dogsbestlife.com/dog-grooming/nail-clippers/
 
Carla Burke
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Just to be clear, I handle all my critters as much as possible, including paws, tails, ears, mouths, and all the places I know they've a natural instinct to protect. It definitely helps, but all it takes is one time for something to go sideways, and that's all she wrote. In Charlie's case, as I clipped a toenail, she wiggled, and twisted her knee, causing pain in her (previously diagnosed) luxating patella. She has cringed away from the clippers, ever since.
 
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Longshot, but I knew a woman whose dog didn't like  getting her claws clipped. The dog actually came up with the idea, and nestled her head under the woman's armpit back where she couldn't see. That way, she was able to tolerate it.
 
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