Meet Eli—And Questions About His Nails

nicolemackey

Hey everyone! My name is Nicole and attached is a picture of my 7-year-old Eli! I was excited to find a forum of fellow bull terrier enthusiasts and wanted to see if anyone had any advice about cutting nails! So Eli is extremely anxious going to the groomer and always gives them quite the problem—so much so that he was asked not to come back to his groomer that we’ve been going to for the past year. He doesn’t get aggressive, but he loves to thrash his body around and really give them a hard time.

Does anyone have any advice for getting your bull terriers nails cut? My boyfriend and I have given multiple tries to cut them ourselves at home, but this usually results in Eli hiding in spots we can’t reach him or screaming like a little baby. I may have to have him sedated and make appointments at the vet, but first wanted to see if anyone had any advice! Thanks guys!

Laura

There’s a place I have gone to that has 2 people do the nails, my dog stays standing on the floor and they stand over him, they are petting him and he doesn’t even know they did the nails. I will be going back there because my dog has gotten more picky about it lately, the groomer was afraid to do one of the paws last time.

I also recommend doing the back paws first because he doesn’t know what they’re doing, when he watches them do the front paws he gets nervous. If you only do nails and not a whole bath that might be less stressful for your dog. I know groomers like to do nails at the beginning of the session but it is better at the end so th dog is more comfortable. You can try nail grinding instead of cutting. If you walk your dog on pavement often you shouldn’t need them trimmed much except the thumb/do claw. Go to a new place and tell them that your dog is anxious about it. Good luck next time!! I’m sure it will be better.

nicolemackey

Thanks Laura! yeah I think he definitely gets most anxious when they put him on the table. We’ve tried a grinder ourselves, but just the noise makes Eli afraid. We’ve been going on longer walks so hopefully that will help as well. I appreciate it!

Neil

Try clipping the claws one at a time while the dog is sleeping.

JParanee

Do everything you can to not sedate him

Like mentioned above do one at a time

I just hold them securely and clip one or two every now and than

Hope

Beautiful Bullie. My dogs bails are naturally trimmed by walking alot. I walk him a short distance on asphalt or concrete sidewalks. I only have to clip his dew claws on occasion. My Vet suggested this. His paws are soft also. <img src="http://www.bulliesofnc.com/BTforum/uploads/Uploader/51/e3a7fe0aefcb14fc507c9de743c830.jpg" />

Hope

Oops nails not bails.

Djammy

Our girl is really scared by everything that happens to her feet or ears. I do no longer use dremels because the noise and duration of the process stressed and freaked our former EBT out to the bones.
With Djammy I have trained the clipping step by step making it a positive experience for her with treats, stroking and praise. Taking it extra slow and one nail at a time is key. Today, she still does not love nail trimming but accepts it as long as it does not take too long and we take breaks.
If you want to read how we got there, here‘s the story:
http://www.bullterrierfun.com/dog-nail-trimming-anxiety/

nicolemackey

Great thank you so much!!! We’ll try the same thing with Eli!