Why bother to train for peaceful nail trims? Most of us have made it this far without taking the time to train specifically for something we do just once every month. Or two. Or three.
Actually, that’s a good reason to start. We put off nail care when it’s difficult. We didn’t bring home a pet because we wanted to wrestle with it or feel at odds! and we tend to delay difficult tasks, whether they’re mentally or physically challenging.
If nail care was easy, even fun, we would do it more often. Doing it more often would mean less trimming each time, further reducing the effort. More frequent care would mean smoother, shorter nails, reducing scratches on furniture, clothing, and skin. And nail care at home means no scheduling appointments, transporting pets to a shop or clinic, or paying for every visit.
But just as important, training your pet to enjoy nail trims with you is a great way to build relationship, enjoy your pet, and set up for future situations. If your pet needs emergency care, it’s best if they already know how to relax and participate with you. With these goals in mind, let’s get started!
Will This Work?
It’s reliable for me, and I’ve worked with dogs who had been handled with leather gloves and multiple people. My own dogs were introduced to nail care in this step-by-step positive manner, and they have to be told to take turns when it’s time for nails. (Seriously.)
That said, you do have to put in the training for each step, and it is important to be successful at each step before moving on. Rushing will take much more time.
But you don’t have to go it alone. If you get stuck, or if you just want someone to look over your shoulder and tell you whether you’re on the right track, you can add a private consultation at any time. But that’s totally optional, and you can also do this entire course on its own. Customize to your needs and preferences!
And this course is highly flexible, as you’ll see.
Homework
No homework yet! This is where you’ll find it for each lesson, though.
I will usually suggest a time limit for your training sessions (maybe 30 seconds each) and a recommendation on sessions per day (such as between 2 and 5).
But this training is very accommodating. Did you have to work overtime? Just catch up on sessions now that you’re home. Did you need a couple of extra days to get to proficiency? No worries! Take as long as you need at each level and move on when you’re ready. This course is self-pacing, and you will not lose ground if you take a little longer at any point. In fact, when in doubt, stay at one level a bit longer before moving on. In this particular case, it’s always best to play it safe.
It’s important to note that different animal learners will progress at difference paces in this. A puppy or kitten with no memory of any struggle over nail care will have nothing to unlearn before they learn, and they may progress through the course in a few days. An animal who has had some unpleasant experiences may need more time to build trust in this program. Don’t worry about it — take the time you need. It will be worth it in the long run.
You’ll also find quizzes to help you evaluate when you and your pet are ready to move on.
Let’s get started!