Chewing on nails?

[Michelle]

This is just my 2 cents, but from the video, it appears that his nails are a little long, maybe not, it just looked like that to me. That being said, maybe it bothers him if they are too long. Over the years I have only had one dog that did this and my vet said as long as he is not neurotic and chewing his nails till they bleed, he'll probably be ok doing it. But if you are like me, it does drive you nuts! (the noise).
I just started making sure mine were done weekly, and I kept them as short as possible. My RR, from the time he was a baby, has had his done with regularity and I just ask him for his paw now and he lets me trim. The key, I think, is leaving nervous energy out of the mix and reward with a treat after each clip. (the breeder taught me this).
As long as I am calm and confident Ringo lets me clean his ears and clip nail and moisturize his nose.
 

Michelle 

[Keeper]

Chris your boy has grown up!  And is lovely indeed!!
In my world I don't allow the dog to decide IF they will tolerate me doing nails, teeth or ears...or anything else for that matter.  There's lots of things I DON'T like...unfortunately life dictates otherwise.
It doesn't matter that they Don't Like It....only that they Hold Still until I'm finished.  They don't have a choice in the matter.   

[Chris Ronson, Jr]

This is just my 2 cents, but from the video, it appears that his nails are a little long, maybe not, it just looked like that to me. That being said, maybe it bothers him if they are too long. Over the years I have only had one dog that did this and my vet said as long as he is not neurotic and chewing his nails till they bleed, he'll probably be ok doing it. But if you are like me, it does drive you nuts! (the noise).
I just started making sure mine were done weekly, and I kept them as short as possible. My RR, from the time he was a baby, has had his done with regularity and I just ask him for his paw now and he lets me trim. The key, I think, is leaving nervous energy out of the mix and reward with a treat after each clip. (the breeder taught me this).
As long as I am calm and confident Ringo lets me clean his ears and clip nail and moisturize his nose.
 

Michelle 

I understand what you mean by nervous energy because I noticed that with my ex gf around her GSD...I really don't think I carry that though, to me he recognizes and remembers therefore freaks out so to speak. He see's a dremmel and he knows what it's for, and he knows what the ear cleaning bottles are for.

[Chris Ronson, Jr]

Chris your boy has grown up!  And is lovely indeed!!
In my world I don't allow the dog to decide IF they will tolerate me doing nails, teeth or ears...or anything else for that matter.  There's lots of things I DON'T like...unfortunately life dictates otherwise.
It doesn't matter that they Don't Like It....only that they Hold Still until I'm finished.  They don't have a choice in the matter.   

Yes he has! He's quite the ~90lbs goof ball, and slightly larger than his dad as of February!

I understand, and I'm sure you also understand..it's hard to keep a hand on them and out-muscle them when not giving them a choice. I like to think I'm in shape and fairly strong, but he's a monster to put it nicely lol. I used an emery board on him the other day and while it basically did nothing, it didn't bother him...he just wanted to chew on it!

[Safi]

Yes emery Boards make nice chew sticks My trick with the ear cleaning is to soak a couple of cotton balls in the stuff and then squeeze them into both ears simultaneously.. a good massage of the ears and then let her shake them out

Not sure there are any good tricks for the Dremel or Cutters .. I am just more stubborn than Safi is so it gets done. She does seem to be becoming more resigned to getting the nails done and she always gets a nice treat afterwards.

Steve

[melissap]

Having literally just got done doing nails, I have to say, it is not about the size of the dog but having the attitude and leadership to just "get it done" and don't take no for an answer.

I say this, having had to learn from experience with my 1st who flat out refused, to my 2nd, who has a strong dislike and will tolerate it with a little assistance from my husband to my 3rd who after a year of diligent dremeling hops up on the chaise lounge and lays down for me to get them done with out too much fuss. (other than trying to lick the dremel) LOL

They have all had different personalities - and they are all strong enough to put up a good fight with me physically. 

Seriously, practice and not taking no for an answer with a calm collected demeanor about just getting it over with goes a LONG way.

Luck to all with getting your RR's nails done!

Melissa

[Chris Ronson, Jr]

So I learned last night the key to getting his nails done...is me holding him and not someone else. Such a daddy's boy    Before I had to cut because no one else trusted themself to cut them right (or I took him to Petsmart if I was too busy). I've become pretty close friends to the girl who was his puppy trainer and she cut while I held him last night. Was too easy, all I had to do was sit against a wall and get him onto his back laying into my chest and he just layed there and looked around like nothing was happening...and then tried licking the dremel a couple times lol

[melissap]

  Awesome Job!!!! Where there is a will, there is indeed a way!

Melissa

[Brooks]

This has been an interesting thread to read, and while I do not have any suggestions on nail chewing, I can say I am alarmed at how many owners have difficulty trimming their dogs nails.  I have seen many of these replies stating their dogs nails are only cut once or twice a month, and many of the pictures posted show dogs with far too long of nails.  I have owned RRs for over ten years, and am on our fourth, all of which have had no problem getting their nails worked on.  My current RR is 15 mo. and has her nails trimmed weekly (that is after 35+ miles of tarmac running while training for marathons).  I am able to handle this alone, and she calmly sits while I work with her feet.

I have found the best method for establishing a nail routine is to make known to the dog who is in control.  I flip mine on her back, pull all four feet together, sit on the floor with her head under one knee, and wrap my legs around hers.  My earlier three RRs were introduced to the Dremel very early, however our most recent addition is a rescue, coming to us at 6 mo.  Establishing a proper nail routine can be done at any age, and is imperative to a RRs overall health.

Short nails lead to less foot problems, and hopefully aid in eliminating the persistent nail chewing.

[caro]

Brooks (by the way, please sign your post so we know how to address you)  I absolutely agree with you.  However, for some reason some dogs are more sensitive around their feet than others.  I used to do the puppies regularly and had no trouble at all, but the one I kept got progressively worse with years and it now takes two of us to do him and he still fights it.  He's never been quicked and there is no reason for this.  Problem is he is incredibly strong and I (being somewhat arthritic) am not able to hold him. I've tried tieing him to the deck but that upsets all the other dogs.  So we go to the vet to have it done.  My young dog is a lot better.  He was great when I got him at 9 weeks, but he seems to find that the Dremel tickles his feet so he needs to be restrained.  Have to say he is a lot better with my friend who shows him than he is with me.  I think he realizes he can't get away with anything with her, whereas, I am his mom and so more tender hearted.  RRs can be incredibly manipulatuve!

Caroline

[Brooks]

Caroline,

Sorry for not signing my post (but you got it right).  You're correct, RRs are strong, often challenging to manipulate into a manageable position, however I take the stance that I am the boss (as a human) and make sure my dog understands who is in control.  This has certainly taken time to establish, but she knows her place in the family, and that is certainly below me.  Just my thoughts...

Cheers,
Brooks