Im getting a bit concerned at some the fears my 4 1/2 month old pup is developing...just as an example, I used to trim his nails when he was a tiny pup without a problem (he only gets walked on soft ground and they seem to be extreamly fast growing) When he was really young, he would just lay down and not particularly bother, but suddenly he seems to really fear any type of procedure that requires him to be still for any length of time...like today I just tried to trim his nails and as soon as I tried he shot away like I was trying to murder him, he is now the same when you try to do anything like even look in his mouth or ears (I'm going to dread any future vet visits) he squirms and sqeals if you try to hold him and has such a fearful look...and when he runs, he seems absolutely terrified. He also has this running away behaviour when he picks up something he shouldn't, say a pebble from the garden, he will run towards me, toss the pebble around and then when I get close enought to take it from him...he does the 'chase me' thing...letting me get close then suddenly shooting off again, (when he does this I normally use a 'swapping' toy or treat) so he obviously enjoys this type of 'running away' even though it looks similar to the 'scared running away' he does when he doesnt want us to get near him. It is getting increasingly hard to do anything to him, even when I want to brush him he just runs...(he never used to do this) I think this may have been triggered by his recent treatment for demodetic mange...we had to hold him still while we used the dips, he absolutely hated it but we had no choice but to practically pin him down while we covered him with the dip (Im sure those of you who have used it will know how horrible the stuff is) so I can only gather that this has made him sensitive to being held for anything other than a cuddle.

I really just wondered if anyone had any ideas on how to deal with this and make him more relaxed when we have to do anything...he REALLY needs those nails trimmed, they are getting very scratchy and he is very handy with his paws!)

Hi Shannon

your puppy is at a classic age for a second fear stage and enforced "dips" will probably have (unavoidably) exacerbated the situation and honed hsi abilities to dodge you ;) 

I find trimming nails on small pups, i.e. up to around 14 weeks or so very simple but they do tend to become wriggly and easily bored much beyond that age so often what was a fairly easy task becomes a chore :rolleyes:

I call on the services of my OH or daughter to help gently restrain them at this stage as otherwise the more often allowed to get away with it, the more likely it is to become habit forming.  I'd suggest before trying to do anything unusual to your puppy that you ensure he is suitably tired first so, ideally, after he's been playing, on a full tummy, etc. 

Gently clip his lead on, have someone else hold the lead and use a treat to distract him - best to have something exceptionally tasty tucked well into the palm of a clenched hand so he can just, literally, lick but not take the treat.  Use this period to gently but firmly examine his ears, eyes, teeth, down his legs, each of his feet, his tail, genit#ls etc.  These are routine checks which should ideally be done on a regular basis for the rest of his life to rule out any possible problems or discover new ones early on :)

Dont initially try to do anything else other than look at his ears, feet, etc - you want to have him accustomed to you touching these areas without there being a particularly frightening (to him) incident going along with it.  When he's happy for you to examine his feet, check between pads, etc, then personally I'd advance to a short one or two movements across the nail with a rough emery board.  Clippers, although good, when used too hurriedly or on a poorly restrained and upset dog can easily cut through the quick of the nail and may put him off for life.  Your aim initially has to be to help him overcome an irrational fear of being touched or handled intimately.

Be patient - work on him every day for a minute or so, then increase perhaps to twice a day and take it over a couple of weeks.  His nails will not cause a problem to him or you over that period - building his confidence first (and your own) should be your priority.

Sorry to ramble!

HTH, Teri :)

Thank you Teri! Gosh, it seems obvious when someone else explains it...or course he just needs building up little by little! Luckily he will do absolutely anything for a treat, so Im sure he will be very happy to stand still with a little treat bribery!

Thankyoou!

Teri has already given you great advice but I thought I would just add that I incorporate some of this touching in everyday cuddles. So while I'm stroking him I'll casually flip his ear up for a look or slip my fingers between his toes to check his feet. I do it so nonchalantly and so quickly it becomes a part of the massage.

Agree with Teri, little by little is best - I'd use very high value tasty food in your hand such as liver or even warm chicken!

I have heard, that sometimes the non guillotine clippers can hurt because they tend to slightly crush the nail before cutting - whereas the guillotine ones are better.
Whatever you do, avoid cutting the quick!

Let us know how you get on ... :)

Lindsay
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Out of interest, not sure if it's any help, but if you are interested in using clicker at all, try looking at this link for info on a new book out re. training dogs to relax about grooming and handling...

http://www.learningaboutdogs.com/acatalog/Specialised_training.html#A116

It's the second book down by Karen McCarthy. You can click onto the contents page - looks good :)

Lindsay
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Oh thanks Lindsay, that is really weird as I was just about to ask if I can help this situation with the clicker, I bought a one a few days ago and he has had a few short sessions, and I am finding it absolutely amazing! (I can actually hear the cogs turning in his brain...)

Thank you so much for the link, very helpful!

No probs

Lindsay
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