Hi,

Just wondering if anyone can advise me on what particular dremel would be suitable for my dogs' nails. My boy's a 16 month old Dobermann and the nail trimming routine is both his, and mine :D, weekly nightmare! I've been using guillotine type nail clippers on him once a week since we got him but it's never been easy and he really works himself up.

I've tried having him on the lead but he bucks up and down like a mad thing :D If he will stand still and let me take hold of a paw then, just as I'm about to close the clippers on a nail, he'll snatch his paw backwards and forwards repeatedly. Last week it took me an hour to do 4 nails :O I must have twisted around on the spot about a hundred times as he ducked and dived around me!

I'm hoping maybe he'll respond differently to a dremel. I'm pretty sure the noise won't bother him as he sleeps through the food blender, hair dryer, etc. He's not fussed about having his feet and nails touched in general - I think he really anticipates the pinch of the clippers on his nail as it's when I'm lining the nail up inbetween the two blades that will initially trigger him into loopy mode.

Thanks for any help!

I have the same problem with one of my JSI's who screams the place down when I clip her nails.  I bought a Dremel to try and guess what?  She screams the place down when I file her nails.  So, sorry but I can't recommend "which" Dremel as mine is buried in the back of the cupboard.... :(

I agree I tried it on all four of mine and they had a breakdown. 

How comes you are having to do the nails every week? Perhaps you are trimming too often and you are getting close to the quick and that is causing discomfort.  Walking your dogs on the road would also wear them down a lot quicker.

Mine found the dremel much easier to tolerate than nail clippers. I started mine by getting them used to the noise of it and then sneaking up on their paws when they were flat out :D  Got them used to it in no time.
Here is some great advice on how to use it.

Another thing you might like to try is a very large rough file - but be careful as it can take your finger nails off as well and then a finer file such as one you would use yourself to finish off with.  Just aim to do one nail a day and make it a relaxing experience.  Put the file on the floor and just rub his nail against it then give a treat and stop.  Do not restrain him and you may find it is easier

Thanks for the link Lara - I may delve into the rear of the cupboard......... :)

Thanks for the replies everyone :) I think I may give it a go. If he really won't take to it then at least I'll have tried. I've seen small cordless dremel type appliances that are recommended for hobbies/crafts - do you think that would be strong enough for his nails?

Kerioak, if he doesn't accept the dremel, would the type of file you were talking about be something that I would get from a diy store?

thomas-the-spot, it was the breeder who said to do his nails every week. I only ever take the ends off, so it's pretty much the same bit I'm clipping off (or attempting to clip off!) each week after it's regrown. I've read that the road walking thing is actually a myth, as the nails shouldn't be long enough to hit the pavement in the first place. Not 100% sure if that is true or not though!

I guess you dont have wood floor then and a constant tap tap tap tap tap when they walk around? :D :D

Only ever had our girls done once and that was because we blasted the beach too much and didn't road walk.