[NAGDU] advice on nail grinding

[Justin Heard]

For context, I've only been a guide dog user since August.

Personally, I don't think the risk of hurting the dog if I mess up with 
the nail grinder is worth it. I'm fortunate that I can take her to a pet 
grooming service and get it done for 12 dollars. They also brush her 
teeth and clean her ears for a reasonable price. I clean her ears myself 
once a week, but I think they do a more thorough job. It's only about 25 
dollars total, and I go once every two months.

It would save money if I would grind her nails myself, but if I mess up, 
that could ruin her grooming experience. She does really well with me 
and the groomers. She doesn't resist or anything.

If you feel comfortable doing it yourself, awesome. Go for it. But I 
don't think it says anything about your independence if you choose to 
pay someone else to do it. Plenty of sighted people do the same thing 
with their dogs.


On 3/2/2023 10:12 AM, Steve Cook via NAGDU wrote:
> My trainer from Fidelco showed me a little trick. I put peanut butter in his
> bowl and spread it around the bottom of the bowl. Then while we are trimming
> his nails, he licks the bowl to get the peanut butter. HTH
>
> Steve Cook
> If you would like to join the Computer Science & Technology Division for the
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>
> National Association of Guide Dog Users Board Member
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> Federation of the Blind of SC
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> Blind of SC
> 1st Vice President of the SC Association of Guide Dog Users Division
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Marj Schneider via NAGDU
> Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2023 9:21 AM
> To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
> Cc: Marj Schneider <marjschneider at bellsouth.net>
> Subject: [NAGDU] advice on nail grinding
>
> Hello All,
>
>
> Can those of you who use nail grinders to keep your dog's claws short give
> me suggestions on how you accustomed your dog to the experience?
>
>
> I bought a grinder from Amazon, based on the recommendation of a fellow
> Seeing Eye grad who uses one with more than one dog. I've been back from
> Seeing Eye for about two weeks with my new dog and have tried turning
> the grinder on to its low speed and putting it next to his paws. He
> pulls back the moment I try putting a claw on the grinding surface. He
> otherwise hasn't minded his feet being handled, though I haven't tried a
> more typical claw trimming approach yet, something I need help to
> accomplish. I'd rather be able to do the task independently if I can
> just get my dog comfortable with the experience.
>
>
> I'd appreciate any tips on this.
>
>
> Marj
>
>