Nail clipping the easy way (starring Noch)

Nail clipping the easy way using the principals of positive reinforcement/clicker training.

Noch is an 8 month old German Shephard - Siberian Husky cross (with a bit of Newfoundland and Norweigian Elkhound thrown in). He has been clicker trained in a similar way that i have trained my bird Gimli (see my other videos).

In the begining I found nail clipping quite a daunting task since I was afraid to cut too close to the quick. So my nail trimming sessions with Laika (my first dog) often involved me holding her so she couldn't "get away" and trimming her nails -- she would look like I was torturing her (and constantly try to pull her paw away)!

With my experience in clicker training Gimli (my bird) I used the same principal to play a "nail-clipping-game" with Noch.

Basically his "task" is to come to me, sit down inbetween my legs and let me cut one nail.

My end of the bargain is to reward him with food (a handful of his dinner) after each nail that is cut.

In the end he enjoys it and so do I (and no, he doesn't find it "unfair" that he has to work for his dinner!).

This non-quarrel way of clipping nails has also helped me overcome my fear of clipping to close to the quick as I have by mistake done just that (Noch has dark nails) -- and, surprise surprise, Noch didn't even notice! He was too focused on his food! :D

PS. It's Gimli chirping in the background, the star of my other videos ;)

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• dog
• dogs
• nail
• clipping
• trimming
• cutting
• positive
• reinforcement
• clicker
• training
• operant
• conditioning

[wyvern10]

@fullfist Thank you for your kind remarks! He's very trainable, though not always "easy". :) Generally I agree (about commands). But in this case I am conditioning Noch to actually enjoy nail clipping. This type of "re-programming" of emotion/feelings it is best done using R+ (positive reinforcement). If you listen closely I am saying the equivalent of "good" in swedish ("bra/duktig") and then rewarding him with a small portion of his dinner. P+/- (eg "no") is not used. Hope you understand!

[lissamiss]

It also helps when you know how to clip nails. Some dogs know and do not trust people who do not know what they are doing. I started on my dog who had clearly had some bad experiences in the past, but I am fast, efficient, and even if I quick him, I apply styptic powder and pressure, and move on. It's good if you get to the point where you're only quicking the dog once out of 10 or 15 nail trims. This just takes time to get used to.

[wyvern10]

@lissamiss True true, but I assure you that this technique is great for the inexperienced owner just starting out. If you enlist the fair and willing cooperation of the (in this case) dog he or she will have more focus on getting a sucessful nail clip followed by a treat that your own insecurity and fumbling with the clippers. :)

[wyvern10]

@frekijsimpson I am sorry you do not appreciate that I am silent. But it helps the training not to blabber on. I want Noch to be listening and watching me for cues. Best of luch with another video, there are lots of other dog-training videos that talk. Also I hate hearing my own voice on film. ;)

[junglemamas]

@wyvern10 Your dog is amazing! That means you must be pretty amazing yourself. I found your video to be helpful and I understand why you are silent, also... Hi Five to you for not stooping to that guys level. Please, share more videos on how you care for your dog and what you feed him.

[Katcetera]

Great video! I'm gonna try this.

[captmicha]

Grinding is better.

[fullfist]

also, that is a beautiful GSD/huski !

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seems like a great combination. both have desirable traits for training.

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[fullfist]

@wyvern10 i know you might be shy on camera but using simple one worded commands actually will make him understand you better (if used consistently and appropriately).

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also the tone of the voice : "growly" no, for undesired actions, and soft afirmations for desired.

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dogs use the sounds to communicate also. so you shouldn't be shy.

[TheMasterFerrets]

@wyvern10 can you please tell me how you tuaght him to give his hand like that its almost like he is reading your mind i asked my dad for a gsd puppy his friend is a pure breeder and i am in love with them

[wyvern10]

@MishalMooreLover Så lite så! Stämmer så fint det du säger ang andra djur. Med lite fantasi kan man använda samma teknik t ex för att verkar hovar på en häst eller få en fågel att bli handtam. Lycka till då i framtiden! :)

[MishalMooreLover]

@wyvern10 Tack! :) Och tack för hjälpen :) Det är bra att veta när man någon gång skaffar hund i framtiden (har ingen hund nu, hehe) eller klipper klorna på något annat djur, för att denna tekniken funkar nog superbra på alla slags djur! :)