Exercise 1-5: Feet/Nails
Lift and hold each foot, isolate and touch one nail on each foot.
The dog may be in any comfortable position for this exercise. Handler lifts each foot, holds it gently, puts light pressure on the foot to spread the toes, and touches one nail on each foot with the other hand. The handler then places the foot back in a neutral position. This is repeated with each foot. Successful completion of this exercise with 3 of the 4 feet is required.
Exercise 1-5: Feet/Nails
Lift and hold each foot, isolate and touch one nail on each foot.
The dog may be in any comfortable position for this exercise. Handler lifts each foot, holds it gently, puts light pressure on the foot to spread the toes, and touches one nail on each foot with the other hand. The handler then places the foot back in a neutral position. This is repeated with each foot. Successful completion of this exercise with 3 of the 4 feet is required.
Purpose: Nail and foot care is going to be an ongoing need for all dogs. It is also one of the most challenging issues for many. Teaching our dogs that handling their feet and nails is a neutral or positive event will make our lives much easier!
Equipment: Treats.
Exercise set-up: Your dog can be in any comfortable position and in any orientation that works for both of you. Positioning should allow you to lift and hold each foot easily. You can encourage your dog to shift his weight or move in order to make the exercise easier.
Scoring: In order to pass this exercise your dog must willingly allow you to lift at least 3 of his 4 feet, to apply slight pressure in order to isolate one nail on each foot, and to touch that nail with the other hand.
Non-qualifiers: The dog repeatedly pulls his foot away while being handled. The handler needs to use heavy pressure or physical restraint to keep the dog in position during the process. The trainer fails to handle at least 3 of the dogs feet or fails to clearly touch a nail on each of those feet.
Tips: The key to success with this exercise is to first condition your dog to willingly hold a comfortable physical position throughout the process. Be aware that dogs will show different levels of tolerance for handling for different legs and feet. You may be working at very different levels with different legs.
Video example:
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