Exercise 2-5: Feet/Nails
Lift each foot, isolate a toe, then touch lightly with tool (clippers, grinder, or file) and hold light pressure for a count of three.
Dogs may be in any comfortable position. Each foot is lifted and a toe is isolated on each foot. The handler then touches the nail lightly with either clippers, a nail grinder (not running), or a nail file, for a count of three. Successful completion of this exercise with 3 of the 4 feet is required.
Exercise 2-5: Feet/Nails
Lift each foot, isolate a toe, then touch lightly with tool (clippers, grinder, or file) and hold light pressure for a count of three.
Dogs may be in any comfortable position. Each foot is lifted and a toe is isolated on each foot. The handler then touches the nail lightly with either clippers, a nail grinder (not running), or a nail file, for a count of three. 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. Adding tools to shorten nails to our training sessions is a necessity.
Equipment: Treats. Clippers, grinder, or file.
Exercise set-up: Your dog can be in any comfortable position and in any orientation to you that works best 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. Have your chosen nail shortening tool close by and easy to reach.
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 touch that nail with either clippers, a grinder, or a file for 3 seconds.
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 dog’s feet or fails to clearly touch the nail with a tool for 3 seconds on each of those feet.
Tips: Adding tools to your foot/nail training should be a systematic and steady process of introduction. This may begin with simply showing your dog the tool and providing a treat. You can then move the tool closer and closer, until you actually touch your dog with it.
Video example:
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