I adopted my lovely tiny small lil terrier mix, Winston, on April 1st 2026, so he’s been with me for 23 days and we’ve been able to navigate most things (with the help of the trainers at the dog rescue i got him from, as well as me lurking the posts in here daily lol). He’s only 11 weeks and 4 days old, so i’m not sure 1) if he’s ever had his nails trimmed or 2) if he hasn’t, why he’s got such an aversion to the equipment already.
I got a nail grinder from Chewy 4 days ago. Read all the tips on here already prior: I slowly introduced it, casually had it around during snuggle and/or play time on the couch, when i eventually started turning it on, he’d go ballistic in fear. We worked on that, gave him treats when he’d sniff it while it was on, etc. Second it goes towards paws, he has a full on panic attack. (i don’t attempt for longer than 2-5 mins depending on his panic level).
Today i door-dashed some tiny clippers from PetSmart because it’s breaking my heart how long his nails are. They get stuck in everything, had to remove his favorite bed because they keep getting caught in it. Today he scratched his own ear and a nail got stuck and he screeched so loud i picked up my phone and ordered clippers immediately.
Tried the same introductory tactics with the clippers but he seemed to know what they were the second he saw them. I didn’t even bring them by his paws, just sat down with them, and his ears shot back, tail between legs, began whimpering etc.
The rescue i got him from is great but they missed his second shot accidentally, so i got that done on April 4th. so he’s getting his third round of DAPP on Tuesday April 28. He currently only has first 2, and Bordetella. Won’t have Rabies vaccine until 3 weeks after April 28. I called his vet today and explained the issue, she said i COULD take him to a groomer, however, it’s risky. And complicated because i’d have to find a groomer who 1) makes sure all their clients are vaccinated and 2) will also accept my not fully vaccinated puppy ha. but it’s risky. Also said they don’t offer nail trimming appointments, but that they can trim them during his appointment Tuesday, if i’m willing to wait and just remove things they get stuck in until then.
I just feel so bad. it breaks my heart how much it hurts him when they get stuck in things. But he flinches, full body twists, when i try. I’m scared he’ll dislocate his shoulder or something if i hold him down. Besides acclimating him to the grinder/clippers, i’ve: given him his favorite frozen kong filled with treats and PB, given him a lick pad with PB (which worked perfectly for bath time somehow!), wrapping him up like a burrito in a blanket. Nothing works. He doesn’t care about the kong or lick pad the second the grinder and/or clippers get into his peripheral vision- he just frantically tries to escape.
I REALLY don’t want to risk bringing him to a groomer without his shots being done. But if i have to..?
Any tips besides the ones i’ve listed that i’ve tried? No judgment from me if any are unorthodox. I am willing to try anything (so long as it keeps him safe and healthy, of course).
A neighbor is supposed to come help tonight, but Winston doesn’t know him that well, and it’s already 8pm. So i’m not sure if that’s even the best route.
Thanks for those who read through this.
submitted by /u/AdoreAudrey
[link] [comments]