When it comes to grooming a Poodle, foot care and nail trimming is a must! Every dog must have his nails clipped, and every Poodle trim includes shaving the feet. Puppies should become accustomed to having their feet handled. Ideally nails should be trimmed weekly, so it’s preferable to learn to do this yourself, rather than waiting for monthly or bimonthly trips to the groomer.

Yes, accidents can happen, and trimming a nail too short will hurt. However, this is not the reason why dogs become phobic about having their feet handled or nails trimmed. Use plenty of positive reinforcement when introducing your Poodle to nail trimming. Work slowly and provide frequent reassurance and rewards. Never become impatient or confrontational. This almost guarantees that your Poodle will fear the chore.

Nails are made of three layers. The hard outer shell and middle layer are insensitive. Only the center layer contains live tissue, known as the quick. The quick does not extend the entire length of the nail, and trimming the nail tips causes no discomfort for the dog. If his nails are maintained at a short length, the quick will recede, lessening the possibility of accidental injury.

To begin, have him stand or sit on a table. Grasp his foot firmly, slightly spread his toes apart, and snip the pointed tip off the nail. Tell him he’s a good boy, give him a treat, and proceed to the next nail. If necessary, go through the motions daily until he is relaxed and comfortable about nail trimming. An uncooperative, struggling dog is much more likely to end up with a short nail, or a nick from the clipper. Accidents like this will rein force his existing fears, leading to a vicious cycle.

A short nail is painful and will bleed, but it is not a serious injury. Styptic powder, or pressure and ice, will stop the bleeding. Do not hold the foot under running water, and do not allow him to walk on it until you are certain the bleeding has stopped. Nails are softer and more pliable after a bath, which can make trimming easier.

Nail Grinding

A grinder can also be used to keep nails short. Use either a low-rpm (5000 to 10000 rpm) cordless Dremel nail grinder or an Oster nail grinder, which is lighter and easier to use on small dogs.

Start with positive reinforcement to introduce your Poodle to the sound and vibration of the grinder before using it on his nails. Press your thumb against the footpad to spread the toes and lightly touch the rotating grinder wheel to the nail tip. Do not apply pressure. Repeat until the nail is at the desired length.