Try putting her up on a grooming table height table. Someone stands at her head and holds her on both sides of her head. The person clipping picks up her paw like a horse's hoof while the person at ehr head pops pieces of hotdog into ehr mouth. Don't pick up the paw and hold it in front of her. Hold the paw behind her leg if that makes any sense, like you are going to clean the hooves of a horse. This might help her not struggle as much.

If this doesn't work, try having her stand on the table with a person at her head as described above. Instead of lifting her paw at all, slide the clipper blades over the nail without lifting her paw. Clip while the paw is flat on the table. Many struggling dogs will accept this.

The key is LESS restraint not more. The restraining makes them panic worse. So if you can find a less combative way to get her in a position and get the nails done great.

Other ideas:
Spread some canned cat food that smells horrific on a flat surface and get her licking the cat food while she is on the table and the person clipping starts while she is already involved with the food.

Try the table method and get one or two or maybe three nails done and then end BEFORE she struggles. reqward her with treats and try to not go to the struggling part. This will reak the cycle of fighting and she might begin to associate this with a quick not too invasive procedure and treats. Don't try to do too many even if she is doing well. Reward for a little. Then try again another time.

There is a place under the arm of the dog-- front leg, that you can put your thumb into and they can't move that leg. Try it not during nail time. Get your fingers under there and press (not too hard) and see if you can get the leg out in front of her without her being able to move it. Practice this and then use it during table time if necessary.


If you can't do it on your own, hire a clicker trainer or positive reinforcement trainer and get some help. This is fixable.