This is the first time Blue experienced a nail grinder. He has always struggled with having his nails trimmed and we have worked super hard to build confidence around a clippers. I was curious to see how he would cope with a nail grinder.

Due to Blue’s anxiety, he can often struggle with new experiences. So his reaction was not a surprise to me. And, yes… he is a complete drama queen! However, it is important to remember that the struggle is real for him! He is not trying to be a drama queen… he is genuinely afraid.

I was a bit clumsy with the nail grinder at the start, I could have spent more time familiarising myself with the controls before I started so I knew exactly what each button did!

I love this video because it shows how much behaviour change can happen in a short space of time when we are patient and gentle in our approach. Although Blue really struggles in the beginning, I soon win his confidence and he relaxes into working with me getting the grinder closer and closer in exchange for tasty treats.

I have used this training technique with Blue and a nail scissors before so Blue understood the game pretty quickly. If your dog is completely new to this type of training, you might need to move more slowly to being with.

Blue and I will keep working on this!

Enjoy!