Does anyone have some good advice on how to trim my dog’s nails when he won’t let me?

It sounds like your dog will need a sedative (trazadone or something similar) to be calm enough to allow someone to do it. This is not a bad thing if it really freaks your dog out this keeps everyone safe and doesn't create more issues with their paws being touched.

However! I would suggest finding a vet that has multiple techs on hand to hold the dog, they don't always have enough. Before taking your dog into the vet for their nail trim I would do some extensive exercise till they don't even want to move this can help with anxiety. Make sure to let the techs know that they don't need to do all the nails, but get as many as they can maybe starting with the back feet. I say this because there is no reason to stress everyone out and possibly turn it in to a bad experience with the pup getting quicked.

Hope this help!

It's a very common problem and a lot of people I know are only able to get their dogs nails done when their dogs are getting their teeth cleaned.

I know this is an older post, however, did want to offer a couple more suggestions.

If you are able to, walking you dog on the sidewalk/cement area will help file them down himself. As the dogs run around and play on concert it does help file their nails down.

Also something I helped with my dog was rather then putting him on his side and trimming his nails, instead we had him standing up. (Still make sure he is muzzled so he can not bite anyone) When standing up on all 4, you flip back him foot and try to Dremel. I found with my Rottie Mix less was better. (meaning less restrained) The more he felt restrained the more aggressive he got when trimming his nails.

Best of Luck!!

Hey there 🙂 I have the same problem with one of my German Shepherds, I give her a bit of CBD oil, muzzle her because she will snap and I hold her down and just talk to her calmly, maybe sing a little while my husband uses the dremel on her nails. It takes two, haha, at least for us. I’d just get someone to help out so that you can skip anesthesia or other medications. Good luck!!

Have you tried an experienced groomer? If he is nipping, can you muzzle him? Can several people restrain him at once? I suggest a groomer because they have special restraints for dogs and clip nails all day. But if the vet can't do it and a groomer can't do it, then your only option may be anesthesia. :( After you have them trimmed, walking your dog on concrete can help keep them short.

I have been grinding all my dog's nails for over 20+ years. It is a process. Don't expect a miracle. No dogs enjoy nail trimming. The goal is to convince the dog that a nail trim is not to fear. My husband will find a comfortable place for the dog to lay down, with a firm hold depending on the size of the dog. Ours have all been labs which means he is using a lot of strength to keep them down. He caresses the dog while he talks softly. I will start with the back foot, My goal is to grind 1 or 2 nails then quit. Release the dogs and provide lots of kisses and pets along with a worthy amount of turkey or chicken to make it worth their while. Repeat the same process each day until you complete the nail trim. Then plan to grind weekly to keep it part of their regular grooming habit. Eventually, they will lose the fear, though they may not LIKE it, hopefully, the struggle will be less. Long nails change the way a dog walks and can lead to hip and knee problems. Nails should be part of owning a dog. I hope that helps. Consistency and determination are key.