🐕 Finally Cracked the Code: Solo Nail Trimming My Drama King Chihuahua Mix (Without Getting Bit!)
🙈 Anyone else's chihuahua mix turn into a tornado the second they see nail clippers? @Megan Benson I didn't forget! :D For 3 months, I dreaded nail trim day with my 24lb chi mix, Duke. Every attempt ended with him wiggling free, me covered in scratches, and both of us stressed out. I'd literally have to psyche myself up for DAYS before attempting it. The problem: Trying to hold a squirmy 24-pound dog AND operate nail clippers when you only have two hands is like wrestling an octopus who really doesn't want a manicure. What DIDN'T work consistently (but might for you!): The "Burrito Wrap" Method - How to: Lay towel flat, place dog in middle, wrap snugly around body leaving one paw out - Why people love it: Prevents scratching, contains the wiggling - Why Duke hated it: At 24 pounds of pure muscle, he'd power out in seconds The Peanut Butter Distraction - How to: Smear PB on wall/plate at their eye level while you work - Why people love it: Keeps them busy licking while you clip - Duke's verdict: Works SOMETIMES, but only if I keep my face smushed against his (needy much?) The Sleepy Time Trim - How to: Wait until they're super relaxed/almost asleep, then gently trim - Why people love it: Catches them off guard in a calm state - Our disaster: Duke has a sixth sense - wakes up instantly, betrayal in his eyes Calming Sprays/Diffusers - How to: Spray lavender/chamomile formulas 15 min before trimming - Why people love it: Natural anxiety reduction - Our experience: $40 down the drain - Duke remained unimpressed Face-to-Face Lap Method - How to: Dog on lap facing you, lift paw forward to trim - The challenge: Duke actually LOVES face contact, but at 24 pounds, he's too wiggly on my lap to control safely My breakthrough: I discovered the "backwards tuck with face contact" position - a hybrid approach! Here's exactly what works now: 1. Put Duke on my bathroom counter (sturdy one - he's not tiny!) 2. Stand him facing AWAY from me initially 3. Tuck his body under my left arm, BUT... 4. Lean around so my face is pressed against his cheek (he needs that contact!) 5. Sometimes add PB on the wall for extra insurance 6. This weird pretzel position somehow gives me control AND keeps him calm 7. Work on back paws first while maintaining face contact 8. Take breaks between paws for face snuggles (non-negotiable per Duke)