Malu has had trouble with paw handling in her past. It was to the point she would become aggressive and a groomer stopped seeing malu. Dogs typically don't like their paws handled let alone the same way groomers handle them (I.e spreading the toes, putting pressure on the paws, the vibration of the dremel on the nails, etc). With her first owners they never even tried paw handling of any kind and took Malu to the vet where they would sedate her for nail trims. Some time during her first part of her life with her first owners she associated her paws being handled with negativity. However, with her current owners and using positive reward based methods. She is a rockstar at the groomers now! This is a short clip of one of our quick sessions. This is where we are at now. I cue her to stand. Once she stands I pickup, hold, and play with her toes. During the time I even touch her legs she is receiving treats from my hand. This is like the open bar closed bar method. As long as I am touching, picking up, and handling her legs/paws/toes she is getting treats. When the treats are gone the session is over. If she pulls away then the treats go away too. We didn't start here. At first it was just me lightly touching her arm while treating her, stopping, repeating. Eventually leading to the mid arm, paws, toes, etc. It took a few months due to a few sessions a week. Now Malu will happily offer you her feet even if you want to check her toes for burrs. We still have a ways to go but I'm proud of Miss Malu! #rewardbasedtraining #r+trainer #rplustrainer #rplustraining #cooperativecare #forcefree #dogtraining #dogtrainer #nailcare #airedaleterrier #doglover #dogsitter #dogwalktoo#dogtrainingstudent (at Osceola, Indiana) https://www.instagram.com/p/CUJP588lrDm/?utm_medium=tumblr
