Sensitive Paws

Why your dog doesn't want you to touch its paw.

Dogs have rough, thick paw pads.  Their pads allow them to walk comfortably on surfaces that people couldn't handle walking bare foot.  However, the top of their feet and between their toes are very sensitive due to the loaded amount of nerve endings dogs have on the top of their feet.  These nerve endings send signals to the dog's brain with warnings of potential injury.  This is why, no matter the breed, most dogs jerk away when they are touched on the top of their feet and between their toes.  This sensitivity becomes a problem when it comes time to trim nails and to check their paws for any foreign objects. 

 A dog's claws are very thick and even routine nail trim and/or filing can be very uncomfortable or even very painful if cut to the quick.  Dogs have good memories when pain is involved.   The more the dog has been clipped in the quick, the more the dog will fight to keep their paws out of reach.  A dog can believe that foot contact is bad when the dog gains multiple negative memories of only having the paws touched when they are being worked on at the groomer's office or veterinarians' office. 

Is it too late for your dog?  No.  It is NEVER too late to help your dog cope in any situation.  You can help your dog no matter your dog's age.  Start playing with your dog's paws and let your dog know their paws are in safe hands.  Anytime you have cuddle time, rub your dog's paws.  Nail time=cuddle time.  It's a win-win for all.  Don't be afraid to throw some treats in there also.  Teach your dog to give "Paw".  Not only is this a polite behavior, but, it also teaches the dog to trust you with their paw.  When they do so, they are saying "I trust you with my paw".  When trimming or filing your dog's nails, take your time.  There is no need to flood your dog's emotions.  To avoid overwhelming misery, consider trimming one nail a day (no trimming on weekends).  Dogs can handle a little discomfort, and doing it slowly will help make the process more bearable.  ​

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Make your dog Smile

Lower-Ear Noogies
A tried-and-true message location, the ears are very sensitive sites.  At the base of the ear, gently rub your knuckles in true noogie fashion.  (to make a noogie, from a half fist with your knuckles sticking out.)

-Excerpt from "97 Ways to make a dog Smile" by Jenny Langbehn