Trimming A Difficult Dachshund's Nails

Best Method for Trimming a Difficult Dachshund’s Nails at Home

Updated 07/20/2024 by Ava Jaine

Do you get stressed at the thought of trimming your dachshund’s nails? This is truly one of the biggest challenges that doxie parents have to face.

For me, I couldn’t continue the fighting and biting anymore. I knew there had to be a better way – and sure enough, there is!

After much trial and tribulation, I found the best method for trimming a difficult Dachshund’s nails at home. Enjoy!

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Table Of Contents

 

 

 

Dachshunds Hate Getting Their Nails Trimmed

Yep, Dachshunds hate getting their nails trimmed. As a result, they fight, and they bite to avoid it. But it is important to trim your doxie’s nails on a regular basis, so how the heck do people get through it?

I’ve wrestled, tackled, and wrapped my Dachshunds in a thunder vest while attempting our dog nail trimmings over the years.

It was always a three person job, and yes, it was stressful on all of us…especially on our dogs.

Nail Trimmings of the Past: My Dachshund, Eko’s, eyes would literally turn black, he thrashed his body around like a fish on a hook, and he would try to bite really hard.

I knew that his constant flailing around could majorly injure his back. We needed another way, because just holding him down wasn’t working.

Post You Should Read: How To Avoid IVDD In Dachshunds

Trimming A Difficult Dachshund's Nails
 

How To Cut Your Dachshund’s Nails Without a Fight

If you have multiple dogs at home, you know that taking all of them to the dog groomer is just too expensive. So, many of us often have to learn how to cut our Dachshund’s nails at home.

Unfortunately, cutting their nails can be stressful on you and your dog, so it is best to use a method that makes it so much easier.

 

Here’s My Secret Weapon!

My Dachshunds, Eko, Bastian, and Gretta (yep, I have three doxies) did awesome in our new nail trimming grooming hammock. Trimming a difficult Dachshund’s nails never felt so easy.

No more wiggling and no more biting!

This hammock helps hold your Dachshund in place while you trim their nails, and YES – this really does work! See pictures of Eko and Gretta below.

Trimming A Difficult Dachshund's Nails
 
Trimming A Difficult Dachshund's Nails

Before Trimming Your Dachshund’s Nails

Before you begin, practice touching and holding your doxie’s paw gently for a few seconds at a time. Then, give them praise – “yes” and a small dog treat.

This helps your dog stay calm when their paws are being touched. Do this a couple times per day to prepare them for their Dachshund nail trimming.

Prepare Your Tools:

Before you sling up your doxie, gather all of your tools ahead of time and have them ready to go.

You will need:

  • Pre-cut soft dog treats
  • Small bowl of corn starch
  • Paper towels or gauze
  • At least one helping hand
  • Scoop of peanut butter or dog treat

 

How To Trim a Dachshund’s Nails: Step by Step

  • Grooming Hammock Safety:

    1. A minimum of two people is required to be present when using the dog grooming hammock to ensure safe and proper use.

    2. Never leave the room once your Dachshund is hanging in the hammock.

    3. Please fully read the Dog Grooming Hammock Usage Disclaimer.

    Carefully put your Dachshund into the grooming hammock and hook it up to your strongest shower or closet pole. I always have my husband help me with this to make sure we both have a good grip.

     

  • Treats and Talk: 

    Throughout the nail clipping process, have a helper give your pup small easy-to-chew treats.

    If your pup doesn’t feel like eating while in the hammock, talk to your dog instead.

    Try to keep them distracted with your voice or music as much as possible to help them stay calm.

  • Clipping:

    Gently hold onto your dog’s paw and insert your dog’s toenail into the clipper. Take a moment before your snip to make sure your doxie is holding still and cut off the tip of the nail.

    You only need to take off a small amount, about 1 millimeter.

  • Praise:

    After each nail is trimmed, verbally praise with “Good” and have your helper give them a small treat.

    Staying calm, giving positive verbal praise, and providing delicious dog treats are going to help you and your dog through this process.

  • Positive Ending:

    When you are done cutting your Dachshund’s nails, carefully help them out of the hammock (with your helper) and give them a super yummy treat.  Something like scrambled eggs or peanut butter work really well.

  • Watch the Video Guide:

    More of a Visual Learner?  Me too! If you would like to watch a guide, we have you covered! Watch: “How to Clip Dachshund Nails at Home.”

 

What If My Dog’s Nails Bleed?

If you are trimming your Dachshund’s nails and accidently cut them too short, stay calm and don’t panic.

Your pup will mirror your reaction with anxiety and stress and will hate nail trimmings even more.

So, take a breath and concentrate on fixing the nail.

How to Stop Your Dog’s Nail from Bleeding:

  • First, apply some gentle pressure to the nail with a thick paper towel or some gauze to slow the bleeding down.

  • Press your dog’s injured nail into a small bowl of corn starch. Keep pressure on it with a paper towel if needed.

  • You can also add a pinch of corn starch to your dog’s nail manually to help pack it in. This helps to stop the dog nail from bleeding.
  • Give your pup some extra love and treats.

Nail Trimming Tip

If you don’t think you cut your Dachshund’s nails short enough after the first clipping, NEVER clip them a 2nd time.

This was a mistake that I made in the past, and I have learned from it. It will always cause a bleeder, avoid re-trimming the nail.

 
Trimming A Difficult Dachshund's Nails
 

Alternative Nail Trimmer

If you notice that the nail trimmers are just to hard to use or your doxie’s nails tend to bleed easy, try the Dremel PawControl Dog Nail Grinder instead.

That way you can take a little off at a time and watch closely to avoid a nail bleed.

Trimming A Difficult Dachshund's Nails
 

How Often Should You Trim Your Dachshund’s Nails?

Many dog trainers and groomers recommend getting a dog’s nails trimmed more often, like once per week, to help them get used to it.

Personally, I manually trim my Dachshund’s nails at home every 2-3 weeks.

Tell us about your Dachshund nail trimming experience below.  What works for you?

How to Cut Your Dachshund's Nails at Home Video Guide
 
give a dachshund a bath
 

Disclaimer: Dog Grooming Hammock Usage

The dog grooming hammock recommended on this website is intended to facilitate the grooming process for pets. While I believe it can provide a convenient and comfortable solution, it’s important to note that improper use may lead to unintended outcomes.

Users are responsible for following the manufacturer’s guidelines, instructions, and safety precautions when using the dog grooming hammock. Failure to do so may result in injury to the pet or the user, or damage to the product itself.

I, Ava Jaine, and  DachshundStation.com are not liable for any misuse, neglect, or failure to adhere to proper usage instructions that may cause harm, discomfort, or negative consequences. Users assume full responsibility for their choice to use the recommended product and are advised to exercise caution, especially if unfamiliar with its operation.

If uncertain about the correct usage or if the pet has specific needs or conditions, it is recommended to seek guidance from a qualified veterinarian or professional dog groomer. By using the recommended dog grooming hammock, users acknowledge their understanding of this disclaimer and agree to use the product responsibly and at their own risk.