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Practising giving a paw and claw clipping

Many dogs don't like having their paws held. With this training your dog will soon place its paw in your hand voluntarily.

Most dogs don't like having a paw held, because a held limb feels unpleasant to them. Yet paw care is important, whether for clipping claws or to remove a foreign body between the pads. With a little training your dog will soon place its paw in your hand voluntarily.

Step by step

Build on the touch training. First practise touching the paw briefly, then lifting it, then holding it gently. Reward every small step and only go further once your dog stays relaxed. Later you practise pushing out a single claw, just as you will later when clipping.

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Frequently asked questions

What is “Practising giving a paw and claw clipping” about?

Many dogs don't like having their paws held. With this training your dog will soon place its paw in your hand voluntarily. Most dogs don't like having a paw held, because a held limb feels unpleasant to them. Yet paw care is important, whether for clipping claws or to remove a foreign body between the pads. With a little training your dog will soon place its paw in your hand voluntarily.

What else is part of “Practising giving a paw and claw clipping”?

Build on the touch training. First practise touching the paw briefly, then lifting it, then holding it gently. Reward every small step and only go further once your dog stays relaxed. Later you practise pushing out a single claw, just as you will later when clipping.

Does the article “Practising giving a paw and claw clipping” replace veterinary advice?

This article is no substitute for veterinary advice. Source: DOGSY editorial team.

Who wrote “Practising giving a paw and claw clipping”, and how up to date is the article?

The article comes from the DOGSY knowledge team and is written in plain language. Last updated: 9 July 2026.

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This article is no substitute for veterinary advice. Source: DOGSY editorial team.