Do you have difficulty grooming your dog? Is it a big ordeal to cut your dog’s toe nails? Is it nearly impossible for you to remove a foxtail from your dog’s paw? When you take your dog to the veterinarian, does it take three people to hold down your dog while she has her temperature taken? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you and your dog can benefit by practicing some handling exercises.

Most dogs instinctually protect themselves from any type of handling that they think is threatening. We can teach our dogs that, while some of the things we do to them may seem unusual, they should actually welcome this treatment and not fear it.

Practice these exercises frequently, but for only short periods of time. Make sure to make them fun for your dog. Start out by giving your dog some really yummy treats like small pieces of hot dog. While she is distracted by the treats, gently start handling her all over with your other hand. Gently and briefly touch her ears, paws, tail and all over her body. Let her realize that if she allows you to touch her she is rewarded with a treat. Over time, and this may take days to weeks depending upon your dog’s sensitivity or previously learned behavior, your dog will accept more and more handling. Soon you will not even need the treats. Once she makes this positive association she will gladly accept you touching her anywhere.

With continued practice and reinforcement, you should be able to remove foxtails, cut your dog’s toe nails and, to your veterinarian’s relief, have less stressful physical examinations.

These exercises work with most dogs. However, be cautious if you have a dog who may snap or growl when you try these exercises. If you are concerned, you may need the help of a private trainer. Getting your dog into obedience classes can help establish you as the leader. Once you feel more comfortable around your dog, you may begin the handling exercises.