The Best Method for Trimming Your Dog’s Nails

Disclaimer: this post is brought to you by Chewy. All opinions are my own, and I only share products I think you and your dog will love.

Raise of paws, who likes having their nails trimmed? Raise of hands, who likes trimming their pet’s nails? Just as I thought, no one.

ammo's guide to trimming dog's nails

It’s a necessary evil though, because having long nails can cause your pet to walk irregularly which can lead to skeletal problems. And we all know that us dachshunds don’t need any more reasons to have back trouble!

Now if your dog has black nails like I do, I’m sure you spend your life in constant fear of cutting them too short and hitting the quick (a soft cuticle rich in blood vessels and nerves that grows in the center of your dog’s nail). If you nick that tiny little quick your dog will scream out in pain, and yes, there may be blood!

ammo's guide to nail trimming for dogs

My mom used to trim my nails at home, but over the years I got progressively worse at having them trimmed – so she started to take me to the vet to have them done every few months. Then a few months ago she decided it was high time I got better at having my nails done, so she set out to condition me to actually enjoy having them done!

The Best Method for Trimming your Dog's Nails

Interestingly, this new nail trimming method was not with the traditional nail clippers, but instead with a dremel!

Over the past 2 months my mom has been working with me to make me more comfortable with the use of the dremel on my nails. While I wouldn’t say I LOVE it, I tolerate it. It saves me from having to make more trips than necessary to the vet or groomer, saves my mom money, and keeps my nails at a healthy length. It’s a win – win!

So since I’m sure you’re all curious just how my mom trained me to be better about having my nails trimmed, here’s how she did it….

How to Trim Your Dog's Nails Safely

The Best Method for Trimming Your Dog’s Nails

Here’s what you’ll need:

This method requires a basic knowledge of clicker training. If you’d like a little introduction you can check out this website or buy an introduction kit to clicker training.*

*contains affiliate links

How to Trim Your Dog's Nails Safely

Starting with the nail file, mom used it EVERY SINGLE DAY for 3 weeks to get me used to having my feet and nails handled. She started by picking up a foot and gently sanding my nails for just a few seconds at a time.

The Best Method for Trimming Your Dog's Nails

Each time I didn’t resist she would use the clicker and then reward me with a small (but yummy treat).

The Best Method for Trimming Your Dog's Nails

After each session, which started out short (maybe 30 seconds tops) she’d give me a big reward. For me that reward has been Natural Balance’s Dental Chews, with Pumpkin & Chicken Meal and Papaya.

How to Trim Your Dog's Nails Safely

The great thing about these chews is that not only do I love the taste, but they’re also helping to clean my teeth while rewarding me for having my nails done at the same time!

Key Benefits of Natural Balance Dental Chews

  • Grain-free formula
  • Unique grooves help reduce plaque & tartar
  • Formulated to support easy chewing & digestion
  • Helps freshen your dog’s breath
  • Antioxidant nutrients to support immune function

You can fetch your pet a bag from our friends at Chewy.com for about $14.

The Best Method for Trimming Your Dog's Nails

After several weeks of practice with the nail file, mom moved onto the dremel. This time she “sanded” my nails without even turning it on. Again, each time I didn’t resist on a nail she would click and reward me. At the end of the session I’d get my jackpot treat, a Natural Balance Dental Chew.

After another week or so it was time to turn on the dremel. Using a low speed to start she’d do just a few of my nails, making sure to reward me quickly for not resisting at all.

The Best Method for Trimming Your Dog's Nails

source

Now once you start using the dremel with it on it’s important to note that you can’t just quickly sand your dog’s nails down in one sitting to the desired length, even if they are ok with it. The quick inside grows with your dog’s nail. So my mom likes to only work on sanding my nails once a week to allow time for the quick of my nail to shorten after the last trimming. (see diagram above for more details)

Ammo the Dachshund Studio Photos

How short should you keep your pet’s nails? According to the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation they should be short enough that they don’t touch the ground when your dog is standing on a flat surface, but long enough to aid the dog when climbing up a hill or digging.

These Paws were Made for Digging // Ammo the Dachshund

Hear that mom? I need them for digging!

While I still have a ways to go to get mine back to the ideal length, I’m happy to say that after weeks of practice I’m now much more tolerant of having my nails done by dremel. While I very much wish I had gotten a video of the “before”, here’s how good I am at it now…

How is your dog about having their nails trimmed? Have you ever trimmed your pet’s nails with a dremel? Do tell! Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

For more information on avoiding the quick check out this article.

Handy Tip: If your dog is resistant to even having their feet touched start without the nail fail and just reward them for letting you touch their feet without pulling away. Also, using a treat that your dog goes crazy over helps too, the better the treat, the more willing they will be to try.

Disclaimer: This post is meant to be informative, but please keep in mind, what works for me may not work for your own pet. Please consult an expert if you are unsure about how to train your pet. Use caution when using a dremel around your pet, and we are not responsible for any injuries that may occur.

Meeting Mr. Bones

So you might have already caught a sneak peek at my new pal, Mr. Bones, a few weeks ago when he helped out with my Martha Stewart Pets photoshoot.

Martha Stewart Pets Halloween Toys + A Giveaway

Well, he actually came home to live with me in the very beginning of October. Mom says he’s from an “adoption place” called Target.

Skeleton Dachshund

While I’m not quite sure how I feel about sharing my home and toys with another dog, the good news is he doesn’t eat very much!

And just for kicks, here’s what happened when I first met Mr. Bones….

Did you catch that little “jab” I gave him. I had to give him a big ole’ bite in the spine…you know, just so he remembers who’s in charge.

Want to see more Mr. Bones fun? You can follow the #skeletondachshund hashtag on Instagram to see all the fun the other Dachshunds out there are having with their Mr. Bones clones. Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

Friday Fetch: Dachshund Inspired Toy Baskets

Over here on the Ammo the Dachshund blog we’re wiener dog lovers (if you haven’t already guessed). So when I stumbled across the fun Dachshund Inspired Toy Baskets from Grets Pet Shop I just knew I had to share them with you!

Friday Fetch: Dachshund Inspired Toy Baskets

Friday Fetch: Dachshund Inspired Toy Baskets

Friday Fetch: Dachshund Inspired Toy Baskets

Friday Fetch: Dachshund Inspired Toy Baskets

You can fetch these fun handmade toy baskets from Grets Pet Shop for about $30. Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

Disclaimer – this is NOT A SPONSORED POST nor do I own any of these products, just simply wanted to share my latest find!

Dachshund Tormented by House Fly

Ok, so I know you probably think of me as this big brave Super Hero, and I am! But sometimes I come up against some unexpected evil that throws me for a loop. And that evil is called House Fly.

Ammo the Dachshund Tormented by House Fly

As much as I hate to admit it, I spend many hours hiding in the shop from these horrible creatures that find their way inside.

Mom tries her best to catch those darn flies that make my life a nightmare, but sometimes there is just one that seems to outsmart every capture device there is. So I finally decided to dog-up and fight back…

Well unfortunately that House Fly lived to fight another day! Until we meet again nemesis, this time I’m ready for you!

Does your dog have any irrational fears like me?Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

10 Awesome Handmade Pet Costumes

So I’ve finally decided what I’m going to be for Halloween, but you’re going to have to wait just a little longer until I reveal it! Why is that? Well, not only do I love making you sit in suspense, but I also always go the DIY route when it comes to my costumes. Every year mom breaks out the sewing machine hot glue gun and helps me custom make something super unique…and totally me!

So while my own costume is going to take some time to get ready, I thought you might enjoy these 10 Awesome Handmade Pet Costumes that you could make for your pet too!

  1. Hammerhead Shark

10 Awesome Handmade Pet Costumes

2. Dognald Trump

10 Awesome Handmade Pet Costumes

3.  Trophy Dog

10 Awesome Handmade Pet Costumes

4. Spaghetti & Meatballs

10 Awesome Handmade Pet Costumes

5. Beauty & The Beast

10 Awesome Handmade Pet Costumes

6. Snifferlla

10 Awesome Handmade Pet Costumes

7. Lightning Bug

10 Awesome Handmade Pet Costumes

8. Cereal Killer

10 Awesome Handmade Pet Costumes

9. Shaggy & Scooby

10 Awesome Handmade Pet Costumes

10. Michael Jackson

10 Awesome Handmade Pet Costumes

These are some pretty cool costumes, hope I can top them!

Incase you forgot what I was for Halloween the past few years you can check them out here:

Rocket Dog

Wile E. Coyote

Ninja Turtle

Evel Knievel

Have you ever handmade a costume for your dog? Post the pictures to my Facebook page because I’d LOVE to see it! (maybe you’ll even make next year’s DIY round-up!)Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

 

 

Oh The Places You Sleep: Vol. 7

It’s interesting how my sleeping habits change with the seasons. You’ll notice in this next installment of “Oh The Places You Sleep” that I’m not sleeping outside as much now that the weather has cooled, and I’ve gotten much more creative in where I’m finding warmth! I’m sure you’re going to love this month’s napping spots!

Oh the Places You Sleep: Vol. 7 with Ammo the Dachshund

Oh the Places You Sleep: Vol. 7 with Ammo the Dachshund

Oh the Places You Sleep: Vol. 7 with Ammo the Dachshund

Oh the Places You Sleep: Vol. 7 with Ammo the Dachshund

Oh the Places You Sleep: Vol. 7 with Ammo the Dachshund

Oh the Places You Sleep: Vol. 7 with Ammo the Dachshund

Oh the Places You Sleep: Vol. 7 with Ammo the Dachshund

Oh the Places You Sleep: Vol. 7 with Ammo the Dachshund

Oh the Places You Sleep: Vol. 7 with Ammo the Dachshund

Oh the Places You Sleep: Vol. 7 with Ammo the Dachshund

Oh the Places You Sleep: Vol. 7 with Ammo the Dachshund

Oh the Places You Sleep: Vol. 7 with Ammo the Dachshund

Oh the Places You Sleep: Vol. 7 with Ammo the Dachshund

Oh the Places You Sleep: Vol. 7 with Ammo the Dachshund

Oh the Places You Sleep: Vol. 7 with Ammo the Dachshund

Oh the Places You Sleep: Vol. 7 with Ammo the Dachshund

Oh the Places You Sleep: Vol. 7 with Ammo the Dachshund

Which napping spot is your favorite this month?

Check out where else I’ve been sleeping in my “Oh the Places You Sleep” series!Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

 

Halloween Toys from Martha Stewart Pets + A Giveaway

Disclaimer: This post and giveaway is brought to you by Martha Stewart Pets®. All opinions are my own, and I only share products I think you will love.

Martha Stewart Pets Halloween Toys + A Giveaway

It’s that time of year when the ghosts and goblins begin to come out, or in my case, the witches! Since I’m sure you want to help your pets get into the Halloween Spirit too, my friends over at Martha Stewart Pets® have launched their brand new Halloween line to help you get started!

Martha Stewart Pets Halloween Toys + A Giveaway

From toys to treats and adorably cute costumes, these are the kinds of pet products that get me super excited for Halloween.

Martha Stewart Pets Halloween Toys + A Giveaway

You may have caught a sneak peak of some of the Halloween toys that made their way to my house on my Birthday. They have quickly become my new best friends!

Martha Stewart Pets Halloween Toys + A Giveaway

There’s a great mix of Halloween themed toys in the Martha Stewart Pets® line at Petsmart® that’s perfect for every dog. From tough rope toys…

Martha Stewart Pets Halloween Toys + A Giveaway

…to super cute plush squeaky toys…

Martha Stewart Pets Halloween Toys + A Giveaway

…and even floppy tug toys! This little fox is actually my very favorite from the line, I’m a master tugger that’s for sure.

Martha Stewart Pets Halloween Toys + A Giveaway

One toy in particular brought out the little devil in me, because of course I’m always the sweetest boy ever, and normally I would NEVER do anything naughty.

Martha Stewart Pets Halloween Toys + A Giveaway

But with a little coaxing from my new friend, I decided to scare mom and dad by blending into my new toy pile (just like in the movie E.T.) and popped out just at the right moment to scare them! After all, that’s what Halloween is all about!

Martha Stewart Pets Halloween Toys + A Giveaway

The Martha Stewart Pets Halloween Line not only has spooky toys, but they also have some adorable pet bowls too.

Martha Stewart Pets Halloween Toys + A Giveaway

They’re all adorable, but I have to say the Eyeball Pet Bowl is my favorite!

Martha Stewart Pets Halloween Toys + A Giveaway

Martha Stewart Pets also sent along one of their fun Halloween Costumes too, but since it was a little too snug on me, my friend Bones here decided to help model it.

Martha Stewart Pets Halloween Toys + A Giveaway

Bones was looking a little chilly (I think he lost weight), so he was thrilled to have a Vampire costume to help cover him up a bit.

Martha Stewart Pets Halloween Toys + A Giveaway

Oh Bones, isn’t Halloween just the greatest?

Martha Stewart Pets Halloween Toys + A Giveaway

If you’d like to help your pet get into the Halloween Spirit, you can snag these goodies and more from the Martha Stewart Pets Line available exclusively in Petsmart stores and online!

And now for the best part….

Martha Stewart Pets Halloween Toys + A Giveaway

ONE WINNER WILL A HALLOWEEN PRIZE PACK FROM MARTHA STEWART PETS!

Here’s HOW TO WIN:

No purchase necessary. To enter use the Rafflecopter widget below. You will be contacted via e-mail to claim your prize. All the winners will also be announced on this blog post once the giveaway ends. Open to USA & CANADA readers only. Winners must claim their prizes within 48 hours of being notified or prize will be forfeited. By entering you are agreeing to the terms & conditions set forth in the Rafflecopter widget (see below).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Never want to miss any of the adventures (or giveaways) on my blog? Make sure you sign-up for e-mail updates! Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

 

Birthday Week: Ammo’s Year 6 Video

One of my favorite things about Birthday Week is having the chance to look back over my past year of life. As sad as my mom and dad are that I’m another year older, it’s always fun to reminice about all the amazing adventures I had over the past year. And boy did I have a lot of adventures!

Birthday Week: Happy 7th Birthday to Ammo

So just like last year, my mom helped me compile a video to highlight some of my favorite adventures from my 6th year! So if you’ve got 10 minutes, you’ll definitely want to watch this video filled of happy memories.

This concludes my week of Birthday Fun! I’ll just have to wait until next year to celebrate again. Incase you missed some of the excitement, here’s a recap:

Until next year friends! Happy Birthday to me! Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

Birthday Week: Puppyhood Memories

It wouldn’t be Birthday Week without taking a look back at what life was like for me when I was just a young pup.

Throwback Thursday: Sweater Weather // Puppy Photos of Ammo the Dachshund

Napping Ammo the Dachshund Puppy

7 years ago I was meeting my family for the first time, and the best part is that it was all caught on camera! The quality may not be great, but I’m so glad my mom and dad were able to capture these special memories.

So here’s a fun little video with a look back on some of the very first days with my family (including some never-before-seen footage!).

My mom and dad had a blast last night looking through old footage of me as a puppy. Their only regret is there isn’t more!

Do you have adorable puppy videos of your dog? Post them on my Facebook Page because my mom says she’d love to spend her ENTIRE day looking at cute puppies!Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

Birthday Week: DIY Dog Bone Art

Birthday Week isn’t over yet my friends! We’re just getting started! Today I’ve got a super fun tutorial for some DIY Art you can make to brighten up your own home.

Birthday Week: DIY Dog Bone Art

This DIY Dog Bone Art is easy to make, and so fun and cheerful too!

Birthday Week: DIY Dog Bone Art

DIY Dog Bone Art Supplies:

*affiliate link

Birthday Week: DIY Dog Bone Art

Birthday Week: DIY Dog Bone Art

Step 1: Choose 2 milkbones and spray paint with your favorite color

Birthday Week: DIY Dog Bone Art

Step 2: Optionally you may choose to paint your frame the same color as well, or leave it as is.

Birthday Week: DIY Dog Bone Art

Step 3: Once your paint is dry, remove the glass from your frame and add either a piece of colored mat board (which is what we used) or some colored paper. If you use colored paper make sure it’s glued down to something stiffer like a piece of cardboard.

Birthday Week: DIY Dog Bone Art

Birthday Week: DIY Dog Bone Art

Step 4: Using an adhesive, glue your milkbones in place on the frame.

Birthday Week: DIY Dog Bone Art

Step 5: Hang and enjoy!

Birthday Week: DIY Dog Bone Art

Just remember, even though your milkbones are now painted, they still smell like cookies to us dogs! So don’t display them anywhere your dog could get to them.

Mom has already told me many times I can look, but I can’t eat! (Apparently this art project isn’t interactive).

Birthday Week: DIY Dog Bone Art

Despite the fact that this new DIY Dog Bone Art isn’t edible, I have to admit, it does add a little happy to my home!

Do you have any dog inspired art hanging in your home?Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

Check back later today for some super adorable throwback puppy photos and videos of yours truly. It’s so adorable, you’re not going to be able to stand it!