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Lickimats for the win! I’ve also used packed Kongs (with non-food/toy guarders!) and simply smeared peanut butter on any surface, as well. But – I only use these if the dog is not triggered to move away/avoid the stimulus. Word of caution: If you use a food “distraction” and the dog is over threshold with fear at the stimulus (nail grinder, whatever) you can actually instill a “poisoned” response to that food. Just like shampoo predicts bath, peanut butter could predict nail grinding.

Update on my progress with Bliss. Currently, I’ve had 5 or 6 short sessions working on pairing the noise of the dremel (at a distance that does not cause a fear response) and teaching her that she can start and stop my progression. If she lies down, we do the next thing. If she moves away, I stop. I’ve fed her for the appearance of the Dremel, for moving it closer (while off) and for touching her paw while holding the Dremel.

I toss food far away every 5th to 8th reward so that she gets a break and can decide whether or not to come back in and play my silly game.

If she stays away, I turn to my other dog, Joy, who is more than happy to have a pedicure, and dremel a bit of her nails and feed her treats and let Bliss watch. Bliss is super jealous and will come running in and FLOP herself down by me at which point I feed her for returning and ask her if she’d like to see my Dremel. ???? In this way, we’ve progressed pretty quickly.

I also discovered that her front feet are MUCH MORE sensitive than her back feet. So, when I do trim that first nail, it will be on a back foot as that will be easier. I think we’ll get there in a day or so.

Enjoy the journey! (And your dog should, too!)

How’s it progressing for you, @ruthabigail