Thursday, April 22, 2010

15 days and counting

It's been 15 days since we received the iliopsoas strain diagnosis. We are surviving. Days actually seem busier, even though we are not doing agility. Structure is the word of the day.

One of the areas I've been working on (even before she was hurt) is trimming nails. She is a sensitive one and nail trimming has not been my forte'.

No more! Now we are getting better with patience and training, Fin is getting her nails trimmed up nicely. You can see from the video we still have a long way to go.

  • When we first started, all I could do was hold her paw.
  • Then I would hold her paw and pick up the nail trimmer but not touch her with it.
  • Then I would touch her with it, but not trim a nail.
  • Finally I did one nail, barely taking anything at all.

Always I say, "yes" and give reward for "not pulling back." If I get any relaxation, she gets a jackpot. I love the "look away". It reminds me of when I go in and have blood drawn, I sit there quietly and look at the wall.

Each session I always start at the beginning, just holding her paw, gradually increasing my criteria on the same foot until I trim one nail. It can take a while, but I figure I have all the time in the world.

Here's a bonus video of Rocky. Just a fun training session of him picking up a dumb bell.

2 comments:

Trish said...

I'll pick up a heavy toy and drop it on your toe repeatedly if you toss me cookies. But I've seen you clip nails. No keep the clippers away ... waaaaaaa

Anonymous said...

Yes! Vici, Nice going. I guess a little good comes out of even the most horrible situations. GwenEvans