dog declawing

Question
Hi Lori, we have a German shepard mix and he is very sweet and hyper which we love as we are very active, but his claws scratch us to death despite clipping. we have though about declawing his front claws because he does not use his front claws at all.  I don't understand how this will disfigure or hurt him due to the fact that we had a cat who was declawed in the front and she was fine. Please help us to make an informed decision. Thanks!

Answer
Hello!
Nail scratches can be really painful! They can also get very sore due to bacteria in the dogs nails that is pressed into the skin when the skin is scratched open, even if the skin doesn't bleed, bacteria can get it.

It is helpful to teach the dog to not DIG with its nails when it jumps up, but even then, accidents happen. You can teach the dog who puts his foot on you or gives his paw not to CLENCH his toes and dig in, by grasping the paw and gently squeezing until he pulls away. At this time, say "easy" or "be nice" or some other command. Soon the dog will realize not to dig his toes and flex his foot when he gives his paw.
In addition, when you clip his nails, the very best thing to do is to get a Dremel, a little tool that is battery operated and has a sandpaper wheel on the end.
Here is a link
http://www.cporotarytools.com/rotary_tools/cordless/750-02.html

Clip the nails and then simply round and smooth them off with the Dremel.  You will see a WORLD of difference in not getting scratched up.

They also make a product called "nail caps" in which you glue round, plastic covers on the nails. They last for 4 to 8 weeks and prevent scratching, either to the people or to the dog itself, should the dog be bad about scratching its ears or whatever.

Lastly, you question about declawing.
The nails are attached to a bone, which is not retractable as it is in cats. Cats claws are mostly attached to tendons and soft type tissue, dogs nails are attached very deeply and have nerves all the way to the root. If a nail is removed, (usually due to injury where the nail has been caught in something and broken off below the skin) healing is slow and painful, even if the nail never grows back, nerve damage can plague the dog its entire life. Pain is often accompanied by not only limping, but chewing and licking, which damages the skin and nerves further and may cause infections in the skin or deeper tissues.

Dogs nails do provide some stability to the foot itself, especially when the dog is leaping or running and propelling itself at high speed.

Some surgeries are not worth the risk, and removing a dogs nail is usually one of those surgeries that isn't' worth it.
Your dog sounds very playful and fun, and I am sure that the Dremel will help solve most of your problems!  Even if you cannot get the nails very short, just having them smooth will help so much.

Enjoy your dog! He sounds great! Lori