@Gizmo:
Hehe, thanks for bumping the topic! I was just about to make a similar topic!
I have yet to get my Basenji, but I had made my mind up on using a grinder. I was not aware that this implied using a Dremel though. I always thought that the high speed would be uncomfortable to the dogs, and that there was a specific dog grinder tool.
Guess I learned something new today.
I saw Ceasar Millar on the Dog Whisperer help a dog get used to the grinder, and I am deffently going to use that method. He had the dog relax (rubbing/petting), turned it on, let the dog relax again, and then turned the grinder upside down and used the back end (the battery pack) it to massage the dog. Rubbing it over the dog, and up and down his legs, and eventually his feet.
After a while the dog enjoyed it, and it's face was truly relaxed. Then he started using the grinder on the nails, and the dog was not so frantic about it.
That is totally the approach I plan to do when I get my Basenji. I think I will also just use the grinder as a massage one in a while so it is not just associated with nail grinding. Hopefully, if it all goes according to planned, he will willingly lie down and let me grind his nails whenever he hears it…or her...no idea yet. 🙂
Dremel actually makes a grinder specific for pets. I forgot where I got mine.. but here's a link: http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-761-03-Cordless-Grooming-Rotary/dp/B0000C6DZ2
The method you mention above is pretty much how I got my dogs used to it. Jazzy never did mind it, Keoki is still wriggly sometimes, but he doesn't like to be held so the whole process is an issue for him. He does just fine, but is not comfortable with it.
