There are really only two ways. One you have identified, which is to medicate him at a vet practice. The other, which I would do, is muzzle him and then be the dominant alpha of the pack and trim his nails. I advise this because you are going to have to do this on a regular basis, so it's worth you overcoming the 'issue' now, rather than pay constantly for vet and med bills for this task. The first occasion you do this may be traumatic, but he will recover - you can take things one stage at a time, so muzzle him, but don't do anything, then remove the muzzle so he can see nothing unpleasant happened. Do this a few times, then start muzzling him and touching his paws for a few times, then move slowly until you feel confident enough to trim the nails. Tony
There are really only two ways. One you have identified, which is to medicate him at a vet practice. The other, which I would do, is muzzle him and then be the dominant alpha of the pack and trim his nails. I advise this because you are going to have to do this on a regular basis, so it's worth you overcoming the 'issue' now, rather than pay constantly for vet and med bills for this task. The first occasion you do this may be traumatic, but he will recover - you can take things one stage at a time, so muzzle him, but don't do anything, then remove the muzzle so he can see nothing unpleasant happened. Do this a few times, then start muzzling him and touching his paws for a few times, then move slowly until you feel confident enough to trim the nails. Tony