Dear J. Lyons,

This is a common behaviour among dogs and it becomes a larger problem if they require having their toenails clipped.

Dr. Stanley Coren suggests that you practise very slowly with your dog. Have a tasty treat handy and slowly begin touching one paw. Speak calmly and reassuringly to your dog while you do this - "Good boy, it's okay." Once you have handled his one paw for a brief period of time, give him his treat and make a big deal about it. You could do this several times a day touching the same paw. The next day you could move on to a new paw. This takes time, and requires a great deal of trust from your dog and patience from you.

Hope this helps,

Sincerely Zena & Zippy