Despite the fact that trimming a dog's nails causes stress for the animal as well as the owner, it must be done as long nails can break, which can result in pain and possibly infection, or could create an irregular gait that could eventually lead to skeletal damage.

Show That Nail Trimming Doesn't Have to Be Dreaded

There is a way that you could make the entire process a little easier on you and your dog. By teaching your dog that nail trimming could leave to good things - new chew toys, special treats, etc. - the experience can become a lot more tolerable and enjoyable. Therefore, as soon as you finish trimming a dog's nails, treat him with something that he loves. At first, you should probably feed your dog a treat after every clipped nail or two to show him that he can be rewarded for being good during nail trimming.

Go Slow and Be Gentle

When you go to start trimming a dog's nails, especially one that doesn't get its nails trimmed often, the last thing that you would want to do is frighten him by rushing the entire process. The first time that you trim your pup's nails, don't expect to get them all done - and don't even expect to get a full paw complete. More than likely, you will only get a nail or two done in one sitting and that's okay. Just remember the treats or whatever reward you have chosen after trimming.

Preparing to Trim

Grab the clippers, treats and your dog. Go to a quiet, relaxing area. Put down a blanket for your dog, if that is something he likes so that he can be comfortable and relaxed. In addition, get some clotting powder and keep it on hand near you just in case you cut too short and you need to stop the bleeding.

Getting Started Trimming a Dog's Nails

Hold one toe firmly yet gently between your fingers. If you are using the guillotine trimmer then you will place your dog's nail tip in to the hole while holding the cutter perpendicular to the dog's nail. This allows you to make the cut from top to bottom rather than side to side. If you are using trimmers similar to a pair of scissors then you will want to hold the trimmers at a right angle of the dog's nail with the tip placed between the trimmer's blades and squeeze the handles.

Knowing How Far to Trim and When to Stop

Depending on the color of your dog's nails, you can tell how far you need to trim. If your dog's nails are light or clear then you'll be able to glance near the back of the nail and see a pink color, which is the quick of the nail. Stay about two millimeters away from that area. If your dog's nails are dark then you will want to just take small nicks of the nail each time. Each time, you will look at the exposed section of the nail. When you see a pink or gray oval beginning to appear, you will want to stop as you are nearing the quick.