How To Clip Dog Nails At Home-2 Strange Tricks - Professional Dog Training Tips, by McCann Dog Training on YouTube. 3 min 29 s.
- Video length
- 3 min 29 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Pick a quiet, well-lit spot and let your dog settle. Have clippers, treats and styptic powder within reach so you never leave the dog mid-trim.
Handle each paw for a few seconds and feed a treat. Repeat until your dog stays relaxed with its paws touched.
Try the first trick: smear a little peanut butter or dog-safe paste on a lick mat or tile. The licking distracts the dog while you work.
Try the second trick: clip one nail at a time, then give a treat and a short break. Keep sessions short and end on a good note.
Hold a paw firmly but gently and locate the quick, the pink inner part of the nail. On dark nails, trim only small slivers.
Place the clipper blade across the nail, a few millimetres from the quick, and squeeze firmly in one clean cut.
Trim the dewclaws on the inner side of the front legs if your dog has them. They grow fast and are easy to miss.
If you nick the quick, press styptic powder or cornstarch onto the nail and hold pressure until bleeding stops.
Smooth rough edges with a dog nail file if your dog tolerates it, then give a big reward and finish.
Tips and common mistakes
Trim small amounts often rather than long lengths at once, especially on dark nails where the quick is hard to see.
Never force a struggling dog. Stop, give a break and try again later.
Ask a vet or groomer to show you the quick on your dog's nails if you are unsure.
Keep clippers sharp. Blunt blades crush the nail and make the job painful.
Questions
How do I know where the quick is?
On clear nails the quick looks pink. On dark nails trim only thin slivers from the tip and stop when you see a grey or pink dot in the centre of the cut surface.
How often should I trim my dog's nails?
Most dogs need a trim every three to four weeks. Dogs that walk a lot on hard surfaces may need it less often.
What if my dog panics?
Do one nail a day and reward heavily. If your dog stays fearful, ask a vet or groomer for help.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
