This Simple Trick Makes Dog Nail Trimming EASY!, by McCann Dog Training on YouTube. 8 min 13 s.
- Video length
- 8 min 13 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Pick a quiet time when your puppy is calm and rested. Have treats and clippers within reach before you start.
Handle each paw for a few seconds and feed a treat. Repeat daily until your puppy stays relaxed when you touch the toes.
Let your puppy sniff the clippers and hear them click. Pair the sound with treats so it stops being scary.
Hold one paw firmly but gently and press the pad to spread the toes. Clip one nail, then treat and release.
Cut only the clear tip, at a slight angle, staying well in front of the quick. On dark nails trim thin slivers and check the cut end after each one.
Stop as soon as you see a grey or pink dot in the centre of the nail. That dot is the quick and cutting into it hurts and bleeds.
Do a few nails per session and end on a good note. Build up to all four paws over several short sessions.
Check the nails every two to four weeks. If you hear clicking on the floor, they are likely too long and due for a trim.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep sessions short and finish before your puppy gets restless, even if you only do one paw.
Never cut a large chunk off a dark nail at once, take thin slices so you can see the quick coming.
If you nick the quick, press styptic powder onto the nail and stay calm so your puppy does not panic.
Ask a vet or groomer to show you the quick on your own dog if you are unsure.
Questions
How do I trim black nails without hitting the quick?
Take very thin slices off the tip and look at the cut surface after each one. Stop when you see a grey or pink dot in the centre.
How often should I trim my puppy's nails?
Every two to four weeks is a good routine. If the nails click on hard floors, they are probably too long.
What if my puppy hates the clippers?
Go back to short paw handling and treat sessions without clipping. Add the clipper sound and one nail at a time until your puppy relaxes.
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.
