How to Cut Medium-Length Dog Nails
Trimming a dog's toenails on a weekly basis will keep them at a safe and comfortable length. This regular activity can be a bonding experience with your dog. Start training a dog when he is young for best results. Older dogs may require patience and rewards before they understand nail trimming is neither painful nor scary. The most important consideration in nail trimming is that dogs feel their owners' anxiety. Stay calm and quiet to minimize a dog's fear. Medium-length nails require a bit of concentration to trim properly, as the line between nail-bed and extra nail can be more difficult to determine.
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Instructions
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Toenail trimming can be pleasant
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1
Choose a regular time and location for nail trimming sessions. This should be a quiet time, away from distractions of other animals, children and people. If a grooming table is available, this is the ideal location. If trimming toenails without a raised surface, it is often easiest to sit on the floor with the dog in your lap or lying down beside you. Select a location and position that work best for your mobility and the dog's size so that you are both comfortable. Keep the toenail clippers and a small container of styptic powder in this location.
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2
Bring the dog to the toenail trimming area and reward him with a treat for coming to the location. Put the dog on the grooming table or settle him in the position you have chosen. Start with the same foot in each nail trimming session. Begin by simply holding the foot in your hand and talking to the dog in a calm voice. Praise him for being still, even if it is only briefly. Apply an instruction or command, such as "stay," to the cessation of movement. Give the dog a release command, such as "okay," to indicate that he is allowed to move again. Gradually extend the amount of time between when you ask him to be still with the "stay" command and when you release him with the "okay" command. Once the dog is calmly staying still for five minutes while you hold his paw, you are ready to begin trimming his toenails.
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3
Hold the same paw that you have started with previously. Separate the toe closest to you from the others. Find where the "quick" or meaty part of the toenail begins. Clipping too far up the nail and into this quick is what causes a dog's toenail to bleed and is somewhat painful for the dog. It is easy to locate the quick on dogs with white toenails. It is the pink line you see inside the nail starting from the base of the toe nearest the foot and extending about half way down the toenail. Normally the quick ends just at the point where the toenail begins to curve. You will not be able to see the quick on dogs with black toenails. Look underneath the toenail and you will see a part of the nail which appears filled and a part which is hollow. Be sure the dog's feet and nails are clean and there is no dirt or debris in the hollow area which could cause confusion.
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4
Give the dog a "stay" command. Pick up the same foot and separate the toes. Place the toenail clipper over the toenail, move the cutting edge of the clipper to a point just slightly below where the quick ends. Using a quiet, calm manner firmly clip the nail. Release the dog with the "okay" command, praise and offer a treat. Repeat this step with every nail. If the dog struggles, start with just one toenail at a time. Work up to one foot and eventually all nails.
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5
If you accidentally trim too close and the dog's toenail bleeds, do not panic. You will just upset the dog more. Calmly take the container of styptic powder, pinch a small amount between your fingers and apply with firm pressure to the bleeding nail.
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Tips & Warnings
Most people find the "scissors" type toenail clippers to be easiest to use.
If you are using the "guillotine" type toenail clippers, be sure to hold the clippers with the blade facing toward your body. Always verify that the blade is in front of the dog's quick.
Some people choose to use a battery-operated grinding tool. Use all the same steps as with a toenail clipper. When using the grinder, turn the tool to high speed, place gently against the tip of the nail and hold steady until the grinder head reaches a point just in front of the quick.
Dogs who are scared of having their toenails trimmed may bite in self-defense. Always be cautious with your dog until you have fully completed Steps 1 to 3.
