Skip to main content

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Cutting your dog’s nails can be easy — here’s how

Learning how to cut dog nails might look easy, but actually trying it is another story. Not only do you have to know what you’re doing, but your dog needs to be calm, cool, and collected, too… which is easier said than done.

With some tips and the right tools, however, dog nail trims can be a breeze. All you really need is a decent canine understanding and the right strategies for redirecting your dog’s nervous energy — two tools we’ll teach you right here. It’s up to you to decide which techniques might be the most worthwhile, but — remember — it’s your dog who decides what helps when everything is said and done. With some or even all of these tricks, though, they’re sure to feel at ease with quick nail trims. Here’s how:

Have the right tools for trimming your dog’s nails

One of the keys to keeping your pup comfy during a nail trim is investing in high-quality grooming tools. Amazon’s number one seller in the dog claw-care category is the Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder, with over 55,000 reviews (with a 4.5 average score out of 5).

This grinder is rechargeable and easy to hold, making it perfect for use at nearly a moment’s notice. It’s nice and quiet, too, so your dog won’t have a loud sound stressing her out while you’re trying to focus on her nails. Grinding nails can take a bit longer than cutting, but many pets and owners prefer this method.

Another option is traditional nail clippers, which often look like a large pair of pliers. A reliable pair like these dog nail clippers from Safari will allow you to grip and cut your dog’s nails with ease. With the addition of a safety stop, you won’t have to worry about injuries either. Of course, you should always learn how to use your new grooming tools before trying them out on your dog, but the results will be worth the work.

a dog lies down while a person holds their paw and a nail clipping tool
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Keep them distracted

This is often one of the first strategies pet parents utilize to calm a worked-up pup, but certain distractions are likely to work better than others. Getting to know your dog and her preferences will surely help, but there are a few foolproof tools that both pup owners and groomers swear by.

One of these miracle workers is the Aquapaw Lick Pad, which allows you to spread peanut butter or your dog’s favorite wet food on a rubber tray that you can stick nearly anywhere. While you’re trimming her nails, your pup can lick away! Another option is investing in special treats or chews that your dog only gets during grooming — something like yak milk chews or another long-lasting treat.

Introduce your dog to nail trimming

As with any new thing, there’s bound to be some hesitation. By taking baby steps, though, you give your dog the chance to get comfortable and confident in this unfamiliar situation. Of course, touching your pup’s paws on a regular basis is a great place to start before you even introduce the nail tool of your choice.

On day one, just let her sniff it! Make sure to reward her with a treat or some affection to encourage positive reinforcement. Next time she sees the tool, she’ll remember the treat. Every day, you can introduce a bit more to your dog — touch the tool to her paw, let her hear the sound it makes, try trimming the tip of one nail. Each day, you’ll get a little closer to actually trimming the nail, but by the time you do, your dog won’t even be fazed. Don’t forget the treats every step of the way!

How to hold your dog’s paw for nail trimming

When the time comes to actually clip your dog’s nails, there are a few ways to make sure you’re doing it right. It helps to keep your pup as calm as possible using the techniques listed above, of course, but knowing how to hold your dog’s paw as you grind or clip her nails is crucial.

Using your non-dominant hand, place your thumb on one toe pad and your index finger on the paw above it. The index finger should be directly behind the nail, on the skin, but not on the nail itself. Remember not to squeeze too hard, either! Now, here’s the key, according to the American Kennel Club: Gently “push your thumb slightly up and backward on the pad, while pushing your forefinger forward. This extends the nail.”

It’ll take some getting used to before you find the comfiest way to hold your pet for this process, so be patient. You’ll need to support every nail you trim, even the dewclaw, so take time to practice!

Know when to take a break

Despite being technically successful at shortening their pup’s nails, many pet parents deem the process impossible due to the high levels of stress for both them and their dog. Truthfully, if you find yourself in a spiral of frustration, you should probably call it quits for the day. Your dog knows you’re stressed out and maybe feeding off that anxiety herself.

Remember, your dog isn’t being difficult or trying to give you a hard time when it’s time to trim her nails. In fact, she’s probably even more stressed out than you are. Taking her paw away or acting afraid are both natural reactions to scary (or just unfamiliar) situations. Give your pup some time and be patient with yourselves — it’ll come in time.

Editors' Recommendations

Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
Why does my dog follow me to the bathroom? (It’s not as weird as you think)
Your dog has a reason for this behavior
A Yorkshire terrier sits in the bathroom and is seen reflected in the hallway mirror

If you're wondering, "Why does my dog follow me to the bathroom?" -- you're certainly not alone. Most pet parents are used to having a four-legged shadow no matter what room in the house they're in, but making eye contact with your dog while you're on the pot can feel a little bit strange. So what's behind this canine behavior, and is it a bad thing?

We've looked into this funny phenomenon and what it means to your dog, and it turns out that it's not as strange as you think. Remember -- your pup has a very different way of viewing the world, so while having company in the restroom may seem odd to you, your dog doesn't think twice about it.

Read more
Why do dogs dig into their bed? An annoying behavior, explained
This dog behavior is common, but can be cause for concern
A brown dog in a dog bed

You hoped your dog "dug" their bed when you spent hours researching the top brands with the comfiest products. Maybe your pooch took to their bed immediately — success. Alternatively, perhaps they decided your bed was a better fit, and you chose to roll with the choice. Regardless of which option you two settled on, you may notice your pet has an interesting bedtime and naptime routine: digging into their beds.

The digging is usually accompanied by some walking around in circles, nosing at the bed or any blankets, and repeating until they finally settle down and enjoy some sweet slumber. Why do dogs dig on the bed, though?

Read more
Why is my dog barking at nothing? There’s often a really good reason
Your dog likely isn't barking at "nothing" after all
Side profile of a Siberian husky stands in the water at the beach and barks

Virtually every dog barks every now and again, but sometimes that barking can get to be too much. It's easier to address excessive barking when you can figure out what your dog is trying to tell you or alert you of, but dog owners know it's not always obvious. In fact, it can be a bit unnerving when your dog is barking at an empty wall.

You're certainly not alone if you find yourself asking, "Why is my dog barking at nothing?" This is a common question among dog owners, and it's something that veterinarians and animal behaviorists have studied as well. There's usually a reason behind dogs' barking, after all, so it's worth looking into to make sure your furry friend is alright.

Read more