How to Trim Dog Nails at Home, Including Black Dog Nails | Pupford
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Learning how to trim dog nails can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and advice, it can be safe and simple for you and your pup!
In this video, Quinci Cole, a groomer with over 14 years of experience, walks you through step-by-step how to trim your dog's nails with simple dog nail clippers. She demonstrates how to trim black dog nails and also how to trim white dog nails.
An important note from Quinci is to take it slowly and always start by taking off a very small amount of the nail, to begin with. It can be overwhelming and stressful, so have patience for yourself.
So, without further ado, check out how to trim a dog's nails safely and effectively.
Note: You will learn the most by watching the entire video below, Quinci is an expert in this field! 😃
HOW TO TRIM DOG NAILS VIDEO
OVERVIEW OF HOW TO TRIM DOG NAILS
As Quinci discusses, the key to trimming dog nails is to have the right tools. She uses a simple clipper and has seen that to be the safest and easiest to use for at-home grooming.
Cutting your dog's nails is a little different depending on whether your dog's nails are white or black. White nails are easier because you can see the pink inside (the quick). Black is harder since you can't locate exactly where the quick is.
Remember you do NOT want to cut the vein as that can result in bleeding. But if you do accidentally cut too far, you'll want something on hand like:
As mentioned previously, trimming white dog nails is a little bit easier than black nails. You want to keep an eye on your dog's vein (also called quick) and not cut down to that, as that can cause bleeding.
Here are quick steps to trim white nails:
Look at the hook on a white nail, you'll trim right off the hook (not all dog nails have a hook)
If no hook is present, just identify the quick ⬇️
Identify the quick (pink), push barely in front of it, and then trim it off
CUTTING BLACK DOG NAILS
Cutting black dog nails requires a bit more care and gradual trimming. Since you can't see the quick, you want to start small and only gradually cut more.
Here are some tips for cutting black dog nails:
If your dog has hair around paw pads, brush that hair up
Put a finger on your dog's pad then push on the back and grip (shown in the video)
Take very small sections of the nail at a time and trim
A couple of ways to help make cutting your dog's nails simpler is to give them something to distract them. We recommend using a Pure Focus Lick Mat to help keep them distracted while you do the nail trimming. Get a lick mat here.
RECAP OF TRIMMING DOG NAILS
Remember not to feel rushed or stressed! Keep the experience positive for you and your pup and opt for trimming less than more.
Be sure to keep an eye on your dog's body language and find ways to make them as comfortable with the process as possible.
my pup has white and black nails. thanks for this video.
K
Kaitlin01/26/2025
Hey, I have this issue as well! There are lots of tutorials online from positive reinforcement trainers to gradually help dogs tolerate having their paws touched and handled.
The approach I am using starts with gentle strokes from the shoulder down toward the paw, marking and treating repeatedly. It’s a very slow process for some dogs (including my own), but so important! Good luck!
T
Team Pupford01/26/2025
Have you tried desensitizing her to the scissors and nail clippers? Before you actually cut your dog’s nails, work on slowly introducing the clippers to her. You can start slow. Just have the clippers in the room and treat (or praise / give your dog a toy – whatever she will respond to) then put the clipper next to her, next to her paw, touching a nail, making clipping sounds without clipping, etc.
S
Sue01/26/2025
Why no comments regarding its ok to trim as long as you see black in center of cut nail. When you see white,it’s time to stop. I find this an easy way too lnow I’m getting close to the quick. Thanks for great emails.
L
Linda01/26/2025
Thank you for excellent information once again from the Pupford site. This helped me a lot and gave me a little more confidence trimming my dogs black nails
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30 comments
Leave a Commentmy pup has white and black nails. thanks for this video.
Hey, I have this issue as well! There are lots of tutorials online from positive reinforcement trainers to gradually help dogs tolerate having their paws touched and handled.
The approach I am using starts with gentle strokes from the shoulder down toward the paw, marking and treating repeatedly. It’s a very slow process for some dogs (including my own), but so important! Good luck!Have you tried desensitizing her to the scissors and nail clippers? Before you actually cut your dog’s nails, work on slowly introducing the clippers to her. You can start slow. Just have the clippers in the room and treat (or praise / give your dog a toy – whatever she will respond to) then put the clipper next to her, next to her paw, touching a nail, making clipping sounds without clipping, etc.
Why no comments regarding its ok to trim as long as you see black in center of cut nail. When you see white,it’s time to stop. I find this an easy way too lnow I’m getting close to the quick. Thanks for great emails.
Thank you for excellent information once again from the Pupford site. This helped me a lot and gave me a little more confidence trimming my dogs black nails