Trimming a dog's toenails  Place the main part of the trimmer in the palm of your hand and the moveable part is controlled by your fingers.  You should be able to see the small cutting blade that slides when you squeeze the handle.
   
   
Trimming a dog's toenails The nail should be cut from underneath, not from the top downward.  Slide the opening over the end of the nail while staying in the whitish part of the nail.  The pink area of the nail is the live part and has blood vessels throughout.
Trimming a dog's toenails To cut the nail, be decisive and make a smooth, quick squeeze on the handle while holding the trimmer steady.  Don't try to "pop" the end of the nail off; it will fall away on its own.
Trimming a dog's toenails This nail has been cut about as far back as is possible without causing some bleeding.  You can file the edges or just let the dog wear the nail smooth.  Some people will cut the nail back until there is a slight amount of bleeding in an attempt to shorten the nail back further.  Not a bad idea to keep some Quickstop Powder on hand in case you do accidentally cut too short.
Trimming a dog's toenails On the dark nails where you can't see any pink to know where the live part of the nail starts, you can check the end of the nail.  The dead area usually is whitish and as you cut deeper into the end of the nail you will begin to see a dark area.  This dark area is where the live part starts.
Trimming a dog's toenails What To Do If You Cut Too Short!!
Place baby powder at the end of the nail and hold it for a few minutes.  Better yet, have some Quick Stop Powder available and put a small amount up against the bleeding end of the nail.  This works right away. The bleeding will stop in about 5 to 7 minutes. Any more than that...please call the office.
If possible start training your dog to have his/her claws trimmed as a puppy. Gently stroke your dog's paws often, getting them used to having their paws held before you attempt trimming. Be sure to reward your dog with a special food/treat-one that she receives only during nail trimming or some other grooming procedure-during or immediately after trimming. The best time to trim your dog's claws is when she is relaxed or sleepy. Never try to give a pedicure right after a stressful experience or an energetic round of play