Any tips on clipping a dog's nails?

My dog simply won't let me do it. I did it ONCE, by force, when he was smaller and more pliant. But now he simply will NOT let me clip his nails.

Do professional groomers have tricks for this? I'd prefer to pay somebody to do it, but I don't know if they even CAN do it.

His nails are becoming talons, and they desperately need clipping. He is really gentle and would never bite no matter what anybody did to him, but he just squirms and fights and cries so hard it's impossible to do.

My dogs are terrible with me, so the vet does it when they come in for visits. :)

is what they use.

My husband holds the dog and puts a blanket over his head. I have to hold onto his paw and cut each nail while he screams in my husband's ear. It is awful. Once every 2 weeks. I dread it!

I haven't tried the blanket trick. That might help. I used to have a bird, and clipped his wings regularly that way. Thanks.

on your lap or between your legs if a big dog. Also, try showering him with attntion a few times while handling his feet WITHOUT CUTTING his nails. This will get him to accept the ritual. Also, he might be scared of cutters if they are shiny. Keep them around without doing any cutting to get him used to them. Also, while doing the cutting, keep him distracted, either with treats or another person. Also, don't act like what you are doing is a big deal -- keep talking right through it. Remember, dogs are pretty trickable. Also a good way to keep nails short is to walk your dog on concrete. Also, make sure you do not cut too short. They will bleed. (Not a big deal, just a pain) Oh, and if you have to, err on the side of longer. Good luck.

I've done all that. I'm definitely alpha - we have no dominance issues at all. I say "down" and he's on his back with paws up in the air.

I handle his paws and nails all the time, trying to alleviate this situation. He doesn't like it. He's just sensitive about his paws/nails.

The only time I DID succussfully cut his nails, I had a friend holding a choke chain and roast beef giving him treats while I quickly cut 'em.

You may have a point about the big-deal thing. I probably do make it a bigger production than I should. But damn, he just HATES it so much, it immediately escalates into a full-blown battle.

he has white nails (except for two).

His back nails are fine - I DO walk him twice daily on concrete. But the front ones are just out of control.

As for the quick, if you can't see it, just trim the nail a little bit (say, an eighth of an inch). Do it regularly and the quick will recede.

Yeah, I know a lot for a guy who can't clip his own friggin' dog's nails, don't I?

I've never done it. More chicken than the dogs.

a stoned dog is a happy dog.