Listen to your dog. No, don't listen to his bark, listen to his walk. Does he click when he walks? Are his toenails touching the floor? If the answer is yes, then his toenails are too long. For most dogs, getting their toenails trimmed is not a joyous occasion. Instead of simply muscling your dog into the mandatory nail-trimming, let's try to make this as pleasant as possible.

Ideally your pet should be introduced to nail trimmings as a puppy, but older dogs can be desensitized to the perceived trauma. Begin with getting your dog used to having his feet touched. Get into the habit of touching your pet's feet. Place your fingers between the pads of his feet. DO NOT USE TOENAIL CLIPPERS YET. This may seem like a silly waste of time, but if the first introduction your dog receives with toenail touching is far from positive (from his point of view - not yours) then it will make for a lifetime of ugly situations when you need to trim. Touch his toes, play with them, praise him, and offer him treats for allowing you the shear privilege of touching his toes. Good treats. Something he really likes.

Do this for a while: a few days, a week, slower is better, and every dog is different. Then introduce the nail clippers. Show them to your dog. Make contact with his toes, but DO NOT USE TOENAIL CLIPPERS YET. Treat your dog; tell him he's a good boy. End session. Again, do this for a while, and then introduce the actual trim. Get things ready first. Have treats handy, Sure Clot or some type of blood coagulator, and napkins or tissues handy before you begin.

Where's the dog? Do NOT call your dog to you to trim his nails. Coming to you should be, from the dog's point of view, a happy thing. Toenail trimming normally isn't a happy thing. Get your dog and bring him to you. Not angrily, just matter of fact. Toenail Time.

Look at your dog's toenails. If you are blessed enough to have clearish toenails, you can easily see the quick (the nerve in the toenail). If you have a dog with black toenails you can still see the nerve but you will need to be paying more attention. The quick is visible by looking at the underside of the nail. You want to trim enough to remove nail but not come in contact with the nerve, which will cause bleeding if cut. But remember - you are prepared with the proper supplies nearby in the event you do accidentally cut the toenails too short.

Begin with doing one foot per day. By doing just a little at a time it will create a less stressful task for both you and your dog. Be consistent in your procedure. For example. start with the left front, then right front (you read left to right), then left rear and right rear. By doing the front feet first, and leaving the back toenails for the end, when the dog squirms – which he will – he won't scratch you because the back toenails are dulled from growth. If you do the same thing all the time, it will be easier to remember where you left off. Allow your dog to set the pace. You may, in time, be able to do all feet in one session. You do not want toenail cutting to become a time of wrestling your dog or having to muscle him into submission. This is not what good relationships are built on. And chances are someone could end up hurt.

Just as a carpenter has different tools for his trade, there are different tools to trim your pet's nails. Products such as Sure Clot stop the bleeding when you accidentally cut the nails short and result in bleeding. There are small and large scissors, along with the option of a guillotine style trimmer. Choosing one over the other is a matter of personal preference, which is more comfortable in your hand.

Another option is an electric nail grinder. Grinders offer variable speeds to allow you quick and easy trimming of nails. It is important to choose a dog toenail grinder with a quiet motor so as not to scare the dog. For many dogs who do not tolerate traditional methods of nail trimming the grinder is the perfect solution because it eliminates the stress of the whole situation. Many people who finally purchase grinders wonder why they waited so long to get one in the first place. If you have tried everything and your dog is still less than thrilled about having his pedicure, a muzzle may be necessary. The bottom line is that trimming, clipping, and cutting your dog's nails will never be a great time, but by following these tips you can make the situation better for you and your pooch.