Nails are easiest to cut after bathing when they're softest. You may want to ask your vet or your dog's breeder to show you how the first time. No dog enjoys having his nails cut and you must be firm about it. Give treats and praise for being cooperative. With practice, he'll behave better and you'll become quicker and more efficient.
Chows have the most compact, cat-like foot in all dogdom.
To keep them that way, keep the nails short and trim the hair underneath the foot between the toes and pads as well as around the outside of the foot. Too much hair and long nails can cause the foot to spread and become flat along with picking up dirt and causing the Chow to slip on smooth surfaces. Your Chow should be brushed weekly between baths. Lay the Chow on his side, mist the coat with coat dressing and brush thoroughly to the skin. Coat dressing prevents hair breakage, static and generally makes grooming easier.