Try our canine mall. . . . Since individual dogs vary a great deal in their reactions to tranquilizers, I'm not in favor of their use at home without the direct supervision of a veterinarian. Few dogs enjoy nail cutting but most, with training, will learn to allow their nails to be cut without a major struggle. Start out with a sharp nail clipper and a helper whose pockets have been filled with extra-special treats.
Most people use the single-bladed guillotine type clipper.
I prefer the kind that looks like a little pliers and has two blades, top and bottom. It cuts faster with less effort. The sharper they are, the less they pinch the nail during the cut. Dogs feel most confident and in control when they're on the ground because that's their primary domain. I like to put a reluctant or uncooperative dog up on a grooming table or other raised surface with my helper supervising the dog's head.