How often nails need trimming will depend on how much time your dog spends on cement and other hard surfaces, which wear them down naturally. If your dog is usually indoors, his nails will need to be monitored regularly. These must be checked more frequently. Nail scissors open completely and work well for Toy breeds and dew claws. Beginners may find the plier-type nail trimmer with cutting guard, allowing you to trim a little at a time, the easiest to use for most breeds.
White nails are easier to trim than dark nails because the pink of the quick is visible.
Dark nails have a faint line and dull colour where the quick begins. Only practice makes you faster and better at determining how much to take off. Try to avoid cutting the nails so short that they bleed. It is better to trim a bit from the nail weekly to force the quick to recede. Karla Addington-Smith is a Certified Master Groomer from Cincinnati, Ohio.