I saw someone clip a dogs nail too far once and it bled and the dog yelled which has completely put me off cutting dogs nails. Fortunately I take my dog for long walks and so she never needs her nails done normally. But my puppies most definitely do and I am going to have to be brave. How do I know how short to cut them? I've looked for youtube videos to help me and they aren't showing me. Help!

I know tons about worming and weaning and weight gain etc. but nail clipping is something I am completely ignorant about. And nervous which doesn't help.

puppies tend to have 'hooks' on their nails, i tend to only take the 'hook' off their nails.
if nervous or you have a wriggly puppy start short and cut them more often, if your pups are quite wriggly get them out more often on their own and start playing with their toes and feet.

I started doing them within the first week and gave them a trim and file about twice a week as they grow really fast.  You will see what looks like a little vein running up the nail so you know how far you can cut. I use human nail clippers and then gave them a quick file with one of the thick padded nail files you get from any chemist.  Always keep the stop bleed handy just in case though.  Its really important to keep them trimmed, your bitch want want them feeding if their nails get to long and start scratching her..
I have a thing about feet on dogs and I think it can really spoil their feet if their nails are too long.  I have a chart to help show you where to trim to if you pm your email to me I'll send you it.

Thanks lleonder I've messaged you

If they're white nails you'll be able to see the quick, if they're black I usually just take the tips off to be safe. Pick your moment when they're a bit sleepy and will stay quiet in your lap while you work, and just take the very tips off, best to have to go back a week later than to cut the quick and put them off having their feet touched for life!

I've sent you the chart.  xx

Thanks

Well dd tried, and on the 3rd nail of only taking the tip off pup yelped and though it didn't bleed we could see a black dot in the end so we assume it just nicked the end of the quik (sp?) we are now too nervous to keep trying as that was only the tip of the nail! We are wimps.

I use a Pedipaws on my puppies. It's useless on the adult dogs but great for puppies, especially when there are so many sets to do in one go.

Yes, sounds like you just barely nipped the end of the quick - don't panic though, it still needs doing I'm afraid. Just be even more careful to take the very tips off. Are they black or white nails? Don't suppose you're in Suffolk, I'd be happy to help!

aw thanks Lucy, wish I was! Nope down in the New Forest. I will try again :-)

Always take off little but often, weekly if you can. If you see a tiny dot in the centre of the nail, that's the beginning of the quick; stop when you see that dot. I've cut too far on my own dogs but now I just take little by little off the dogs and touch wood, haven't had an accident yet. I take the tiny hook off puppies claws (with my litter and with pups that come for grooming).