I keep Chihuahuas and would like to invest in a decent pair of nail clippers can anyone advise?  Also would it be a good idea to file around the rough edges once clipped?

Best thing to get is a nail grinder, most dogs aren't too keen at first as they dont like the noise (poodles dont seem to bother though but I suppose they are used to the clippers at their feet) but once they get used to it and realise it isnt going to hurt them they dont bother much.  Gets the job done much quicker and with much less chance of making them bleed.

Ahhh I see, have you got a link or a brand name I can google please?

Try Dremel Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill or Dremel 300 Rotary Tool Kit both available at Argos

I use a small cordless dremmel, just got it from B&Q.  Some of dog sites, dezynadog or hub international may have them.  What I will say is though, pay the extra money for a cordless one with its own battery pack as I thought i would save money and buy the one without its own rechargable battery pack as it was about a tenner cheaper.  BIG MISTAKE! It goes through batteries like nobody's business:rolleyes:

Thank you, I'm not sure which worries me more, overcutting with clippers or catching pads with the grinder. I need to toughen up lol

If you're that worried you could always start with filing their nails using a Mikki dog file and once you're feeling more confident you can then switch to using a dremel.

Thanks for the tip.

I am fine with the lighter claws, just overly cautious with the dark.  I know I am being a wimp as when I was yunger I used to clip all my parents dogs and cats claws/nails fearlessly with no problems.

This is going to sound really stupid but i am thinking about getting something like this to do my dogs claws with but what attachment do i use and what sort of speed should i set it too

:) it's not stupid I wondered the same when I looked at all the attachments.

I've tried with a dog file and it was no good - set my teeth on edge with the vibrations never mind the wriggling from the dogs! I just use normal dog nail clippers on my Cavs and Yankee - you can see the quick all right on 2 of them, and I just take 'little and often' from the Yankee with black claws. :-)

I use the Aluminum Oxide Grinding Stone which is number 932 on setting number 2

You could also use one of the sanding drum number 407

pictures of each attachment can be found at the url below, once there click on the content tab and you can see all the various attachments
http://www.dremeleurope.com/dremelocs-uk/Product.jsp;jsessionid=18D6639EB0C5DE4C4B370C6EA3B7787C?&ccat_id=470&prod_id=300

I use mikki nail clipers, the small ones I use on Rabbits.  Incase I cut a quick I hve some quick stop on hand :)

A friend of mine now has me trained to use normal people's nail clippers for my Rough Collies, rather than dog ones - the type where you flip the bit over and press, does that make sense? 'Nibbling' at the nails seems to get a much smoother finish, and they're easy to control. Would work well on the littl'uns I should think. You do need a decent quality pair though with a reasonable gap.

M.

Hi ice queen can you tell me where I can get quick stop from?

Lily I use people nail clippers on the smaller Chi's and those who've always been with me as they've always had well cared for tootsies.  The rescue ones seem to have hugely wide/thick nails where they've been left for so long. 

I have just bought a pair of Crufts nail clippers with safety thingy on them to stop me cutting too far, and I am going to get a curved file to sheer off any rough edges.

Thanks for everyones help :)

I also have Chihuahuas, only one of them can i cut the nails on and although i have clippers i find it easier to use people nail clippers,the others go to the vet as they turn into the tazmanian devil!

I get it from Simpsons dog grooming who you can find at most champ shows.  You can also buy it online :)  HUB Int also do it I think :)

How to dremel dogs nails :D

The link to the page is on the left on there.

That's a great link Zarah.

I'm not ready for the dremel treatment yet, but I am feeling more confident about clipping, and am also going to use a curved file. 

Thanks for the info on QS ice queen, HUB seem to do anything and everything!

Hish Sullysmum - long time no see :)

Hi Chi chi, where've you been hiding?

Hi Sullysmum, Happy New Year (a bit late now but wholeheartedly meant).

The dogs (& kids) are keeping me busy.  Also had a difficult end of last year.  Was involved in street crime and a road accident (after Discover Dogs) and it's taken me a while to bounce back.  It's also been quite a slow recovery and unfortunately I'm still in a fair bit of pain.  Equally concerning is that I'm running out of money paying privately for my GSD to be walked and trained whilst I am not up to it, but love her so much can't bear the thought of parting with her, even though my GP has asked me to consider it for my pyhsical heath.

The Chi's are easy, small and light, and of course I adore them all. It's just there's something about my big girly that lights up my soul when she looks into my eyes  :)

Good to run into you again!

Pmd you.