The claws

[Metsavana]

I'm not completely sure if my question is goes under this sub-forum but I wanted to ask about cutting the pups claws, when I play with her, her claws sometimes cut me and it hurts(obviously) and I was wondering if I should cut them shorter?

Thank you!
Strength and Honor
-P.Miller

[Maxx&Emma]

You can definitely start trimming her nails, be sure to watch for the quick!

[arentspowell]

Yes those look pretty long. You could use a trimmer or start getting her used to the dremel.

[Snowshoe]

It's good to start early handling on all body parts, nails, ears, eyes, coat that will need attention on a regular or sometimes basis as she matures. Mostly you can do that as part of a game when you are having fun with her. Be careful, just cut toenails are sharp. Some people file the sharps edges off.

[POPTOP]

If you are unsure of where the quick is, take your pup to the vet and have them show you how to do it. Also, be sure to get some pet stypic powder just in case.

[Metsavana]

Can I use my own nail clipper and scissors to trim her nails and what is the "quick"?

[SunDance]

Can I use my own nail clipper and scissors to trim her nails and what is the "quick"?

Here's a link to a good explanation (pardon the fact that it's from a "Dummies" book). I use a file instead of clippers since I hate dealing with the quick. But if you're going to use clippers, I recommend that you get ones specifically made for dogs...if you clip with the wrong pressure, you can shred the nail.

How to Trim Your Dog’s Toenails - For Dummies

[smartrock]

I tried to view the website Sundance shared and I cannot see the text, so if you cannot see it, do not be surprised. You might be able to see a faint diagram of the nail anatomy.

When the puppy is small and her nails are small, you might be able to use your own clippers. Soon her nails will become too hard to do with your nail clippers, so you will need dog nail clippers. There is a blood vessel running into living tissue in each nail. Just like in humans, the nail grows past this living tissue. If you cut the puppy's nail too short, you might cut into this tissue, known as the quick, and the nail will bleed. Sometimes it bleeds a lot! It can be easier to see the quick on light colored nails like Taffy's- the quick will look pink inside the nail and the nail you can clip will look mostly white. It does help to have something that will help stop the bleeding, such as styptic or even cornstarch can be packed against the bleeding nail tip. Cutting the quick is painful and will make the puppy less willing to let you cut her nails also.

My dogs' nails are black, like the rest of them, and it is very hard to know how short I can cut them, therefore I use a small electric rotary sander or a file made for dogs. My older dog tolerates having his nails trimmed very well. My younger dog, who is 2 years old, hates having her nails trimmed, even though I have been handling her feet and toes ever since she was a small puppy. I would definitely start now getting Taffy accustomed to having her nails handled and trimmed. Some dogs hate it and will struggle or cry and pull away, all of which makes nail trimming very unpleasant for them and for you! Good luck!