I use the clippers, the scissors type, not the guillotine type. I cut close and I cut often and you can tell the quick recedes over time. I think in the past 9 years I've cut a nail too short on Autumn once. She struggles a little and no way would she let me near her with a noisy dremel. Nae won't let me do her nails, but she wears them down outside, she has the right foot shape to wear them down on her own.