Originally posted by manda99 I am so scared to cut Smokey's nails. I cut too short once when he was a puppy and while he didn't even flinch I was traumatized and cried thinking I hurt him.
I haven't done them myself since. But I think I need to get back on the horse, so to speak, and try again. Any advice?
Some tips that have worked for me:

Cut the dog's nails when the dogs are tired/groggy. Less energy-less fuss
Take a toothbrush and water and clean the dog's nails. It really does get out some dirt.
If you have dark nails, look at the nails from the cut area. The nail will be oval and have an outer shell and a hollow area inside. Think of an egg. The yolk is the part where the hollow area is supposed to be and the egg white is the outer shell, the part you're supposed to cut. Whenever you see that the hollow area is NOT hollow, then that is the quick. It's a nice thing to know
Treat and praise and make things quick (no pun intended).
Use a bright flashlight for the horn-colored nails.
File the nails down around the sides and on top to force quick back even more.
Lastly, you can try a Dremel! Always read instructions first, and never spend too much time on one nail, however.

Good Luck.