I use clippers and shave the fur underneath/around the pads. I'm not sure what kind of clippers you have, if they have interchangeable blades I'd recommend using a #10 blade...I do a much shorter clip, but I think a #10 is the safest blade. I use curved scissors (or for a less noticeable appearance thinning shears) on the fur between the toes on top of the feet (use a slicker and brush the fur up), around the edges of the feet, and on the front legs to the stop pad/hocks of back legs. Well actually I do Nebo/Keva's feet a bit different, but that's how I would trim most dogs feet. That probably made no sense. It really does make it easier to clean up muddy paws though!