Course 09 of 20 · Everyday tasks

Nails

The quick, light and dark nails, grinders, and what to do when the quick is cut.

12 lessons. Published 29 October 2026. Work through the lessons in order; each one builds on the checks in the one before it.

1. Lesson 1. How do dog nails grow, and what is the quick?

   Nails grow continuously from the base, and the quick inside carries blood and nerves, so trimming must stay clear of it.

2. Lesson 2. How do you choose between clippers, a grinder and a file?

   Choose nail clippers for a clean cut, a grinder for gradual shortening, or a file for smoothing, matching the tool to the nail and the dog.

3. Lesson 3. How do you hold a paw and a nail trimmer safely?

   Hold the paw gently but securely, isolate one toe, and keep the trimmer steady with a clear view of the nail tip.

4. Lesson 4. How do you trim a light nail step by step?

   Trim a light nail in small slices, watching the quick shadow and the cut surface, and stop well before the quick.

5. Lesson 5. How do you trim a dark nail safely?

   Trim a dark nail in tiny slices and read the cut surface, stopping at the first grey, moist centre that signals the quick.

6. Lesson 6. How much should you take off at each session?

   Take off only the clear tip in small slices each session, and let the quick recede gradually over regular trims.

7. Lesson 7. What do you do if you cut the quick?

   Stay calm, apply styptic powder with gentle pressure, and seek veterinary advice if bleeding will not stop.

8. Lesson 8. How do you use a nail grinder without overheating the nail?

   Use a grinder in short bursts with light pressure, checking the nail and the surface often, so heat never builds up.

9. Lesson 9. How often should nails be trimmed?

   Check nails weekly and trim lightly when they touch the ground, keeping the quick short through regular small trims.

10. Lesson 10. How do you trim nails on a dog that pulls its paw away?

    Use short, calm sessions, gentle handling and gradual desensitisation, and stop if pulling becomes distress.

11. Lesson 11. What do cracked, split or overgrown nails need?

    Cracked, split or overgrown nails need assessment, gentle handling and gradual trimming, not a large home cut.

12. Lesson 12. When is a nail problem a vet problem?

    A nail problem is a vet problem when there is bleeding that will not stop, breakage, infection, pain or a change in gait.

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