Searching for How to Cut Your Dog’s Black Nails? I Was Too Until I Tried This

Wondering how to cut your dog’s black nails?

I was too…until I tried this

Do you know how to cut black dog nails? Are you struggling to find the quick on your dog’s dark-colored nails? Most importantly, do you wish nail trims were a happier experience for your dog that you could do at home?

If you’re searching for solutions, you’ve come to the right place. And you might be surprised by what I found. 

I struggled with trimming my dog’s nails

As a “DIY dog mom,”  I enjoy dog care routines because it’s a chance to bond with my furry family member, Chloe. My Goldendoodle dog and I work as a team on everything from Goldendoodle grooming to daily teeth cleaning.

But dog nail trims? Cutting Chloe’s dark nails seemed like a daunting task. After an unsuccessful attempt, I was unsure of how to cut black dog nails and I was afraid of hitting the quick. 

Here’s what had happened:

When Chloe was younger, I’d tried to figure out how to cut her black nails on my own. I wasn’t sure how to find the quick on her dark-colored nails. This made me fearful of cutting the nails too short and hitting the quick (the blood and nerve supply) hidden in the toenail.

And Chloe was afraid because I was afraid.

Rather unwisely, I plunged in using some dog nail clippers I thought would work. I held her paw in my hand and was…

A B O U T  T O  C U T 

T H E  F I R S T  N A I L  W H E N…

…Chloe quickly pulled her paw out of my hand.

Do you know where those dog nail clippers are now? In the back of my junk drawer.

Since I knew nail trims were critical to her health and mobility, trips to the groomer or vet seemed like the safest plan for both of us. 

Problem solved: a new solution

Fast forward a few years to a new discovery: Dr. Julie Buzby’s Nail Trimming Without Fear e-guide (step-by-step dog nail trimming instruction shared through instant access videos, diagrams, and downloadable reference guides.) The more I learned about this comprehensive solution, the more confident I became that I’d found something that Chloe and I could master together. Learning how to find the quick on dark nails, how I could position her for a more comfortable nail trim, and making the experience positive for Chloe—it was definitely worth trying! 

If you’re ready to learn exactly how to trim your dog’s nails (including step-by-step instruction on how to find the quick on black nails) from start to finish, use the code HAPPY to save $60 on Dr. Buzby’s nail trimming course.  While the e-guide is regularly $99, Dr. Buzby has graciously offered it to my readers for the special price of $39.

Chloe and I watched the dog nail trimming videos together

While I’d seen online dog training, this was the first online dog nail trimming solution I’d seen.

Once I’d signed up, I had instant access. With Chloe sitting beside me on the couch and my laptop open, I started. As I watched the videos of Dr. Buzby demonstrating everything from how to position a dog for comfort to exactly how to cut black dog nails, I had an ah-ha moment. This was the next best thing to having an expert right in my living room giving me step-by-step coaching. As I watched videos and looked at the diagrams and printable materials, I became more confident that Chloe and I could do this together.

After sailing through the e-guide, I’m happy to say that I am an empowered pet parent who has learned how to cut black dog nails and make it a positive, happy experience for Chloe too. 

Three paws and a TA-DA! Celebrating successes

Yes, Chloe and I can now add nail trimming to our list of dog care routines. I’m trimming her nails routinely, getting closer the quick, and I’m happy to share that I’ve never hit the quick or had to use styptic powder (a clotting agent to stop the bleeding).

But what was the difference between our success and my previous attempt when Chloe had pulled her paw away? Through the e-guide, it was clear that I hadn’t set myself up for success. The conventional dog nail trimming method I’d tried was more like a McDonald’s drive-thru: grab the nail trimmers and go!

After taking the course, I had a clear picture of exactly how to cut dog nails (including dreaded black dog nails) from start to finish including:

• how to set Chloe up for a happy, fear-free experience
• which tools to use (and why not to use guillotine-style nail clippers)
• exactly how to find the quick on black nails to avoid the blood vessels and nerves
• how to make sliver cuts to cut closer to the quick
• which technique to use to cut more of the dog’s toenail

Additionally, Dr. Buzby’s focus on keeping the dog’s entire nail trimming experience positive and happy fit my DIY dog mom philosophy.

How did I do? On my first try, I trimmed the nails on three out of four paws! Now that Chloe and I are both more confident with nail trims, I know I’ll be able to trim all four paws the next time. We’re a team! 

Do you want to know more about this nail trimming solution?

Here are answers to some of the questions that you may have:

• What is it? Dr. Buzby’s DIY Dog Nail Trimming Without Fear is an online, self-guided training course that includes 11 videos, step-by-step instruction, diagrams, close-up photos of the quick, and printable reference guides.
• Where do you take the course? Since you have instant access to the information as soon as you sign up, that’s up to you. I recommend taking it on your laptop or any device with a large screen. A small screen like a cell phone is completely fine to use, but I loved being able to pause a video and look at the close-up camera shots (especially of the dark toenails) on a bigger screen.
• What’s included? Dr. Buzby’s entire “vault” of dog nail trimming information is included: 11 videos, printable quick reference guides, photos of how to identify the quick, and step-by-step instruction.

• What type of nails will you learn to trim? Dr. Buzby demonstrates how to trim every type of dog toenails: dreaded dark nails, white nails, puppy nails, and large nails.
• What will you learn?  You’ll learn which nail clipping tools to use (and why to avoid guillotine-style nail trimmers at all costs), prep tips, how often to trim your dog’s nails, how to cut black dog nails, how to position your dog so that he or she is comfortable for the nail trim, the technique that Dr. Buzby has perfected so that you can trim more of the nail, how to find and avoid the quick so you don’t cut the nails too short, how to trim dewclaws, and even which toenails to trim first. 

A special offer for my readers: Save now 

Use my promo code “HAPPY” to save on Dr. Buzby’s nail trimming course! Go to courses.drbuzby.com or click here: Dr. Buzby’s DIY Nail Trimming Without Fear. Then enter the promo code HAPPY at checkout. My readers will receive Nail Trimming Without Fear, which is regularly $99, for $39. That’s a savings of $60.  

About the instructor, Dr. Julie Buzby

I’d met Dr. Julie Buzby while attending a pet blogging conference. I became an instant fan when I learned about her product, ToeGrips® dog nail grips, which help senior and special needs dogs gain traction on slippery floors. The idea for a dog nail trimming course grew out of her love for teaching nail trimming techniques to her veterinary clients. 

Do you trim your dog’s nails? We’d love to hear. Please comment below! 

A happy distraction for your dog!

As a thank you for reading to the end of this article, here’s a pupsicle treat recipe for your dog. It’s one of the happy distractions that Dr. Buzby recommends in her e-guide! Download it now so that your dog can enjoy a happy distraction during your first DIY nail trim!

The online giveaway has ended. However, Dr. Buzby has graciously extended the special savings on the course for my readers. 

One lucky winner received Dr. Buzby’s DIY Dog Master Course: Nail Trimming Without Fear AND Dr. Buzby’s Nail Trimming Kit.

Get the latest Happy-Go-Doodle stories delivered to your email inbox. Email address:

Leave this field empty if you’re human: