Claw Clipping

Claw clipping, 'What a piece of cake I thought'. And for me it is, Clara doesn't actually like it, but no muzzle, cast iron gloves or sedation is required, which apparently, is not unusual as far as Scotties are concerned. From a very young ages, I have played with Clara's paws, you know, while were playing, while she eating or sleeping etc. This has turned out to be a good thing, considering I can, more or less, trim Clara's paws with ease. So....

Step 1 - when to cut
I tend to wait til I get really sick of the click click sound of the dogs in the kitchen. But the true way is to look at the claws and check how long they are. When you notice a 'hook' on the end od the claw, it's time to clip them.
Step 2 - cut the claw
The only way I would recommend clipping a claw is with proper dog claw clippers. These are not too expensive but are well worth the money. Dog claws are way tougher than human nails and nail clipper will not work. They will also tend to twist the claw as they cut and this will hurt the dog. Dog claw clippers cut in a very straight way and are quite quick to use, minimising the distress to the dog.
Most importantly, your dog will carry on during this process. It is really important to ignore all 'bad' behaviour. Only praise the dog when you have finished, or when it layers there 'putting up with' the process. If you simper and apologies thought the process, you are actually encouraging the carry on.
If you have heaps of problems, only do one or two claws at a time, do the rest later. But do not stop when the dog is fighting, wait til it stops, even if you are simply having them lie on their back in a submissive position.
One last comment, putting a cloth muzzle on your dog is not you losing, this can make the whole process a lot less stressful for the both of you. Also, call in the assistance of other family members for holding the dog, this can be helpful. Remember no simpering.

Step 3 - how it should look
This may actually be a bit long, but you get the idea. With the black claws, I always lean towards chopping a bit less off, as you can't put it back on if you cut too much off!
If you do cut off too much claw and the claw bed bleeds, hold your finger on the end til is stops, unless you want little dots of blood all over the house. This could take a few minutes.