Tips for clipping black toenails

[cjwilliams5454]

Looking for any tips/tricks for clipping my dogs black toenails....  

Any good way to determine how close I can get without cutting her??

She's always had her nails done by a local groomer, but our groomer is unfortunately leaving the area.  I don't know how long it could be before we get another one.  We live in a very small community.  My girl gets terrible car sickness, so if possible, I'm trying to avoid a long car trip to take her to the next closest town for a trim.

Suggestions Welcome!!!

[Margot49]

Having shown dogs fir a number if years, my own dogs were used to grooming, baths, trimming and having nails done with clippers or the Dremmel.  However, they were worked with from a young age.  Can't say they were thrilled but just a part of life for them.
When I brought my aunt's dog home after she passed, it was a fight to the finish to get nails done.  Had Greyhounds here and used a Dermnel on ours.  They are pretty used to getting nails clipped at the tracks but I am sure nit much attention us paid to the quick.
Have a Chi mix I adopted here now and she is horrible at getting nails done,  she will let me handle her feet now but even that took a while.  
Easier to handle the bigger dogs then these little squirmy premadonas. :-)

[lindapalm]

I just take the tips off, like Margot49 says.  I know its not enough, but I'm lucky to get that much off, she hates it so much.  I make her lay on her side, and for each nail she gets a piece of a treat.  I have to talk really firm when getting her ready to do it, or she'll take off.  Shes a very old dog now, so its hard, because I don't want to traumatize her too much.  Good Luck.

[Margot49]

Can be hard it they aren't used to it.  Try cutting off the curved ends and try a nail file.  

[cjwilliams5454]

I do have a dremmel like nail file for my dogs, but she won't tolerate it.  I'll try the tip idea for a few weeks...see if I can keep them short enough that way.  Thanks!

[Margot49]

Hate those black nails. :-)
Safest way is just to tip them, cut off the sharp end and you can then file.
Will your dog tolerate a Dremmel? If so, that is the best way.  You Dremmel until you see the quick in the nail and then stop.
Don't have the link now,but do a search for dog nail trimming with photos.