How To Dremel Dog's Nails (The Basics!)

How to hold your Dremel when doing your dog’s nails. My favorite method to practice Dremel technique. Plus, demo on my own dog Bender.
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PRODUCTS USED
Dremel MiniMite (not currently available): amzn.to/3GkGeaG
Dremel 7300-PT (nearly identical model): amzn.to/3HyivoE
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TIMESTAMPS
1:16 Technique for dremeling dog's nails
5:09 Method for practicing on your own
7:32 Demo on a real dog
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Disclaimer: This video was not sponsored by any of the brands mentioned. All opinions are my own. Some links above are affiliate links.

[@Roger_Clarence]

Every time we save 20.00 for a nail trim session with the groomer, your the one to thank for sharing these priceless tips, & our furry best friends reap the rewards. Wishing all that kindness back to you tenfold!!

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Thank you X1000!!!

[@petersimmons3654]

Dogs have claws, not nails. They don't need cutting or grinding down with industrial equipment, they chew off layers from their claws as needed. Only they know when that is.

[@dawnmellick]

I own Amazing Dog (a dog training company) in Texas and have dremeled my own dogs nails for years BUT YOUR videos are the BEST videos on black toenails I have ever watched!! THANK YOU!! YOUR VIDEOS ARE GAMECHANGERS!!

[@petersimmons3654]

Never studied biology then. Dogs have claws, like wolves, claws don't need trimming or grinding down by industrial machines, dogs chew them and they come away in layers, like the onion. What is it about Americans that they have to mutilate and take over all autonomy from animals? Must be from when you wiped out all wolves and coyotes for the bounty.

[@lindaboo123]

I LOVE THE DRAMATIC BREATH OF LIFE HE GAVE YOU WHEN YOU MENTIONED HIS NAME😂❤😂

[@GoodDogGrooming]

😄

[@sitspotCC]

Just found your videos and am impressed. You speak clearly and in a pleasant voice and your demos are the best I've seem Thank you!!

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!

[@VeronicaMarce]

Ive been dremmeling my dogs nails for years and was surprised how many of your tips i currently do! However, you taught me a huge tip which is to not dremmel in the center! Thank you sooo much i look forward to trying out this new way or dremmeling. Now if i can only get my dachshund to sit still lol

[@fludrbywest3886]

Thank you for sharing , I feel better watching you do it for demo ! I feel mor confident in how to approach this task now 🎉🎉❤

[@northernmemaw4036]

I sure do appreciate you & your videos so much😊 Thank you😊

[@ambermacgregor8511]

This is so helpful! Ive been struggling with my girls nails since i got her. Especially love the tidbit to practice with a pencil. Also Bender is so handsome, what a good boy 💕

[@petersimmons3654]

Claws, Dogs have claws, primates have nails. Stop abusing dogs.

[@johannafriedt6362]

Great descriptive way for beginners thank you 😊

[@GoodDogGrooming]

You’re so welcome, thanks for watching! 🐶

[@Misha19441]

That was just great. What a video beautiful slow informative illustrative you’re wonderful thank you so much I’m 80 years old and I just learned how to do this. I have been trying and trying and trying but you just finished all my techniques. Thank you so so much now I know all the little things I was doing wrongbecause it scared me every time I knew I had to do it. I have a Maltese thank you once again God bless you and bless those sweet doggies of yours.

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Thank you for this wonderful comment! I’m so happy my work was helpful to you!

[@angelo8424]

Just what I needed- Thanks!

[@GoodDogGrooming]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@LSinclair]

That was adorable. Loved your captions for Doggie! And it was so very helpful, Colleen. Thank you very much for showing us how so well and clear photography!

[@mcsmith732]

"We're not speaking".😁

[@alyssa0411]

Thank you! My chihuahua has black nails and I’m so worried about hurting her.

[@juliafreedman6793]

Fantastic video!!!

[@honeyparker2784]

Very helpful tutorial. I started handling my puppy's paws the day I picked her up at 8 weeks, hoping she would tolerate clipping or grinding in the future. I was unsuccessful. She absolutely hates both, but the grinding is worse. She's a toy breed, and it's so hard to even see her nails/quick. Your pup is so tolerant!

[@DublinMarge]

Great video. Thanks.

[@barbroberts3153]

Another great video, as always!

[@d.v.crystal5589]

Pencils are made with graphite, not lead :) but great tutorial! Much thanks!

[@45egg1]

Omg! This was just ahmazing! Especially the practice on a pencil 🤯. Thank you thank you so much

[@petersimmons3654]

Practice on your finger, you might feel how the dog feels about having a highly sensitive claw ground down by power tool.

[@paulinedavis8734]

EXCELLENT tutorial ❤

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Thanks so much! 🐶🥰

[@vee6827]

Thanks!

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Thank you! Thanks for watching!! 🐶

[@TimScott1111]

Excellent tutorial, thank you!! ❤

[@GoodDogGrooming]

You’re welcome, thanks for watching!!

[@RedWhiteSpaniel]

Great tutorial. Thank you.

[@GoodDogGrooming]

You’re welcome! Thanks so much for watching!!

[@TaraTanaka]

All of your videos are so helpful! I have been trying to recede my dog's quicks for over 2 years now, and the only nails that are getting shorter are the two front middle ones that he gets when he uses his scratchboard. I just can't tell where I am with his nails relative to the quicks, even after watching every one of your dremeling videos. They just seem to have a different shape. Do you have a way that people can hire you on-line for consulting? I would love to be able to send you some photos and get your feedback. I would be happy to pay for your time! Thanks!

[@Jakiou]

This was a huuuuge help for my bullmastiffs. Thank you so much!

[@petersimmons3654]

It doesn;t help the Mastiff, he/she can cope perfectly well keeping their claws the right length. I have never cut my dogs claws in over sixty years. They do it for themselves just like they would in the wild. All the abandoned dogs in Ukrain, left by their loving families to fend for themsekves, do not have great long claws after two years of war, odd don;t you think?

[@Jakiou]

@@petersimmons3654 it does help the mastiff😉 and it is necessary on the Bullmastiff to clip or grind the nails on the front. Raised in bullmastiff kennel and had Them for over 28 years Funny you speak about it as im 1/3 ukrainian But live in denmark i can tell you my wifes mother adopted a homeless dog last year from Ukraine and he had very Long nails

[@jennyd1111]

Great video, thank you.

[@GoodDogGrooming]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!!

[@butterflywings8332]

This was so helpful. Thank you🙏

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Awesome! Thanks so much for watching!!

[@shaulebisiar9916]

Great video!! Thanks for sharing

[@GoodDogGrooming]

You’re welcome! Thanks so much for watching!!

[@user-er4cs4sb9h]

excellent video - so helpful! Any chance you videos on grooming border terriers?

[@ChristineB9046]

Thank you for this video! Your dog is gorgeous! Is that a white Boxer? 🐶🐕

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Oh yeah, he’s indeed a white boxer. His name is Bender and he’s 75 pounds of CLINGY good boi 😂

[@skywilliams6420]

How do you hold a small dog in your arms while doing this? Also I got a dremmel and was able to use it but it didn't take much off. Do I need to press harder? The dremmel I got has a safety cover on it. Does that matter? Thanks! Great Video!

[@all.is.nothing.is.all.]

Where is your store located? I have been trying to recede my dogs' quick but hasn't been able to produce meaningful results. I might have to bring them to you.

[@christopherjames7216]

Found your channel after realizing we’ve let one of our dog’s nails get out of control. His quick is too long so I’m working on keep his nails trimmed with the nippers often to get some shrinkage. Would like to buy the Whitman bit for my dremel but we’ve got a small and a large dog and $150 a piece is enough to make me sweat!

[@GoodDogGrooming]

For now, sandpaper bits are totally fine until you can upgrade. I use the same bit for large and small dogs, it’s the Diamagroove Boxer style, Standard grit. Some prefer a rougher grit for dogs with very thick nails and some might prefer a finer grit for tiny nails, but I find Standard grit on the diamagroove gets the job done on all. Here’s a vid comparing other metal bit options: kzbin.info/www/bejne/np3dZGadl6ykjZIsi=oZAyJmUq1tzgdu9j Plus a video discussing grit: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXfZmKikdtihm9Esi=3OwUorbvAcfNC66k Lastly, I belive the Diamagroove price has gone up to $160 last I heard! Inflation… best bit I have ever used. BUT, as I state in this next vid, I never had a problem even with the sandpaper bits so don’t feel like you can’t do the job without the most expensive bit… you can do it with lots of other options too! Diamgroove vid: kzbin.info/www/bejne/foPQqXunoZaHbbMsi=voVJ6XjopGwbj8n2

[@christopherjames7216]

I really appreciate you taking the time to respond. I gave it a go and the sandpaper bit worked well enough for now. I think before I invest in the Diamagroove I’ll keep practicing and getting my dogs used to the sound of the dremel. The big dog was fine with it (sooo much trust) but the little one was pretty stressed. Thanks again for all of the great info!

[@darlene9145]

About the quick, will I have to snip some to get the quick to recede some or will the grinder do the same thing? I'm clueless and just want to make sure I'm doing it right. I was surprised how nervous doing my dog's nail would make me. 😬🤷🏻‍♀️🙃

[@chillax141]

What brand diamond tip do you use?

[@luckwagon]

Best dremel grooming video I've seen, and I've been watching a boatload! Do you recommend the metal tip as opposed to anything else? And is it okay to use a regular vs. special dog grooming dremel? Thanks for the great instruction.

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Thanks! I prefer the metal tips, but there’s nothing wrong with using sandpaper ones! Here’s a video where I talk more about that and compare lots of options: kzbin.info/www/bejne/np3dZGadl6ykjZIsi=18KwnSMj4VqqWdEP A regular dremel is fine but I recommend cordless and not corded.

[@jenniferbrown1288]

Best nail trimming video out there by far. Thank you.

[@petersimmons3654]

Claws,, not nails, they aren't hairy hummans. Claws are not the same as our primate hails, they discard in layers, usually with encouragement from the owner. What makes you 'think' you know better?

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Thank you!

[@jenniferbrown1288]

@@petersimmons3654 you need a hug? :)

[@observet0079]

The mine consists of a paste of graphite, clay and water that is fired. The “lead” in the name is simply due to confusion with lead ore. So it is absolutely non-toxic.

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Thanks! I know, but my text on screen was to avoid getting more “It’s GRAPHITE. Not lead.” comments haha!

[@wrenmackenzie]

What speed should you use? And what type of sanding drum do you have? It looks different than the one it comes with

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Here’s my what speed vid: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGawgHZvmq-aY68si=29SmKrgrHC5i-PHD and here’s a quick overview of the Diamagroove bit: kzbin.info/www/bejne/foPQqXunoZaHbbMsi=fvrBHOOrzuOaFY0u Plus a comparison of metal bit features: kzbin.info/www/bejne/np3dZGadl6ykjZIsi=RBioOi9sF_WauXaG

[@RefugioDeMascotasMexico]

Which dremel do you use?

[@leighallen8414]

What attachment do you use? I bought a dremel, but it doesn't have an attachment that looks like that. The one that comes the closest is a much rougher. Would love to know what you use with your dog.

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Here’s a video where I compare many kinds of metal bits for doing dog’s nails, in all price ranges: kzbin.info/www/bejne/np3dZGadl6ykjZIsi=AnW-dRzz-oGe0qOy Also, look for my “which grit” video under my dremeling dog’s nails playlist!

[@pozzee2809]

What kind of Dremel do you use?

[@MrWhiltetail]

Grinding can cause a surface to get hot quickly but I have have yet to hear anyone talk about this with a dogs nails. It seems like pressure and/or length of time grinding could cause the nail to get too hot and hurt the dog. Am I wrong about this?... Also, I would very much recommend using a vacuum with a hepa filter right after practicing with a "lead" pencil and don't let any pets into that area during practice until after cleanup. Good video's BTW. From what I have seen so far you show genuine concern and analytical thinking in being compassionate and empathetic to the dog. Some groomers seem to be lacking in this area.

[@OrcinusLaryngologist]

Yes, de facto the nail will get hot if you concentrate in an area too long. That’s why you modulate you pressure and have a technique or rounding the nail. Also, not sure from you comment but that isn’t lead in pencils, it’s graphite. That name came from the paint that was used in the pencils in earlier eras which clearly isn’t used today.

[@bofirestonetreesgardens9276]

What are the advantages of the Dremel vs just cutting the nail and allowing them to file on the pavement? Trying to decide if I should buy one or if my current method is sufficient. I just trim a little bit of nail each day while my puppy is chewing a bone and she doesn't even notice.

[@GoodDogGrooming]

The dremel allows you to get closer to the quick and a smoother finish. Rounder nails sometimes mean less scratching (like if your dog jumps on people a lot or you have an elderly person around with thin skin or something like that). So if clipping the nails has been sufficient for you there’s not necessarily a reason to move into the dremeling space unless there’s a problem you’re trying to solve. If clipping is working for you, you can just continue!

[@bofirestonetreesgardens9276]

Thank you so much for the reply! @@GoodDogGrooming

[@ginaradovic7446]

🌹🌹❤️❤️🦘🐨

[@noboundaries845]

Where is your grooming business located?

[@c.rutherford]

Honestly someone needs to make a video on training your dog to have its nails filed, because this is hugely difficult for some dog owners. I can't even get my dog to stay in the same room when the dremel is running. I got one burp on one of her nails, basically touched it for a second on low speed and she yanked her paw away and growled (which is a never before in history) and now its pretty much impossible. I have a Wahl 2 which I'm keeping for other use..... but I may have to surrender on the nail filing altogether :(

[@dreiaugen]

@c.rutherford it's all about creating positive associations with the behavior you want. I'd start by just having the dremel visible to her (but at a distance), and reward her for seeing it and not reacting. She will start to associate the dremel with getting treats. Then move up to asking her to sniff it. Don't force it - let her get comfortable, and reward her each time. Eventually you'll have to move up to turning it on. Since it's noisy, start with it at a distance...turn it on and back off, and give her a treat. Just keep working on each new phase until she's comfortable.

[@robertball3578]

A "lead" pencil is not made with lead (for many years); it is graphite. Not poisonous but the fine dust from pencil or dog toes wouldn't be healthy if you have prolonged exposure.

[@GoodDogGrooming]

I made a video where I recommend mask-wearing while dremeling, but I don’t wear masks in most of my videos especially because often times I need to talk/explain. Sometimes I forget to wear one. But I always preach that it’s a good idea! Here’s that vid: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5OadpKepdRssLssi=qo2xGRpaX90IBhWh

[@mauricioh6716]

Blessings, John 3:16. Jesus loves you.

[@cha-ka8671]

Don't trim a dogs rear nails as much. If they don't have that grip. They can lose footing and end up getting a CLL tear, hip issues, and the joint related issues. Think about you slipping on ice. I know this because, I used to trim my dogs rear nails as short as the front and well... She tire her CCL. It looks months of rest to recover from it. That or pay $5000 for surgery and still have give them rest, CBD, Curcumin, and glucosamine.

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Thank you for sharing your experience! There is tons of debate online over the “ideal” length, and this is a super important consideration!

[@petersimmons3654]

1) Dogs do not have nails, humans have nails. 2) Dogs have claws like other mammals such as cats, tigers, lions, and wolves. 3) Claws are different to nails. Nails give our fingers a hard end with which to grip small objects, they are curved two dimensional. Claws provide a grip to run, climb and fight, without claws a dog has soft pads which would not work. They are round in cross section and taper to a useful rounded point. 4) Like the wolves they were originally bred from, dogs claws are grown in layers [like an onion] and they come off in layers, leaving a pergectly formed claw behind. 5) Wolves and other wild species do not haver groomers following them around in the wild to cut their 'claws', like dogs they chew at their claws while grooming their feet, and layers come away if the dog wants to shorten them. Any uncomfortable claws will be evident to the animal while walking or tunning. 6) I have had dogs for over sixty years and have never cut their claws let alone used an industrial rotary power tool on them, ever wondered what that feels like to the dog? Vibrating the most sensitive part of the foot can't be pleasant.' 7) Ihave found dog claws on the floor sometimes, but they mostly are eatern, providing useful keratin for growing new layers. 8) Dogs claws do not grow to crippling length if not cut by the 'loving' owner or 'expert' who thinks dogs have nails. That's hortses dear. 9) Dogs are a natural species whoch knpows hpow to be a dog. Learn what that means from them, and stop abusing them in the blind belief it is what they need. They need humans to stop treating them like human babies who never 'grow up',

[@GoodDogGrooming]

👍

[@elitetrader5468]

I'm going to respectfully disagree here. Nothing wrong with grinding the center. Think about it. What happens when you clip a nail? You are cutting through the center. The key is just not to overgrind too short (like clipping). Grinding the top of the nail is odd and doesn't shorten the nail (which is the point of grinding a nail). But hey, if it works for you great.

[@GoodDogGrooming]

I mean, I agree that grinding the center is fine until the dremel bit gets to the quick… but this method is talking about getting to the quick from the side angle and the top angle. So you still get there, but more nail material is also taken off above and around the quick. Check out this vid for visuals on what I mean: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6Wnf51vatR3opIsi=aXkNgcllKDl8LqY4 So, on principle I do agree that you could grind in the middle and get them as short as clipping once across. But even when I clip I take extra material around the quick after the initial cut. (See this vid if you’re interested in that demo: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYmaYaKbedx0Zq8si=RHmAp9WJ3OBf4aqb)

[@elitetrader5468]

@@GoodDogGrooming Ah gotcha. That makes sense. And you've found that even if the nails are the same length, taking material on the sides and tops causes the quick to retreat more? It just seems to odd grinding the tops of the nails given "we don't do that to our nails" lol.

[@mcsmith732]

Thanks!

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Thank you!! 🐶😀