Nail Clippers

Question
Hi, ElizaBeth,

I have two golden retrievers and volunteer with a golden rescue.  I've had goldens for 14 years, and have done all their grooming myself.  Typically I use a dremel on the nails, but we recently adopted a rescue girl who was a "breeder" dog.  It's obvious she had no socialization and she's fearful of everything.  Since I need to proceed slowly with her as far as acclimating her to new sounds, experiences, etc., I am not using the dremel on her because of the noise.  

I have a nail clipper that I've been using, but I don't like the way it splinters the nail.  I use the clipper on my female, and the dogs at the shelter.  I was trying to find one that makes a nice, clean cut.  I just wanted to know if you recommend a particular type or brand (and where I might purchase) for nails of large-breed dogs such as mine.
Thanks for your advice.

Chris,
Fellow Expert in Dogs, Dog Training, Canine Behavior, and Golden Retrievers

Answer
Hi Chris,
What a great story - I don't typically get questions from people with your level of experience- great for a change.

You are right not to use the dremel till she settles down. I have been using the Millers Forge brand professional series for large breeds my entire career- Any other brand seems to do what you say. It has to be that brand tho. Orange handled knockoffs are every where so go for the brand name. Catalogue companies have them- Cherrybrook, Petedge Jeffers are a few.
Just be sure that you do it quickly on an angle. If you don't use a fast hard cut you may have a problem and the pressure could freak her.
Put her up on a table so you have the correct visual and angle- and tie her leash to something so she does pull away while you are working.
Hope this helps
good luck with new gal
bless you.