Clipping Dogs Nails
I really don't like clipping my dogs nails. I'm so worried that I'll cut too far and it will start bleeding. I've come to realise that it is actually an art! If it isn't done correctly your dog can suffer from skin and nail injury. My dog doesn't enjoy it when her nails have to be clipped and she tries to take her paw away as I do it which of course makes it more difficult for me.
Here's my advice. Make sure your clippers are the right size for your dog and that they are sharp! Try to use the clippers that have a movable metal strip the other side of the clipping bit as this helps prevent you from cutting too short.
If your dog is unwell then be nice and don't subject him or her to any type of clipping.
Clipping Dogs Coat
If you have a dog with a long haired coat then clipping their coat can help get rid of dirt, knots and more importantly parasites. Fortunately with a labrador I don't have to bother with coat clipping. My Aunt has spingers and so has to keep them clipped regularly. She takes them to a pet health parlor. Doing it yourself would I imagine be rather scary. I cut my husbands hair (with clippers) and although I say so myself I think I do a good job. He doesn't complain and no one laughs at him! But I don't think I'd have the courage to clip a dog. They move!
Each dog breed and coat is different and so requires specific clipping. If the coat is clipped badly, your dog could end up with skin problems or skin disease. Just a build up of dust can cause this.
So I would recommend coat clipping is done by the professionals.