Getting dog's nails/claws cut

[punter]

Silly question probably, but how do you know when their claws need cutting? Or do they ever? Presumably in the wild they don't. I have a 17 month lab, he has the usual mad dashes in the woods and some pavement work. Do not want to incur a vet appointment fee. Thanks.

It's likely that he'll keep them all short with the walking apart from the dewclaws (thumbs). Some dogs nibble these short themselves, some don't and need them trimmed back a bit. Get him used to having his feet handled anyway- as he'll probably need all the nails trimmed when he's old and able to do less- and ask for a nurse appointment at your vets so the nurse can explain whether the dewclaws need trimming, show you how to do it and how much you can take off without hitting the quick. Nurse appointments are generally good bit cheaper than vet appointments.

If they're curling under they'll need cut but this usually affects older dogs or dogs that aren't walked much. Yes a nurse can trim them for a few pounds usually. You're vet will check if they need done at annual health check/booster time.

I cut them myself - dlurcher has a couple of claws that don't wear down very well in spite of running 25km a week on pavements. The grooming places charge about £7 to trim nails