I personally do not cut my dog's nails because the cost to have it professionally done is so low I do not want to risk it. We take our dog in about once every 4-6 weeks, her nails grow really fast in the summer, and it costs us about $12-$15 to have her nails trimmed. We are in and out in no more than 20 minutes and the dog isn't scared of the process, in fact I think she quite enjoys it because if her nails start to get too long I swear it seems as though she will hold her paws up as if to tell us. We have never even tried to cut the dog's nails and have no plans. Last time we were at the vet a man in the waiting room told us he uses a dremmel to file his dog's nails, he said it is quick and easy and greatly reduces the risk of hurting your dog.