No one likes it when your dog's nails are too long — not your floors, not your couch, and definitely not your dog. However, whether you've recently decided to adopt a new puppy or have been a dog owner for years, the idea of cutting your dog's nails at home can be more than a little intimidating. The last thing you want to do is hurt your furry friend in the process, which is why the best dog nail clippers are designed to help you trim your pup's nails safely and effectively — even if you're not a trained groomer.

As Patrick Mahaney, VMD, CVA, CVJ, of California Pet Acupuncture & Wellness (CPAW), Inc. tells Woman's Day, it's totally safe for dog owners to cut their own pet's nails, as long as you have the right tools and can keep your pup calm. "I always recommend using positive reinforcement with high-value treats and praise during the restraint process needed to perform nail trims," he says. "You can also perform nail trims in stages where perhaps you only trim one paw at a time in order to minimize discomfort." And of course, using one of these top-rated dog nail clippers will help you get the job done, too.

Like dog strollers and dog sunscreens, dog nail trimmers are one of those unexpected pet products that's well worth the investment, and these are the very best. Read on for information on different types of dog nail clippers, as well as everything you should know before trimming your pooch's nails.