Reducing nail/quick

I had the same problem at first, had to learn how to clip their black nails without cutting the quick.  Draico was tough because his nails were quite long when I got him. 
Just to be safe, I started by clipping the smallest amount I could more often, twice a week vs. every 2 weeks.  Also, I had an issue with them pulling their paws away, so I did in the living room while they chewed on their bully sticks.  In about 3 months, things were normal, the quick receded and the desired nail length was achieved.  I maintain by clipping small amounts weekly, and smooth with a file.  Now it's quick and easy, the dogs are used to it (so are the cats). 
There was a post a while back about using a dremel to shorten a dog's nails, but my dogs could not get used to it.  Everytime I tried to put the dremel to their nails, they'd hide in their crates, so I gave up.  Sorry I don't have that link, but you can do a search. 
Be patient, you'll get there.  Good luck.

What ladiebug said is exactly what I was going to say.  Cut the nails often and the quick will reced.  After they are the length you want you can reduce the amount of times you clip. 
 
There are times when a vet has to cut the quick for the sake of the dog.  The dog had walking problems, arthritus or something that could not wate for the quick to reced, the nales needed to be trimed right then or the health of the dog would suffer.  Most dogs don't get this extream but it does happen when the owner neglects the nailes.  It really is something only a vet should do under lots of pain control.
 
I've never used a dremel either but I've heard thoes are also great at helping the quick reced.

hmm, that reminds me. i think i will do a clipping session right now..

What if this doesn't work?  One of my dog's nails are longer than they should be (not long enough to hurt her), but I can simply not get the quick to recede.  I use the safety feature on the clipper (doesn't let the nail get clipped too much) and it only clips a TINY bit off.  I read to try again in 10 weeks, and all the nails i tried bled.  So I waited two weeks the next time, all the nails bleed.  [:@]  Her back nails aren't long, so this is just her front ones.  (And she has black nails, so I can't see where the quick is to avoid cutting it)

i have no advice, but wanted to thank you for the link, our clipping situation is horrible, so i am going to give this desensitization method a try. that site seems to have alot of other good info on it too, poor berserkers might be getting some training [] thanks again!

ORIGINAL: gaylemarie

i have no advice, but wanted to thank you for the link, our clipping situation is horrible, so i am going to give this desensitization method a try. that site seems to have alot of other good info on it too, poor berserkers might be getting some training [] thanks again!

I've been following the info on their site and so far it has worked marvelously!  Not actual nail cutting yet, but he now understands the clicker, gives me his full attention, and knows to "touch".  Great stuff!

My sister's dog lets me clip his nails with no problem. Its my dog that I am going to have to work with.  After a 4 inch scratch across my face, I didn't care how long his nails were, they were getting clipped.  Luckily, his quick was short enough that I could clip his nails.  

Kenna, you may have to take your dog to the vet or a groomer.  Last year I was away for a few months and my husband doesn't know how to cut the dogs nails.  By the time I got home, they were so long, I feared cutting the quick, so I took Peanut to the vet.  The peace of mind was worth it.
 
When I was first learning, my vet tech recommend I get clippers, not the guillotine, and place the handles against the paw and clip only what extends into the clipper.  She said that was the safest way to do it, it would prevent me from cutting the quick.  So, far it's worked.  I added the nail file as a finishing touch.

I should work on this with Max, among other things we need to work on. I had a dremel, but it broke, and I haven't replaced it due to cost, and that I didn't use it often. Max hates nail clipping so much a human can't clip his or her own nails with him in the room. Millie I think has just given up on fighting me on it, and she just pretty much lets me do it. 

I have no advice on reducing the quick, but I think that is a great link on nail clipping!