I also like to use the guillotine type. I clip the nails(or pretend to clip if there's nothing actual to clip
) once a week from very early age(usually at 8weeks of age when I get the puppy from the breeders). I also wash my dogs at least twice a month (of course more often if there is a lot of shows about) and blow dry them after that. I find it a lot easier to get the puppies used to the washing(if they are not dirty I use only water, otherwise shampoo and conditioner), grooming etc things straight from the beginning as there is a lot less to fight with
.
Mike: a good tip I got from my girls breeder to clipping black nails, is that put your dog on her back, and sort of slide the clippers under the nail, when the clippers "stop" (the nail starts to curve) it's safe for you to clip.
(please excuse my bad english, I hope you understood at least half of it
)