I feel your pain! I think trimming nails is just as traumatic for US as it is for them!! Oscar is the BIGGEST BOOB when it comes to his nails. I do all his grooming myself (I will eventually take him to a groomer, but only every once in a while - I will do 'maintenance' myself).
First, get your puppies used to you handling their paws and all of their toes, it will make the process much easier for you.
If Hootie and Hobbs are squirmy, some people recommend wrapping them in a blanket so they can't wriggle around as much. I have to have my bf hold Oscar while I cut his nails. Some people spread the nail cutting out over several days - but I'd rather get it all done at once, not drag out the process over a week, cutting one or two nails a day. I use the guilotene (sp?) style nail cutters, they have a little stopper on the one side so you can't go in TOO far. Because I'm a big scardy cat, I only cut off about 1/8" off each nail. You don't actually have to cut into the quick to hurt them - the area just outside the quick is really sensitive too and will make them squeal if you cut too close. To be on the safe side, I cut a small amount... last thing I need is to hurt him, then I'll never be able to get near him with those clippers! So - just cust a tiny amount and do it as quick as possible. Oscar seems to be worse with his front paws and I think it's because the clippers are right near his face and he can SEE what I'm doing.
If you are really concerned, take them to your vet and they'll cut them for you - around here it's aboutt 10-20 dollars. Maybe once your husband hears the SCREAM of a puppy who's nails have been trimmed a little too close, he'll have a change of heart.
