Well, trimming sometimes over 100 nails a day, I can add a little to this thread.....
If you can grind them down with something like a dremel or similar, that's your best bet, if he/she can handle the noise of it. My Dobermann got freaked out from the sound & wouldn't let me do it.
If you have to cut it with regular clippers, do a little at a time....instead of waiting for them to get really long(quick grows too, so you won't be able to cut it as short as you want without bleeding), cut the nails a bit more often.
If you do happen to make them bleed, some home remedies you can use:
brown sugar - just pack it in
a chunk of a bar of soap - press the nail into the soap
**These are things I was told will help...I use a clotting powder at work**
Or...you can just take your dog to a professional groomer or your vet.