[BannaOj]

I use children's Fiskars. They are smaller and easier to angle and maneuver than larger scissors, but also have blunt tips so you aren't going to stab the squirming dog in the process.

I also reccommend sitting on the floor with your dog, and using your own legs to help pin the dog down while you do the trim job. Roll the dog over on it's back and from the underside, trim the hair back from around the pads, so that the dog will be able to use the pads for traction and grip without the hair interfering. Be firm and don't let them squirm out of it while you are trimming but also give lots of belly scratches at the end.