Clipping your Golden Retriever’s nails is critical to the health of her joints. Nails allowed to grow too long will cause a dog to walk with an unnatural gait, which stresses the joints all the way up the leg. Nails that are too long also tend to get caught on things and break, which is extremely painful for your Golden Retriever. And don’t forget the dewclaw! It’s very prone to getting caught and tearing.