I hate, hate, hate removing ticks, esp big fat ugly ones filled with blood. Luckily, I have found a super simple, inexpensive tick remover that has never failed me. It's called "Ticked Off" & it's like a mini measuring spoon with a slit that you just put next to the embedded tick & scoop up & bingo -- the tick is in the spoon, head & all, ready to be flushed down the toilet. I tried forceps & hemostats in the past & didn't always get a good grip or the head stayed in the skin or I got some fur & dog flesh along with it, or the dog wouldn't sit still long enough, etc. The dogs aren't unhappy with this as they are with forceps & it's so quick you don't have to worry about the dog squirming around. I can't say enough good stuff about this handy little device & it costs less than $5.00!! I have seen them online at some pet supply sites - I got mine at a local sports & hunting store.
Good luck.