{"id":4219,"date":"2020-10-26T01:46:52","date_gmt":"2020-10-26T01:46:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/topdoghub.com\/?p=4219"},"modified":"2023-02-18T14:27:52","modified_gmt":"2023-02-18T14:27:52","slug":"build-a-scratch-board-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/topdoghub.com\/build-a-scratch-board-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Make a Scratch Pad for Dogs [And Teach Your Dog To Use]"},"content":{"rendered":"

Have you ever considered using a scratchboard or scratchpad for dogs to trim their nails? Many dogs detest getting their nails trimmed and will run and hide, but they may enjoy using a scratchpad on their own.<\/span><\/p>\n

Using scratchboard can be a pleasant experience for your pooch instead of a traumatic one.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is a Dog Scratch Pad or Board?<\/b><\/h2>\n

A scratchboard is a piece of wood or a thick plastic that is either square or rectangular and covered with sandpaper to give it a gritty surface.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are also scratch boards made from two-by-four pieces of lumber or PVC pipe cut in half.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The dog uses the board by scratching at it with their paws, and in the process, their nails get trimmed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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How To Build A Dog Scratchboard or Scratchpad<\/b><\/h2>\n

Building a dog scratchboard is a simple operation. The most common material used is a piece of wood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can visit your local home improvement store, where you will be able to find various sizes of wood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Consider the size of your pet when choosing the size of the wood you will want. Most people use a board that is about a foot wide and about 30 inches long.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joyce shows you have she made hers in this video<\/span> DIY SCRATCH BOARD-MAKE ONE FOR YOUR DOG<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The size is really up to you. Other people have used boards that are only slightly bigger than a sheet of notebook paper.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here is one of those smaller boards:<\/span> DIY scratch board<\/span><\/a>. One pet owner simply used a two-by-four, and it worked nicely for her dog.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can also use plexiglass or plastic, as long as they are thick enough to withstand the dog’s pressure on the material.<\/span><\/p>\n

PVC pipe is another option for using a scratch board. It is rigid and sturdy. Pet owners who use the PVC option feel that it gets the dog’s side nails better than a flat surface will.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This pet owner shows how to teach your dog to use one of these and how she made it herself:<\/span> Teach Your Dog to Use a PVC Scratch Board.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Use The Correct Grit Sandpaper<\/b><\/h3>\n

When making DIY scratch boards, the most important item will be the sandpaper itself. You would not want to get too coarse a grit and take the chance of damaging your pet’s paws.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The majority of DIYers use a grit of 80 or above. The lower the number of grit, the coarser it is.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The higher number, the finer the grit on the sandpaper becomes. Others have used the material put on stairs to make them non-slip.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are also various ways of adhering to the sandpaper to the board you are using. Some material has an adhesive backing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There is spray adhesive that comes in a can and can be used to adhere to the sandpaper. Stapling is an option, and good old fashioned duck tape will also do the trick.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you have questions about the number grit of the sandpaper, consult with your vet as to their opinion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Dog Scratch Board Techniques<\/b><\/h3>\n

One of the first techniques you will use is to present the tool so that the dog becomes familiar with the scratch board.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can set the board on the floor and allow your pet to smell around the board and make up their mind that it is a safe object.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Once they have accepted the scratch board as part of their “safe” world, it is easy to introduce them to using the board.<\/span><\/p>\n

Remember that dogs will repeat behaviors that get them what they want. The positive reinforcement technique focuses on rewarding your pooch for the action that you want to see.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, if you reward your dog every time you ask them to sit, your dog will be more likely to sit in the future, too.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clicker Training<\/b><\/h3>\n

A clicker can be used as a technique to train your dog. It is also called mark and reward, with the clicker being considered the mark. The clicker itself is just a small mechanical noisemaker.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As mentioned before, the mark and reward technique builds on the idea that rewarded behaviors are more likely to be repeated in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n

The value of using a clicker is that your dog will know what behavior you are rewarding. When you click at the right time, you “mark” the moment, your dog did what you wanted.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can learn more about clicker training from the<\/span> American Kennel Club, who tells you how to use clicker training to communicate with your dog.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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Do-It-Themselves Dog Nail Care<\/b><\/h2>\n

Many pooches get anxious and scared when the clippers come out. They don’t like the sound of a Dremel or the loud sound when a nail gets clipped with a set of manual clippers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some pet owners resort to having the vet or groomer do their pet’s nails as it is just too nerve-racking for them to do it themselves.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While that is handy for the pet owner, the poor pooch does not appreciate the vet or groomer’s visit.<\/span><\/p>\n

That is why the scratch board is an excellent way of having your dog “do-it-themselves.”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The board is at home, their place of comfort, it doesn’t make loud noises, you aren’t holding their paws, and they get a reward for using it!\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It is a win-win for all concerned.<\/span><\/p>\n

Teaching Your Dog To Use The Scratch Board<\/b><\/h3>\n

You can train your dog to use scratchboards by rewarding them every time they put their paw on the board.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Place the board wherever you are going to want to be using it regularly. When you see your dog<\/a> touch the board, give them praise and a small training treat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Use the smaller treats, like these:<\/span> The Best Dog Treats For Training 2020 [Healthy & Grain Free Bites]<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Do this same procedure twice a day for a few minutes at a time. Your pooch will gradually understand that touching the board gets them a reward.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Be patient as this learning process continues.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once your pet has the right idea, lean the scratch board against your leg or a piece of furniture.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It will need to be something that will support the board and not allow it to fall but hold it firmly in one place.<\/span><\/p>\n

Repeat the procedure with your pet of touch and reward with the scratch board in the new position. They should pick up on this part of the exercise quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Be Patient And Consistent<\/b><\/h2>\n

This next part of the process may take a bit of time, and you may need to move their paw for them at first so that they get the idea.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When they move their paw down the board, and you hear a scratching sound, this is when your pet has learned to file their nails! Give lots of praise and a treat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Remember that the point is to scratch the nails, not to rub the pads along the scratch board.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Once you feel that your dog is getting the idea, you can add the word \u201cscratch\u201d so that they start pairing the action with the word. They also know that a treat is coming too.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here is a tutorial from a dog trainer on how exactly to train your smart pet to use a scratch board:<\/span> How Do I Teach My Dog to File Its Nails?<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Using a Dog Scratch Board With Treats<\/b><\/h3>\n

The type of dog treat you want to use with your scratch board is a training treat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These are the small bite-size treats that your dog loves the flavor of but doesn’t add lots of calories to their diet.<\/span> The Best Dog Treats For Training 2020 [Healthy & Grain Free Bites<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Where To Place Dog Scratch board At Home<\/b><\/h2>\n

Some owners choose to hold the board against their leg as the dog uses the board. That way they can monitor the process and have treats ready.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can lay the board flat on the floor or propped against a couch or chair. The position is up to you and where you find it handiest for your pet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Using the scratch board is an activity that you will monitor to ensure that your pet is doing the exercise correctly and achieves its nails.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You don’t want this to become a toy that your dog thinks gives out treats for playing with it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When you do not use the board as part of your pet’s grooming process, keep the board out of sight in a closet or cupboard and bring it out when it is time to file their nails down.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Your pet will get to know precisely what the board is for and look forward to filing their nails!<\/span><\/p>\n

Most dogs do not like to have their nails clipped, and the process can be upsetting and make them anxious.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can relieve that anxiety and make nail trimming a fun and pleasant experience for both you and your pet by using scratch boards for your dog.<\/span><\/p>\n

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FAQ<\/b><\/h4>\n
What happens if you never cut your dog\u2019s nails?<\/b><\/h5>\n

A dog’s nails will grow longer and longer. They will cause the dog to experience discomfort and pain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Left alone long enough, a dog’s nails will inhibit the dog to the point that it will not walk properly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does it hurt a dog to use a scratch board?<\/b><\/h5>\n

No, it does not hurt a dog to use a scratch board, as long as they are scratching with their nails only, and not the pad of their feet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When training a dog to use scratch boards, make sure that you reward them when they only use their nails on the board.<\/span><\/p>\n

How often should I replace my dog’s scratch pad?<\/h5>\n

The frequency with which you need to replace your dog’s scratch pad will depend on how often it is used and how rough your dog is with it. As a general rule, you should replace the scratch pad when it becomes frayed or worn out.<\/p>\n

Can you use sandpaper on your dog\u2019s nails?<\/b><\/h5>\n

Yes, you can use sandpaper on a dog\u2019s nails, but it will take a while to sand nails down.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Remember that the higher the grit number for sandpaper, the less abrasive the grit. A 30 – 40 grit paper will do the job once your dog gets used to the process.<\/span><\/p>\n

Should you hear your dog\u2019s nails on the floor?<\/b><\/h5>\n

The rule of thumb is that if you can hear your dog\u2019s nails \u201cclick\u201d on the floor when walking, it is time to trim their nails.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Watch when your dog walks, too, to see if they are having any difficulty that might indicate they are experiencing pain from too-long nails.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why don\u2019t dogs like to have their nails cut?<\/b><\/h5>\n

If your dog’s nail has ever been cut too close, it is a painful experience for them. If it happened once, your dog will remember that and get fearful that it will happen again.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dogs can also be afraid of a loud Dremel being used, or even just from the sound that clippers make. It is best to try to keep them calm and reward them with a treat afterward.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Have you ever considered using a scratchboard or scratchpad for dogs to trim their nails? Many dogs detest getting their nails trimmed and will run and hide, but they may enjoy using a scratchpad on their own. Using scratchboard can be a pleasant experience for your pooch instead of a traumatic one. What Is a … Read More “How To Make a Scratch Pad for Dogs [And Teach Your Dog To Use]”<\/span> »<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":4236,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/topdoghub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4219"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/topdoghub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/topdoghub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topdoghub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topdoghub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4219"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/topdoghub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4219\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5164,"href":"https:\/\/topdoghub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4219\/revisions\/5164"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topdoghub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4236"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/topdoghub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4219"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topdoghub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4219"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topdoghub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4219"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}