Why Now is the Best Time for a Scratch Pad

As the weather turns wet and the temperature drops, our outdoor time with our dogs often gets cut short. When the backyard is a mud pit and the local trails are soaked, we start looking for ways to keep our dogs mentally sharp and physically satisfied indoors.

This "indoor season" is actually the perfect time to tackle a task many pet parents dread: Nail Trims.

If your dog heads for the hills the second they see clippers or hear the buzz of a Dremel, you aren’t alone. Foot handling can be stressful for many dogs, but it doesn't have to be a battle. Enter the Scratch Pad. What is a Scratch Pad? Think of it as a giant emery board for your dog. It’s typically a durable board surfaced with an abrasive material (like sandpaper). Instead of you "doing" something to your dog, you teach your dog to file their own nails down through a natural digging or pawing motion.

Why start now?

Training a dog to use a scratch pad is a fantastic enrichment activity. Since we are spending more time inside right now, you can use these rainy afternoons to build a new skill. It burns mental energy, builds confidence through learning, and results in shorter nails without the "scary" clippers.

What to look for in a Scratch Pad

If you’re looking to add one to your training toolkit, here is what I recommend looking for:

• Surface Durability: You want a grit that can stand up to large paws without needing a refill every two minutes.

• Ease of Use: Some pads come with built-in treat compartments. These are great for "diggy" dogs because they naturally want to find the food, which gets those nails moving against the board.

• The Right "Fit": If your dog already knows how to "shake" or "paw," a flat board is easy. If they need more motivation, a puzzle-style scratcher might be better.

⚠️ A Few Important Warnings

While scratch pads are a "fear-free" alternative, there are two things to keep in mind:

1. Watch the Quick: Just like with clippers, you can go too far. Check your dog’s nails frequently during a session. If the board is very coarse, it can file the nail down to the sensitive quick faster than you think.

2. Protect the Pads: Make sure your dog is scratching with their nails, not just rubbing their paw pads raw. Stop the session if you see any redness or sensitivity on the skin of the paw.

Ready to see it in action?  PUSH PLAY!

You'll still have the back paws to deal with and those dewclaws, but you've won 1/2 the battle!  It's common for dogs not to mind their back feet as much as their front....so this is an excellent way to build trust. For the back feet try clipping the very tip of just one nail....have a party, offer a really yummy treat, and then go do something fun....this can build trust, and your pup may start to look forward to this fun engagement with you without all the pressure of a four paw pedicure!

----------------------------------------- Jill Kudera CPDT-KA Certified Professional Dog Trainer

Licensed and Insured

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Canine and Feline CPR and First Aid Certified