#Diy scratchpad for dogs how to#

Now, coarser grit sandpaper won’t cause your dog’s nails to bleed. If your dog is uncomfortable using a lower number (coarser) grit sandpaper, move up size.

Dogs over 25 lbs: Start with 80 grit and slowly introduce to 30 grit (coarse grit).

Dogs between 10-25 lbs: Start with 80 grit and slowly introduce 40 grit (medium grit).

Most dogs are comfortable dragging their nails across 30-40 grit sandpaper, which files down nails fast. Remember, higher grit numbers mean softer (less abrasive) grit, which will slowly file back your dog’s nails. Once your dog learns to drag only her nails across the scratchboard, lower the grit size slowly. This softer grit is more comfortable during the learning stage and less likely to scratch paw pads. Introduce self nail filing using 80 grit sandpaper. After building a few and trying them out with different sized dogs, it’s best to build a scratchboard based on your dog’s paw size. All you need is sandpaper, wood and staples. It’s pretty simple to build your own scratchboard.

#Diy scratchpad for dogs how to#

RELATED: Dog Nail Trimming Tips: Teaching Nail Drags Across Board How to Build a Dog Nail Scratchboard

I noticed dogs wear their back nails down naturally through daily activities, such as walking on concrete or running in the yard.

Keep that in mind when building a scratchboard for your dog.īut what about filing down back nails? You can certainly follow these guidelines for teaching back paw scratches. Our goal is scratching two front paws (digging style) across the scratchboard, making dog nail trims quick and fun. In the beginning, your dog will drag one front paw at a time across the scratchboard. In my opinion, it’s much easier and so much more fun for your dogs! I’ve taught my dogs to trim their own front paw nails. Teaching Your Dog to Trim Her Nails With a ScratchboardĪfter finishing an entire tutorial on trimming your dog’s nails with clippers, I want to be upfront and honest.