#Scratchpad dog how to#
#Scratchpad dog plus#

Place board on ground with top portion leaning against your legs.Settle in chosen room, and set up treats and scratchboard.Practice 5-10 times and end training session.Your dog is learning that the board means something so she’s going to investigate, which you will heavily reward.

Usually, looking at and walking toward the board happens during your first training session.

When your dog looks at, walks toward or touches her front paw on the board, click and toss her a treat.

Place bottom of board on floor and leave top against your leg.

#Scratchpad dog plus#

Plus you don’t want to miss any nail drags. Placing the board on the floor means “let’s scratch at the board” to your dog. Next to your treats, place the scratchboard. Basically, treats are kept up high so you can easily reach while keeping your dog from self snacking. Place treats on the seat of a chair before beginning each session. Gather needed supplies, bring your dog into your chosen room, close the door and have a seat on the floor. Goal: Positively introduce your dog to scratchboard.

When keeping the scratchboard flat on the ground, I noticed a blunter bottom portion instead of a rounded nail tip, which seemed to grow out faster. At this angle, your dog files the bottom portion first and then the middle and top of nail, forming a nice rounded and smooth nail. Remember, choice is a powerful reinforcer–sometimes even more so than food! Placement of ScratchboardĪfter a few trials and errors, I discovered maximum nail filing when placing the scratchboard at a 45-degree angle to the ground. This closed room means choice and fun, as your dog can decide to not participate. Usually, I use our bathroom so my dogs associate it with fun instead of bath time. By closing the door, you’re keeping your dog with you while minimizing distractions (e.g. Before starting a dog training session, click and treat your dog for walking into the room and close the door behind you. Room With a Doorĭuring the beginning stages, choose a small room with a door for dog training sessions. You’ll need a clicker, lots of yummy treats (about the size of a pea), scratchboard and a room with a door.

#Scratchpad dog how to#

You’ve built a size-appropriate nail scratchboard, and now it’s time to teach your dog how to drag her front nails across it. How to Teach Your Dog to Use a Scratchboard

Traditional Classroom Environment in Los Angeles California.