This is a question we get a lot - actually, dogs will instinctively extend their claws out while they're scratching downwards. This means that their pads do not touch the abrasive sanding surface at all. As you will see from the video above, dogs naturally only scratch their nails and not their pads.

With all the dogs that we've trained and our clients, we have actually seen the opposite happen. Dogs who are more prone to scratch at doors, cabinets, etc realize with training that the only time they are rewarded is when they are scratching Happy Pups Scratch Pad

Most dogs learn the basics of scratching the board in under a day or two, but each dog is different. Most pups, will get a hang of what it is you want them to do on the scratch pad with 2-3 sessions.

If you're having trouble getting your dog interested in their scratch pad, try changing the reward to something with a higher value and make the "game" as fun as you can!

If you're still struggling, you can always contact us and we can guide you.

Yes, definitely! While it can take a little more time to train, you can teach your dog to scratch his hind feet on the Scratch Pad. We have found that the best way to do this is to prop the Scratch Pad on a few stairs and then let your dog stand next to the board while rewarding him anytime he puts his hind feet on the board.  

In your order, we will also ship the links to training your dogs for scratching the hind legs.

It's rare, but occasionally we do hear of a dog who is having a difficult time acclimating to their new Scratch. Pad. Fortunately, we have a few tricks up our sleeves to make it a bit more exciting for your dog to learn. First and foremost, find a treat that is super motivating for your dog - some dogs will work just fine for bits of kibble, but others may need something of a higher value, like jerky treats. Ideally, you want to find something that your dog loves so much that they would do practically anything just for a small taste. Then, begin by laying the board flat on the floor. Work with getting him to walk across it, rewarding and praising him each time any of his paws touch the Scratch Pad. Once they are used to the smell and feel of the board, begin to prop it at a shallow incline. Now, every time he starts to put his paw on the board, praise and reward him. Eventually, you want to work towards them actually dragging the paw down the board, but that may take some time.

We recommend simply using a soft brush, similar to one you'd use for cleaning dishes, to remove any buildup in the sandpaper grit.  This will help prolong the life of the abrasive surface.

We have carefully chosen professional-grade, ultra-durable sandpaper in order for your Scratch Pad to last as long as possible. When maintained and cleaned to prevent dust buildup, the board can be expected to last many months. However, this does depend on how many dogs use it and how often you use your Scratch Pad. 

On average, with normal use as directed for one to two dogs, your scratching surface should last 3-6 months.

On average, we would recommend carrying doing it once a week for 10-15 minutes. This ensures that the nails are trimmed and maintained.