🪵 How to Teach Dogs to Use a Nail Board for Dewclaws: Vet-Backed Tips for 2025 🐾

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Trimming your dog’s dewclaws doesn’t have to be a wrestling match. With a properly designed scratchboard, you can teach your dog to file their own dewclaws—turning nail maintenance into a fun, positive experience. In this 2025 guide, we’ll walk through step-by-step instructions for creating and using a nail board specifically for dewclaws. 🐶🧠

🔧 What You’ll Need

• 🧼 Non-slip surface (yoga mat, bath rug, etc.)
• 🍗 High-value treats or favorite rewards
• 🪵 A curved scratchboard sized for your dog’s paw

A scratchboard can be made from a halved PVC pipe, bucket, or can—anything with a sturdy, rounded surface. Apply coarse stair tread tape or skateboard grip tape to the inside and outside surfaces. The curve allows the dewclaw to make contact when your dog places their foot inside. 🛠️

🎯 Start with Familiar Skills

If your dog already knows how to use a front-foot scratchboard, you’re halfway there. Use the same cue you’ve taught for paw scratching (e.g., “scratch,” “file,” or “dig”). 🧠🐾

1. Present the curved scratchboard
2. Use your established cue
3. Mark and reward any scratching action—start easy!

📐 Adjust the Angle for Dewclaw Contact

To get dewclaws involved, adjust how you hold the board:

• 🔄 Hold the board at different angles until the dewclaw scrapes the surface
• 🧭 Slight rotation or elevation may be required based on your dog’s anatomy

Be patient—it may take time for your dog to notice which part of their paw earns rewards. 🎁

📤 Outside Surface Training

If your dog struggles to use the inside of the curved board, try teaching them to scratch the outside instead:

1. Hold the board vertically, outer curve facing your dog
2. Use your scratch cue and mark for any scratching motion
3. Gradually adjust the board’s angle to ensure dewclaw contact

📍 Mark only when the dewclaw touches the surface, and be generous with your rewards. This feedback helps your dog narrow in on what you’re asking. 🧠💡

🧠 Training Tips for Success

• 🔁 Keep sessions short and positive (2–5 minutes max)
• 📉 If your dog gets frustrated, lower the criteria—reward smaller efforts
• 🧃 Mix in play and other games to keep motivation high

Your dog will begin to intentionally aim their paw to get dewclaw contact. With time, they may actively target that specific nail! 🎯

🔒 Safety and Maintenance

• 👀 Monitor your dog’s nails to prevent over-filing
• 🧼 Clean the board regularly
• 🔄 Replace grip tape as it wears down

📋 When to Ask for Help

• 🐾 If your dog is fearful of paw handling, start with basic desensitization
• 📞 Consult a certified positive reinforcement trainer for custom help

📝 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Nail care doesn’t have to be a chore. Teaching your dog to file their own dewclaws gives them agency, reduces handling stress, and turns grooming into a game. With a curved scratchboard, patience, and a pocket full of treats, you’ll build skills that benefit both of you. 🐶🪵

Need help designing your nail board or troubleshooting your training? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app 📱 to chat with behavior-savvy veterinary professionals. ✂️🐾