Are nail trims difficult and stressful for your dog? We might have something that makes at least some of it easier and far less stressful!

Nail trims can cause stress for a lot of us. For our dogs. And for us because we know how much stress it causes our dogs. Many dogs do not like having their paw handled. Some are ok with paws being handled as long as there are no nail trimmers involved.

Many people avoid it because it is stressful. Many people avoid it by having the vet techs or groomers handle it. Many people avoid it entirely and do not get nails trimmed often enough.

If nails are not getting trimmed regularly, this can lead to serious problems for your dog as well as damage to your floors. Nails that are too long can cause alignment issues which can lead to joint problems and pain along with other issues. At the very least, it's uncomfortable. At worst, it can cause some serious medical issues down the road.

Even if you don't trim the nails yourself, does it cause undue stress when the vet techs or groomers handle it? Do they struggle with getting it done because your dog won't cooperate? Has your dog bitten someone to avoid nail trims?

For some of us, we do handle our own nail trims, but for those dogs who are stressed about it, it can be a challenge to get it done. And because it's stressful, some of us avoid it longer than we should.

But what if some of those nails could be trimmed in a way that is much easier and less stressful for everyone?

That's where scratchboards come in handy! It might take a little work to get it started, but it will be worth it if at least some of your dog's nails can get trimmed through the use of a scratchboard.

The easiest nails to trim through the use of a scratchboard are the center nails on the front paws. The outside nails are more of a challenge. And the rear nails are even more of a challenge. But if even some of the nails are trimmed this way, that's fewer nails that need to be trimmed using the more stressful nail clippers or dremmel.

Check out our videos on trimming nails using a scratchboard and let's get started on some far less stressful nail trims!

You will need a scratchboard, of course. You can buy them (do an online search) or you can make your own.

You will also needs lots of high value treats to reward your dog for participating in this process!

If your dog already knows any tasks using their paws, it will be helpful to get started. If your dog knows how to Shake, for example, that will help us get started. If not, no worries, we can still help you get started.

First step is to get your dog to place a paw on the scratchboard. Reward just for setting his paw on it. No need to scratch it yet.

Once he's placing his paw on the board, then we need to get him to start moving his paw a bit. Lots of ways to get this going, we might have to experiment a bit to see what works for your dog.

For example, one way I have started it with some of my own dogs is to have the scratchboard propped up in front of me. Then I ask my dog to Shake. With the scratchboard right under my hand.

After a couple of shakes, I start fading my hand away so my dog hits the scratchboard instead. I mark and reward for any contact with the board, but especially any movement – the tiniest of movement on the scratchboard is what starts us toward a more deliberate scratch on the board.

Take a look at the videos and see if you can get things started!