Your 7-Day ScratchStash™ Training Guide

Free with every ScratchStash™

From "What is this?" to "Can I scratch now?" in 7 days

2 to 5 minutes a day. Treats do the convincing. No clippers, no wrestling.

Border collie scratching the ScratchStash board while owner offers a treat

Before you start: your kit

  • Small, smelly treats broken into pea-sized pieces. Think of these as wages, not snacks.
  • A non-slip spot. Hard floor or against a wall so the board can't slide mid-swipe.
  • A happy voice. Your "yes!" is half the reward.
  • Short sessions. Stop while your dog still wants more.

DAY 1

Say hello

Set the board on the floor and drop a few treats on top and in the drawer. Let your dog sniff, step on it and explore. Praise any curiosity. No paw handling, no pressure. Today the board just becomes "the thing where treats live."

Beagle sniffing treats on the ScratchStash board

Pro tip: Cautious dog? Leave the board next to their food bowl for a day so it becomes part of the furniture.

DAY 2

Touch = treat

Hold a treat just above the sandpaper. The instant a paw lands on the board, say "yes!" and reward. Repeat 5 to 10 times. One idea today: paw on board pays.

Pro tip: Mark the exact moment the paw touches. Timing matters more than treat size.

DAY 3

Add the swipe

Scratch the sandpaper with your fingers to show the motion. Now only reward a swipe or dig, even a tiny one. Plain touches don't pay anymore. Most dogs get it by the end of the session.

Pro tip: Dogs who already dig at blankets or doors usually catch on fastest.

DAY 4

Unlock the drawer

Load the drawer while your dog watches. Let them scratch so the drawer slides open and the jackpot appears. This is the lightbulb moment: scratching makes treats happen.

French bulldog eating treats from the ScratchStash pull-out drawer

Pro tip: Celebrate big here. Make it the best part of their day.

DAY 5

Give it a name

Say a cue like "scratch!" right before each swipe. Start asking for 2 or 3 swipes before each treat. A lucky trick becomes a habit.

DAYS 6 + 7

Make it a ritual

One short session a day, ideally at the same time. Right after a walk works great because they're calm and hungry. Every few days, check the nail tips: they should start feeling smoother.

Owner checking a labrador's smooth nails after a session

Pro tip: Pair it with something your dog already loves, like coming home from a walk.

Your 7-day checklist

☐ Day 1: Sniffed the board
☐ Day 2: Paw on board
☐ Day 3: First real swipe
☐ Day 4: Opened the drawer
☐ Day 5: Knows the cue
☐ Days 6-7: Daily ritual, smoother nails

Good to know

  • Front paws first. Most dogs file their front nails easily. Back nails are harder for many dogs, so some owners still trim those now and then.
  • Swap the sandpaper when it feels smooth to the touch. Your kit includes 5 refill sheets.
  • Watch the paws. If pads look red or sore, take a few days off.
  • Very overgrown nails? Get a trim from your vet or groomer first. The board is for keeping them short.
  • Slow learner? Totally normal. Go back a day and keep it fun. Some dogs need 2 weeks.

Our 30-day promise

Give it 30 days. If your dog won't use the board, reply to your order email and we'll make it right with a full refund. Questions along the way? Just reply, we're happy to help.