ManiPup 7-Day Training Plan
Many dogs are scratching on their own within a week. Keep sessions short (2–5 minutes, once or twice a day), use small smelly treats, and stop while your dog still wants more. Supervise every session.
Day 1: meet the board
Put the board flat on the floor with the lid slid open and a few treats sitting in the treat box. Let your dog sniff, step on it and take the treats. Praise everything. No scratching needed today.
Day 2: paws on
Hold a treat just above the board so your dog has to step onto the sandpaper to reach it. Reward every paw that touches the surface, even by accident.
Day 3: the first scratch
Slide the lid half closed with a treat inside. Tap the sandpaper with your finger to show where the treat went. The moment a paw moves on the surface, mark it (“yes!”) and slide the lid open. Repeat 5–10 times.
Day 4: lid closed
Close the lid fully. Hold it with one finger so your dog can’t nose it open, and wait for a scratch. Reward the scratch, then let the lid slide open. If your dog gives up, go back to Day 3 for a session.
Day 5: both paws
Reward scratches from the other paw too. Dogs usually favour one side, so reward the “lazy” paw more often for a day or two.
Day 6: angle it
Some dogs prefer to scratch downward, like digging at a door. Try the board propped against a low step at a slight angle and see which way your dog likes best. Keep angled sessions short.
Day 7: make it routine
2–3 minutes a day is plenty. Check the nails every few days: filing stops when they no longer touch the floor when your dog stands. Never file into the pink (the quick).
If it isn’t working
- Noses the lid open instead of scratching: hold the lid shut and reward paws only.
- Won’t go near it: leave the board by the food bowl for a day with the lid open. Let curiosity do the work.
- Scared of the scratching sound: put a towel under the board and keep sessions to one minute.
- Board slides: use it on a rug, or hold it.
- Back nails and dewclaws: the board files the front nails. Back nails still need an occasional trim.
- Sandpaper feels smooth: swap in a fresh sheet from the refill 6-pack.
Questions? Email support@saelra.com with your order number.