Senior dogs.
For a dog who cannot tolerate being held or lifted the way a groomer visit requires, this is the flat, low-effort version. Standing, on their own terms, no restraint.
01
Flat position only
Skip the 30 degree incline entirely for an older dog. Flat on the floor is the only position that matters here, and it is the easier one regardless.
training-senior-dogs-01
3 / 2
The board flat on the floor next to an older dog's bed.
02
Let them approach standing
Set the board down where they already stand or rest, rather than calling them over to a new spot. Nobody needs to lift or guide them into place.
training-senior-dogs-02
3 / 2
An older dog standing over the board without being lifted or guided into place.
03
One paw, briefly, is enough
A short scratch, even a few seconds, is a full session for an older or lower-energy dog. There is no benefit to asking for more just because a younger dog might do more.
training-senior-dogs-03
3 / 2
An older dog scratching briefly at the board, weight still mostly on three legs.
04
Stop there
End the session on that, without pushing for a second attempt. Short and standing on their own terms is the whole point here, not a warm-up for something longer.
training-senior-dogs-04
3 / 2
An older dog resting beside the board after a short session.
A note on pace
There is no schedule to keep here. Some older dogs take to it in one sitting, some take longer, and some only ever manage a paw or two at a time. All of that is a fine outcome. The goal is standing and doing it themselves, not a specific amount of scratching.