Jane Harvey, of Melbourne, Australia, has had a life-time passion for pure-bred dogs. She is probably best known for breeding 73 Champion Rangeaire Airedales in line across 10 generations. Jane’s passion for the Tenterfield Terrier breed brings the number of Champions she has bred or owned to over 100. Her extensive experience also covers exhibiting, judging, breeding, grooming, education and as an advocate for pure-breed dogs. In the last decade, Jane has become famous for her unique and authoritative janedogs.com website.

We first met Jane Harvey a few years ago. At that stage, the Digger Dog Nail File looked a little different to what it looks like now. The body of the file was made from metal and the abrasive surface consisted of a specially painted coat. There were two surface colours available – Red and Blue. The handle was also a different shape.

We tested one of Jane’s dogs – little terrier ‘Dusty’. He was very toy-driven, so we used half a tennis ball, hidden within the food compartment, to motivate Dusty to dig at the surface – filing down his front nails as a result. He had a great time and it was so much fun to watch him enjoying this new ‘game’. Without any stress, Dusty gave his front nails a lovely pedicure!

Here is a little snippet from Jane’s article Nail Trimming » JaneDogs 

‘Dogs' nails were originally developed to dig to make a bed or to assist in gripping uneven surfaces. But in modern society, soft beds and smooth surfaces can be insufficient to wear down the nails. So it is important that you trim them. When dogs' nails are long, they can also be sharp, especially the front nails. These can scratch human skin, even drawing blood. Additionally long nails can cause the dog discomfort, throwing its weight on the back pad rather than evenly spreading it over the dog's entire foot. Some dogs, especially our elderly pets may also need their back nails trimmed. Here we discuss different methods of trimming dogs' nails.’

The Anatomy of the dog's Nail

'Unlike our nails, the dog's nail is hollow like a tube, just like the horn of a ram. Within this horny 'tube' lies the 'quick' containing a mixture of blood supply and nerves. Trimming the nail removes the excess that grows too far beyond this quick. If you cut the quick you will cause the dog extreme pain which usually means he will not allow you to touch his feet again! So choose carefully which way you wish to trim your dog's nails. In extreme cases when a dog has been traumatised by painful nail trimming, he may have to undergo sedation by a vet every time the nails need to be trimmed. Alternatively trimming dogs’ nails can be a rewarding experience, even fun for both you and your dog!'

And here is what Jane wrote about the 'Digger Dog Nail File'

'An Australian innovation, this is an entirely new approach to trimming dog's nails. Instead of touching your dog's feet, you shorten his nails by playing a game with him! The 'Digger Dog Nail File' is based on the dog's natural instinct to dig. The principle of this method is that the dog digs or scrapes his nails along an abrasive surface, so shortening his own nails. So, either the dog himself or you can stop when the nails are sufficiently being worn down.

The device consists of a simple box covered with the abrasive surface, including its sliding drawer. It also has a handle which operates a sliding door to a concealed space. But you operate the drawer into which treats, or the dog's favorite toy has been placed. In the beginning as soon as the dog starts digging for his treat or his toy, you open the lid immediately, so the dog quickly receives his reward. This process is repeated several times until the dog learns that when he scratches on the abrasive surface, he is rewarded. It does not take too long for the nails to be worn down to the required length. I have personally found this method easy for me and fun for the dog. In my opinion, it is certainly preferable to any of the three above more conventional methods!'

We thank Jane for giving us the opportunity to try the original model Digger Dog Nail File - the first of its kind in the world - with Dusty and for featuring our Digger Dog Nail File on her website.

The following video shows our latest, professionally made Digger Dog Nail File.

The Original Dog Nail File | Dog Scratch Pad | Digger Dog Nail File – DiggerDog Nail File