The original method by Natalie Knaack-Enkelmann

Gentle dog nail care — without clipping, fear or force

Learn how to care for your dog’s nails safely, effectively and with cooperation at the heart of every step.

English-language courses are currently in development. Join the interest list to be the first to hear when enrolment opens.

2018Kralliküre® developed
250+dog guardians and professionals reached
Kind & clearcooperative, reward-based handling
What is Kralliküre®?

A structured approach to healthier nails and calmer care

Kralliküre® is the dog nail-care method I developed in 2018. It combines precise work with an electric nail file, sound knowledge of nail anatomy and positive, cooperative training.

The aim is not simply to make nails shorter. It is to support healthy movement while helping dogs feel safe and giving them a genuine voice in the process.

Here you learn the original Kralliküre® method directly from its developer.

Health starts at the paws

A dog stands, walks, runs and plays on their paws every day. Nail length can influence how the toes meet the ground and how the body moves above them.

Thoughtful, regular nail care is therefore a small routine with the potential to make a meaningful difference.

Does this sound familiar?

Nail care has become stressful for both of you

The clippers appear, your dog pulls away, and you tense up too. One painful experience can turn every future attempt into a struggle.

1

Your dog avoids paw handling

They pull away, freeze, hide, growl or become increasingly worried as soon as nail-care tools appear.

2

You are afraid of cutting too far

Especially with dark nails, uncertainty about the quick can make every clip feel risky.

3

The nails stay too long

Because nail care feels difficult, it is postponed — while the nails and the quick continue to grow.

Why nail length matters

Overlong nails affect more than the paws

  • They may change how the toes contact the ground and how the paw rolls through each step.
  • They can contribute to discomfort, altered weight distribution and compensatory movement.
  • They are more likely to split, tear or catch on surfaces.
  • Discomfort and fear around the paws can make handling and care increasingly difficult.
  • Regular, appropriate care supports comfortable movement from puppyhood through the senior years.

If a nail is torn, inflamed, painful or otherwise abnormal, please seek veterinary advice before attempting routine nail care.

How it began

Kentucky changed the way I thought about dog nail care

My Malinois, Kentucky, fractured a toe and had to wear a bandage and splint for twelve weeks. During that time, I could not shorten his nails. As they grew longer, he could no longer roll through the injured paw normally and began overloading the other side.

Clippers were not an option. A previous painful cut had made him panic at the sight of them. I needed a method that was precise and effective, but also gentle enough for a dog who had already been through so much.

Working with a colleague from the human nail-care field, I began testing suitable equipment and techniques. The result became the foundation of Kralliküre®. I have continued to apply and refine the method ever since.

Learn the original method

Choose the Kralliküre® course that fits your goal

The English-language versions are currently being developed. You can register your interest now and help me plan the first international course.

Coming soon in English

Kralliküre® Foundation Course

For committed dog guardians who want to understand nail health and build a calm, reliable care routine with their own dog.

  • Dog nail anatomy and healthy nail length
  • The original Kralliküre® technique
  • Equipment, preparation and safe handling
  • Cooperative care and gradual training
  • Practical step-by-step examples
Register your interest

Course dates, final scope and prices for the English editions will be announced before enrolment opens.

Experiences with Kralliküre®

Calmer care can change everything

“As a canine physiotherapist, I often see overlong nails in older dogs, dogs recovering from illness and dogs with conformational issues. Natalie’s training combines a unique technique with focused training that is calm and comfortable for both dog and human.”

— Nadine Walther, canine physiotherapist

“Since learning the Kralliküre® method, I can shorten Arya’s nails regularly and without stress. She is calm, and I feel much more relaxed than I did when using clippers.”

— Dr Sabrina Gründendahl

“Bella’s nails had been too long for years. With Natalie’s course and cooperative-care training, I can now work on all of her nails gently and without stress.”

— Sandra Nettlenbusch
Meet your instructor

Hi, I’m Natalie

Dog trainer, animal psychology graduate and developer of Kralliküre®.

I have worked professionally with dogs since 2007 and have been active in dog sports since 2000. Positive, needs-led training, clear communication and genuine cooperation shape everything I teach.

I developed Kralliküre® in 2018 and have continued to refine it through practical work, continuing education and collaboration with veterinary and canine-therapy professionals.

My aim is simple: to help more dogs receive thoughtful nail care without fear, pain or force.

Frequently asked questions

Before you join the interest list

Are the Kralliküre® courses already available in English?

Not yet. The English editions are in development. Registering your interest is free and does not commit you to purchasing a course.

Is Kralliküre® suitable for sensitive dogs?

The method includes gradual, reward-based cooperative-care training. Every dog is an individual, so the pace and handling must always be adapted to their comfort and needs.

Does Kralliküre® use nail clippers?

The Kralliküre® technique uses suitable electric filing equipment rather than clipping the nail. The course explains equipment, technique, safety and training in detail.

Is the professional course only for dog trainers?

No. It is designed for suitable dog professionals such as trainers, groomers and canine therapists who want to integrate cooperative nail care into their work. Exact admission details will be published with the English course.

English courses coming soon

Help bring the original Kralliküre® method to more dogs

Tell me which English course interests you. I will let you know as soon as dates and enrolment details are available.

No obligation. No course purchase. Just an early update when the English programme is ready.