Tooth brushing

[HAH]

Hi all - looking for some advice on tooth brushing. Ever since Kipper was tiny I've been trying to get him comfy with tooth brushing so that (eventually) it can be part of our daily routine, and help with dental inspections. But I have made glacial progress. I watched a couple of YouTube videos on it yonks ago, and thought great, I'll start with a tiny bit of peanut butter to get him used to my finger in his mouth, then build up to a tiny bit of doggy toothpaste, then a little brush on my finger with toothpaste, then in a few months he'll be sitting beautifully still while I work round each tooth - hey presto!

But the reality's not like that. I've got to him feeling mildly comfortable with me putting my finger with little rubber toothbrush and a dab of toothpaste round his mouth for a short time (seconds), but after that he's not keen - and I've rather lost my way. This is something I've done every other day or so for months, and have just realised quite how little progress I've made. So any tips? How did anyone else go about it, and what results have you got?

 

[Charlie]

What flavour toothpaste are you using? I clicker trained Charlie to let me brush his teeth and this worked a treat. Everytime he let me touch his mouth C&T, clean a tooth C&T and so on, I also let him lick the toothpaste off the brush. It took a while but has been so worth it. Hattie was a piece of cake and just let me get on with it! Now I have two dogs that when I say "teeth" they come running and are sat infront of me to have them brushed. When we are done they each get a fish skin cube for being so good. This has really helped for vet inspections too. They both have lovely teeth x

 

[snowbunny]

What toothpaste are you using? I use the Logic gel and my dogs absolutely love it. To be honest, this is one area where I am a bit less structured than normal in my conditioning routine because they love the gel SO much, they're quite happy for me to rub it around their teeth. With Luna, I started off with a finger brush (the gel comes with one), just letting her chew it with the gel on it. With the other two, I started off with letting them lick the toothbrush, then started lifting their lips and a quick brush on the top canines. Over time, I just did a little bit more. They really don't mind being manhandled a little bit. Believe me, Willow makes it abundantly clear when she's not comfortable about something by voting with her feet, yet she comes over to me when she sees the toothbrush coming out.

 

[Ashley]

I stopped using the little finger one and got a long dog toothbrush with is way easier to get it the mouth! I also started off by letting her lick the toothpaste from the brush and slowly moving the brush inside her mouth, short bursts over time, followed by a treat for the first little while. We've built up to the point that I can do her full mouth, but have trouble with the small front teeth because she licks! I end the session with her licking the brush as well. She loves it - runs to her bed when I get her brush out! Our current paste is beef flavoured.

 

[Boogie]

I use logic gel, wait until Tatze is fast asleep and rub it on her teeth with my finger.

 

[HAH]

ohhh, this is brilliant - thanks all. I've been using the only paste that was available at our local pet supplies ('dentifresh' by Hatch & Wells for dogs and cats) so thats the first thing, I'll get some Logic gel and a longer brush so we have options, and go from there; really like the idea of clicker training for toothbrushing @Charlie - I'll have a go. And sleep brushing is my third option @Boogie!

Thanks again x

 

[Charlie]

I gave up on Logic Gel as it's just gotten too expensive and with two dogs it doesn't last long. I went back to Dorwest roast dinner flavour in a 200g pot that I get on Amazon and it lasts ages. Because it's a putty it stays on their teeth longer and I personally think it does a much better job of cleaning their teeth.

Good luck @HAH let us know how you get on! x

 

[HAH]

THAT is a fine tip @Charlie - I've just ordered some Logic on Amazon and it was a bit eye-watering (also a muzzle - training city!); but if it gets us on the right track then brilliant, and we'll try the Dorwest next time round

I'll keep you posted, thanks for the encouragement!