Brushing dog teeth can be a real nightmare if your dog is not used to having their teeth cleaned. That said, if your dog is suffering from a really bad breath then it is absolutely vital that you give your dog's teeth a thorough cleaning.
The best way to start off brushing your dogs teeth is by getting your dog used to the idea of having something put into their mouth. Chances are that if they had never had there teeth cleaned then they will not allow you to go near their mouth. So first thing you want to do is to get a nice flavour toothpaste, you can get meat and poultry flavoured toothpaste and buy a finger toothbrush.
When starting off just let the dog lick the toothpaste off of your finger, let them get used to the idea. Then put on the finger toothbrush and put a bit of the toothpaste on the toothbrush and now let them lick the toothpaste off of the brush, then put the toothbrush into their mouth.
Once they are happy licking the toothpaste off of the toothbrush, now you so you want to insert your finger into their mouth, don't start brushing yet, let your dog lick the toothpaste. After a day of so, gently start brushing the front teeth, experience tells me that you will not be able to go very far back. But at least this is a start.
Continue brushing the front teeth for a few days, and now start making your way to the back. If your dog is not happy to have their teeth brushed at the back then continue brushing their teeth at the front. Sooner or later your dog will allow you to brush the back teeth as well.
Once your dog is used to the idea of having their teeth brushed and is happy for you to move your finger all over the place, then is the time to move on to a normal brush. The brush will allow you to reach places where your finger might not be able to reach.
If you approach brushing your dog's teeth with patience, you will see success.
There have been times where dog owners have put their finger in their dog's mouth and the dog gently started to bite. If that happens to you then you need to make sure that you train your dog not to do that, stop brushing their teeth is not the answer.
When your dog has been good and has allowed you to brush their teeth then make sure that you give them a pat on the back, and let them know that you are happy with them, give them a treat.
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