This is a continuation of our last post. If you have not yet reviewed the first one, please do so here.
Treat on Toothbrush
If you’ve been skimming this because it’s more or less exactly the same as all the other desensitization, stop skimming here. Most desensitization is, in fact, largely the same. This particular step is different though, so pay attention here!
Normally we would now practice approaching the dog in a neutral area with the object, but here we are going to have your pup come toward the object by themselves.
You will need a paste like treat for this. Plain Greek yogurt, spray cheese, meat based baby food, or if your pup likes it peanut butter. (Make sure any peanut butter is xylitol free.)
Place a small amount of this treat on the toothbrush, and present it for your dog to inspect. Don’t bring it toward their face, simply show them there’s something there and let them smell it.
If your dog rejects the treat, try a different one. It should be an amazing treat they can’t get enough of. My dog’s shameless favorite is baby food.
Let them lick the treat off, add another small dab, and repeat 10-15 times.
This will most likely become your dog’s favorite part of the entire training process thus far. What could be better than essentially getting spoon fed treats?
Keep repeating as long as it takes for your dog to stop being weary of treats on a toothbrush.
Touch head, feed treat on toothbrush
By this time, your pup should be pretty comfortable with toothbrushes. We have already separately desensitized the entire face (You have haven’t you? No skipping!) The next step is to combine the two.
Don’t shock your dog by suddenly grabbing their lips. Touch them somewhere you know they don’t mind, such as the top of their head, or scratching their chin. Once you’ve touched their head in some way, offer them the treat on the toothbrush.
Do this 10-15 reps.
At your next session start with the same thing 2-3 times but then touch their lip. Touch the lip without lifting it and immediately offer the treat on the toothbrush. Repeat in sessions of 10-15 repetitions until your dog is completely fine and excited to have their lip touched for a toothbrush treat.
Lift lip, feed treat on toothbrush
The next step is to completely lift your dog’s lip before offering the toothbrush treat. Combine these 10-15 times until your pup is completely comfortable with it.
If your pup is not comfortable, but fine with having their lips touched, try breaking it into smaller pieces. Do you have to put your hand on the bridge of their nose to lift the lip, but you could just touch the lip before? Try doing a bridge of the nose touch and then adding the lip lift.
Trying to find the comfort zone for your pup can be tricky, but when ever they are confused by a subject breaking it into smaller pieces is usually the best course of action.
Touch toothbrush to Tooth
Place your yummy treat on the toothbrush and then touch the toothbrush to a tooth before letting him eat the treat normally. It’s okay to apply more treat if too much got on the tooth. Once again, watch your dog’s reaction.
Did they seem unruffled by the fact that the treat got in their mouth a little early? Repeat 10-15 times for this session and then move on to the next phase.
If they seemed a little nervous, simply bring the toothbrush close a few times without touching. Keep working with them at a point they are comfortable with, and then gradually making the requirements for a treat a little bit harder until they can handle their tooth being touched. For a nervous dog, this might be:
- Lifting the lip and bobbing the toothbrush in the general direction
- Lifting the lip and bringing it half way to the tooth
- Lifting the lip and bringing it very close to the tooth
- Lifting the lip and touching the tooth
Brush the Tooth
When your dog is fully comfortable with just having their tooth touched, you can finally do a soft brushing motion. Keep it to just one short brush, and then reward either with more of the treat on the toothbrush.
When your dog is fully comfortable with this, it’s time to switch to toothpaste.
Switching to Toothpaste
At this point, your pup is essentially conditioned to enjoy having their teeth brushed. All that’s left is adding time—and toothpaste. It’s important to consider your dog’s feelings about the toothpaste. It’s common for toothpaste manufacturers to try and appeal to the owners with promises of fresh breath.
The advertising assures you that your pet’s breath will be minty fresh or brags that it has charcoal or turmeric in it for various beneficial properties.
Does your dog actually like those flavors though? If you dropped a spray of mint, a chunk of charcoal, and a bit of roast beef on the floor, which would your dog gulp down first? If your dog would go for the mint, it’s okay to select that flavor. If you think they might prefer a meat-based flavor though, you should pick something your dog likes.
Warm your pet up by giving them several rounds of treats off the brush before using a toothpaste and gently brushing one tooth with it.
Immediately follow up with a treat. Pay close attention to changes in behavior here. If they start shaking their head and working their tongue to get the bad taste out of their mouth—it tastes yucky. Look for a different toothpaste and find one your dog doesn’t find appalling.
My 2 of my dogs think the ‘London Broil’ flavor of Smiles toothpaste is the most delicious flavor in the world. One acts like I squeezed a lemon in her mouth. She gets the Rotisserie Chicken flavor, which she finds more acceptable.
When you are considerate of your pet and try to think of how they may feel about each step, you can often save a lot of stress and time during the desensitization process.
Once your pup is willing to have a single tooth brushed for a treat, the desensitization process is essentially complete. It’s only a matter of adding duration little by little so you can brush all the teeth in exchange for a single treat.
Similar Posts:
- How to desensitize your dog to mouth handling
- How to Brush Your Chihuahua’s Teeth
- How to Desensitize Your Dog to the Toothbrush
- How to Desensitize Touching Near Your Dog’s Eyes
- Introduction to Tail Desensitization
