There’s a chap who regularly turns up at pet events in the area, like the recent Selwyn Pet Expo. He seems to take great pleasure in coming into my stall, picking up a dog toothbrush, and loudly exclaiming that it would never work.
I say that you can’t expect most dogs to accept teeth brushing immediately but it is the Gold Standard for good dental health. I explain the process of de-sensitisation and counter-conditioning to achieve co-operative care.
Make it a positive experience and be patient.
- let the dog see the brush every day in the living environment, such as on a table
- play and handle the brush with the dog looking
- introduce toothpaste on it and allow the dog to lick it off, if it chooses (remember that pet toothpaste is formulated to taste good). Use praise and additional treats to reinforce that licking the toothbrush is a wanted behaviour.
- after the dog is regularly accepting the toothpaste, gently raise a lip and touch the brush to the teeth and withdraw – with treats/praise all the way.
- progress slowly to introducing the brush into the mouth and then withdraw treats (but always praise)
“Nope. Nope” he says. “Won’t work” as he walks away…
I wish him well in spending lots of money at the vet for routine professional cleanings under general anaesthetic (and silently send good thoughts to his poor dog).
In the meantime, I hope he sees this post and video. The keepers at London Zoo use the same principles with the wild animals in their care. Co-operative care strategies enable each animal to actively take part in their weigh-in – without fear, anxiety or stress.
Kathleen Crisley is Fear-Free certified dog massage therapist and canine fitness trainer. She has a particular passion for working with dogs and their families to ensure injury prevention and quality of life. She specialises in working with anxious and emotionally damaged dogs. Her mobile practice, The Balanced Dog, is based in Christchurch, New Zealand
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