Teach your dog to feel comfortable getting their teeth brushed

[@slightlycrummy]

I love the concept of throwing the treat away from you to check in with your dog and see if they're comfortable continuing. This is so so useful!

[@helensimonsen7200]

One of the most useful things you've taught me Emily, from your videos, is that dogs are interested in things that move away from them. So the nail clippers, grooming brush and now the toothbrush don't get pushed into my dog's space, I started by moving them away. Suddenly, 'ping', he is no longer scared of them but curious. This one tip had been fantastic! Thank you so much! ☺️

[@kikopup]

Awe yay!!! :) Glad it helped!

[@tatyanafittipaldi]

Thanks sharing this great take away. It's a great observation and learning point indeed.

[@laurengiddings9367]

As someone who also works with dogs, I can’t thank you enough for spreading the message of positive reinforcement and fear free. There’s so much misinformation out there from out-of-date minded “trainers” and THIS is the kind of information that needs to be known. Definitely recommending/sharing your channel. 🙌🏻🙏🏻👏🏻🥇

[@lemon-parker]

finally someone training a chihuahua 🙏🏻❤️

[@kinezmaterz2083]

wow your dogs are chill, if only

[@kikopup]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6OUoJ-wnM6Xg9k there is this video on teaching a settle

[@Lottie_La]

This is so helpful! I'm amazed at how calm your other dogs are in the presence of treats.

[@kikopup]

Yeah I worked on that otherwise it would be impossible to train in the house with so many dogs here the tutorial on how I trained them I have this one on fetch kzbin.info/www/bejne/bX_QZZqletp1qpY but sometimes teaching hold first helps kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6rMfJptbZhgj9k no you really don’t need

[@penguim1996]

I use a lot of different training methods and philosophies, but I really like your videos for cooperative care with dogs. My standard poodle is two now, and is okay with and involved with all aspects of his grooming including clippering, scissoring, nail trimming, and teeth brushing. Thank you for being an awakening for me as a teen that has led to me being the dog owner/trainer I am today. I started watching you about a decade ago, and my poodle wouldn’t be the dog he is if I hadn’t found your videos as a teen.

[@MelissaNasrah]

You are my go-to for all things dog-training-related. I have learned so much and so has my dog! Thank you!

[@penny9157]

really good information thanks so much ! you have Beautiful Australian Sheppard's

[@kikopup]

Awe thanks they are actually Border Collies

[@penny9157]

oh wow i have never seen blue merle border collies see you learn something new everyday ! they are Beautiful ❤

[@nunie7834]

Oooh great video! Thank you! I'm getting my first dog ever in 2 weeks!! Can't wait to start training him 🤗

[@kikopup]

Oh congrats!

[@haventli]

This is great. I've searched KZbin for videos like this and didn't find anything beyond things much too close to man handling the dog. This is much better, and I'm glad to see it out there. I ended up buying a course online that taught me how to brush my dogs teeth, and I found the dogs get tired of sitting during the brushing and prefer to lay on the couch. I'd be interested to know how you get your dogs to open their mouths during brushing. I brush the outside of the teeth, but I haven't figured out a way to work with them to brush the inside of their teeth. Thanks!

[@kikopup]

Those two sided tooth brushes work well. A trainer in europe taught her dog to bite on a wooden dowel and then she could get in to do the teeth.

[@be_me]

I'm so late to the game 😅. Our dog is already 16 years old and recently had to be put under for teeth cleaning and tooth extraction. When he was young, we didn't know about brushing a dog's teeth and so far we've been lucky and his habbit of chewing and his genes helped him to have healthy teeth for a long time. We didn't know if he would survive the anesthesia and were so incredibly worried. We want him to have a pain free rest of his life, that's why I'm trying to teach him tooth brushing so late in his life. Fingers crossed that it works. Thanks for showing us how.

[@kikopup]

One thing you can do is put gauze on your finger and rub it over the teeth. Since you just got the cleaning, I suggest really aiming to at least do it 2 times a week minimum. Cause if you wait over a week then the build up cant get removed easy and then the issues start again. Its a pain to do. I have 6 dogs so I know... Also little dogs teeth get more plaque faster in general.

[@evelyncompton7089]

This was so helpful! I am a first time dog owner, and had no idea that I needed to take care of his teeth. This is so helpful because I am clueless to what to do. You make it seem very doable and easy. Thank you so much for the information!🫶

[@kikopup]

Key with teeth and nails is to just stay on it, letting too much time go between and then it takes longer and the dog is not as used to it.

[@meumundogolden4905]

So proud of you, my friend Marcelo Eckmann! You’re my inspiration and deserve the best! #TINC #NHC

[@kikopup]

Yes hes an inspiration! :)

[@lilfry2u]

Very helpful video! I appreciate you breaking down all the steps and the building block behaviors to train in order to work up to tooth brushing. Thank you!

[@ionicamermaid1141]

Thanks it's great to see so many different ideas to help a dog be comfortable with this

[@monicavinluan]

This tutorial was SO helpful! Thank you so much for this. I was really struggling with getting my puppy comfortable with me lifting her lip enough to brush her teeth. Love your videos!

[@jifinjosechiramal]

I watched a couple of other videos for brushing my dogs teeth. Yours is the best because you have step by step walk through and you show how to do it for big dogs and small dogs. And different methods too which helps as well ❤

[@barbaraherrera3984]

This is the best video I’ve seen - bar none !! I didn’t know you could use treats plus hand touching to face- whoa game changer . Ok I’m doing this- thanks for all this info.

[@BJKage]

Q-tips, never ever would have imagine to use this. I have struggled to find something very small for my Chi.

[@yulianloaiza]

Wow! What a great video! I will get on these steps :) Thank you and great to see someone so kind teaching positive reinforcement. Thanks a lot!

[@AgnesMariaL]

One thing that the big ole internet has lied about to us on a grand scale: "do not allow your puppy/puppies to mouth you". I followed this mantra for my first two dogs, and do you think I can get them to open wide long enough for a thorough dental exam? Then we got our third, and I threw the "rule book" into the proverbial trash. I can go into his mouth and do whatever the heck I please as a result of "throwing out the rule book", and - funnily enough - one of his comforts is having my hand in his mouth, either relaxing or stroking his tongue!!! Our Mr. Monkey-man is just something else entirely, though! XD

[@bensp1193]

Dear Emily. So awesome. Congrats for your recent World Record. I am getting my 1st dog in few weeks and all your videos for beginners to advance either for puppies to adult dogs are so amazing. I encourage my kids 11-14 to watch those too and they love it too. The new life of video sharing reenforcing positive is amazing. So many ways to succeed but the best way in my opinion is to properly start with your puppy. Go Kikopup Go. Enjoy your day until next video. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦

[@kikopup]

Oh yay! I am glad your kids like the videos! :) Congrats on your new dog!!!

[@kennebuhls]

I’d love to know what those tiny brushes for your chi look like up close! This is a great video! Your explanations are awesome! Not only how, but WHY, makes a big difference! Thank you!

[@svetlanamanning5155]

An EXCELLENT video! Thank you. ❤

[@imzadi83fanvids7]

Great tutorial, only thing I'd add is a reminder to never use human toothpaste on your dog. I love the different options you present, gives dogs and owners a lot of choices to see what works for them. This is also great for desensitizing having their mouths examined at the vet.

[@kikopup]

Oh yeah. Good point!

[@NigelForrester]

Thank you Emily, this is a great video. So many useful ideas on how to split the behaviour into manageable steps. Super helpful 👍

[@EW-ed6kd]

Any suggestions for a dog who loves the toothbrush too much? My dog wants to chew on it while I’m brushing but I don’t say “leave it” because I’m putting it in his mouth and don’t want to confuse him.

[@tatyanafittipaldi]

Thanks for the video. Very instructional and informational. I liked that you used a chihuahua as an example, as I've been looking for a video with small dogs. I'm trying now to figure out when is the best timing to start training this with puppies that are still around 8 weeks old. Is it ok to start, or should I wait a few more weeks?

[@kikopup]

Yes you can begin with just handling the mouth and touching the gums iwth your fingers here is a video to get started with handling and grooming kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6CwaqefqJinaMU

[@NyreeAlana]

Some really helpful tips! I'm brushing the teeth of 2 of my dogs, but only able to rub gel on the teeth of my chihuahua with my finger, so I'm going to try your desensitising methods using a Q tip, because her gums seem to be really sensitive. We're a bit limited here in New Zealand with dog toothpaste and she doesn't like any that I've tried, but she sort of likes the gel, but not super excited about it, so maybe I need to try ordering online the pase you use, hopefully she'll like it. Thanks so much for your wonderful videos! ❤

[@staceycolarusso1805]

Wow I love that I'm picking up my 8-week old frenchy in 2 days. I'm flying all the way from Boston to Phoenix to bring the little guy to his new forever home. This video helped tremendously I wish you could see the results I am going to follow everything step by step and film it.. wish me luck 🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞

[@kikopup]

Awe congrats!!!

[@victortaylor7797]

Thank you so much for this.

[@galaxyandluna]

your videos are the best

[@kikopup]

thanks!

[@christinataccogna9942]

Love love love. It is so helpful that you showed the various ways you can do it based on what makes the dog feel more comfortable!

[@kikopup]

Thanks!!!!

[@mikanbauer]

this is amazing, thank you so much

[@vandap7635]

What are the treats for that kind of little dog? I'm searcing something for my yorkie. Please I neeed some ideas.

[@schokodino]

This is such a great video, thank you! Do you have a video (or sequence) of how a teeth brushing session with tooth paste looks like at the end after training?

[@marinesatake9687]

Thank you so much, my dog now feels fine with the toothbrush brushing her mouth! But, when I put toothpaste on the brush, she licks it while i am brushing so none gets on her teeth...is there any way to solve this?

[@InevitableMonth29]

I found this video extremely helpful to get my dog to get comfortable with me reaching into his mouth. However, he likes the toothpaste so much that he immediately wants to lick it off the toothbrush as soon as I try to brush his teeth. What advice do you have to prevent him from licking so I can brush him?

[@kikopup]

You could rub it on the teeth with your finger then brush them

[@Yeewen88]

Could u do a video against choke collars/chains

[@TheSpeedyStevie]

Great video thank you, just what we need

[@bretyoung1869]

Emily, you are the best !! Really enjoy your videos and knowledge !! Love your positive energy too. Thanks, 🥰 PS, love how your other two Dog's are chillin on sofa, lol

[@kikopup]

Hehe there are 5 other dogs actually hehe

[@NataliePumphrey-pi9bp]

I couldn't figure out what you mean when you say "mark it"...Will you clarify? Thank you!

[@noctemys]

It's a good thing I found this vid bc everytime I try to brush Indy's teeth (they need to be cleaned) he keeps backing away and putting up his paws. I'll have to start training him to not do that.

[@tedjack9184]

Great tutorial! We use a finger brush: you feel what you are doing. Do you have to clean the backside of the teeth? Is toothpast necessary?

[@kikopup]

the finger brushes are great I should have gotten some to put in the video. some dogs do need the inside of their teeth done like splash because she lost a molar, she never chews on one side of her mouth, if you give your dogs things to chew on and then hold them for them to make sure they chew using both sides it can help.

[@XoXoDreaMeoXoX]

My pup loves having her teeth brushed! I use a finger brush and doggie toothpaste and she does great with it! Clipping her nails, however, she hates and I blame the vet for making her first nail clipping so traumatic! :( They didn't ask permission, just did it "complimentary" and my poor pup was obviously traumatized. We're working on it...

[@jomith14]

Do you have finger brush recommendations? I feel like my dog would love that much more than the toothbrush!

[@beachgirl4583]

Jordan Thomas, Another trick is using a clean nylon stocking over your finger instead of a toothbrush. Those little ankle boot stockings or even a full stocking, cut up, works.

[@AgnesMariaL]

I have one who HATES having her nails clipped... I accidentally cut too far back once when she was a baby, and even at age 5, she still remembers! I just clip off points when I can and before she says "no more". Sometimes I get just one claw, sometimes a whole paw, and on a good day, a pair of paws ;) The best time is when she's sleeping, so lots of opportunity, lol! And with every single clip, I just say "good girl!" and give her some lovins ;) My other two are super-cool with clippings, but to do all four paws in one go takes time (black toenails). I usually do their paws in pairs, so fronts one day, rears the next; or, lefts one day and rights the next (it varies, lol!)

[@analarson2920]

Which type of finger brush do you use

[@kikopup]

Oh thats a great idea! I do have a tip video on doing nails kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHStYaqeasirn5Y and this one on handling that I think give some tips for nails at the end kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6CwaqefqJinaMU

[@AliciaMarkoe]

Thank you 🦋

[@marieke6687]

Lol Halo is slowly disappearing under the couch (8:17 and then 8:46) 😂

[@kikopup]

Hehe yes!

[@kinezmaterz2083]

good video. Shared.

[@kikopup]

thanks!

[@amyalpert492]

What type of treats are you using? I’m getting a new puppy and want to be able to brush his teeth. Tks

[@ionicamermaid1141]

I think she mentioned in other videos that as a high value treat she uses real meat and as low value treats kibble.

[@kikopup]

​@@ionicamermaid1141 yes

[@kikopup]

I have this video called what treats to use kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIHCfoyLncmSeLs

[@hungidran1]

Thank you for your amazing video on toothbrushing! I only have my first dog since last year, so I don't know much about dog training aside from the bits I learned in doggy schools. However I worked with horses over a decade and with that experience I can see how well thought out your methods are. You're breaking down every step to adapt to the dogs learning pace, and show different techniques for each of the dogs' adaptation. I've just started to teach my dog toothbrushing with this help. I have one problem however, my dog is a pomeranian and gets overexcited about everything. Even the least interesting routine tasks make him excited, every walk feels like the first time to him and he's jumping and hyperventillating etc. Other than that he's a good boy and he isn't afraid of anything no cars, not even fireworks scare him, I even got him used to horses which I'm proud of. However I have a hard time figuring out what food to use to teach him because even the simplest treat makes him overexcited, and he's not a big fan of kibble. (He gets kibble 2x a day though, because I unknowingly spoiled him with cooked food, and he became like eric cartman because of good food. :D When he got some canned food he stopped eating kibble, when he got a tiny amount of cooked chicken breast he stopped eating canned food, and my trainer told me the next stop would be beluga caviar for him. :D Therefore I stopped giving him any food from the table aside from occasional cooked pumpkin and raw veggies here and there.) I'm also struggling with increasing time in teaching him commands even with sit, stay, and he's not staying put while teaching chinrest. He just focuses so much on the treat that he puts his chin in my hand for a second and then goes immediately after the treats. Do you have some tips to prevent that? Should I be more patient and simply wait for him to execute things correctly? To me it seems like even if I'd do the exact same routine every day for 100s of days he would still be excited about the treats. It would be nice to get some tips from you.

[@jamest8158]

My westie-poodle dog , she used to like or /tolerate having her teeth brushed. Now, it is impossible to do so. I'm wondering if age is a favor (my dog is 17 years old)?

[@kakapala516]

can you tell me where did you get the tiny white brush for your little chiwawa? I have a small dog and its hard to find a brush that small to fit into his mouth. thanks!

[@kikopup]

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F3WT1HS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I got it on amazon

[@Bagle2605]

Awesome video, i’ve been struggeling to find a small enough sized toothbrush for my chihuahua, even finger pads seems too big with my finger going in and he dosen’t like it. Also, im afraid to give him too many treats when training such a small dog. What kind should i use? Thanks for you’re videoes trough the years!

[@imzadi83fanvids7]

Have you tried a q-tip like in the video? You can also use a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger. It may take some learning on your part but you could try it using your pinky. Also PetzLife puts out a dental spray, and Healthy Mouth puts out a formula that can go in the dogs water. These could be good options in addition to or until you're able to brush his teeth fully. Obliviously if you use a water fountain that filters it probably won't work with the formula you put in water. Many raw feeders swear by raw meaty bones to helps with dental care, but use things with soft bones like poultry wings/necks and remember it is increasing the amount of food and specifically bone in your dog's diet so do research on raw feeding if you want to go that route so you can learn the way to do it correctly. If your dog's poop is white, dry and crumbly it can indicate he's getting too much bone and you need to cut back. As far as treat size goes, the size of a pencil eraser is about right, but for a super small dog you could even cut that in half possibly. There are treats on the market which are liquid or paste that you can just give them a lick of. Some people use smeared peanut butter on a spoon. I used to mix peanut butter with dog safe baby food and put it in a tube where I could just squirt a little out. And since that has the same texture as most toothpaste. Use as healthy treats as you can and subtract some of your dogs food to make up for the extra calories. Kikopup has a tutorial online of how to make and use dog kibble as a more rewarding treat.

[@kikopup]

@@imzadi83fanvids7 great tips!

[@kikopup]

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F3WT1HS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 this is the tiny toothbrush. You can use their daily food. If you feed kibble you can soak it and then cut it into tiny pieces after its soaked. I know your struggle. Epic is 4.5 pounds so its hard to get in the amount of training I want to because I like her to have a nice breakfast and dinner as well as train

[@cherylsalvador950]

What advice can you give for a dog that loves to chew everything. Whenever I try brushing my dog's teeth, he goes straight to chewing it because he likes eating the toothpaste. I'm not able to brush it then because he's biting the brush 😂 hope you can give some tips!

[@kikopup]

A trainer in Europe taught her dog to bite on a wooden dowel and then she could get in to do the inner parts of the teeth but it would be a great way to stop chewing.

[@respectthefish4992]

thank youuuuu

[@dashalebedeva7463]

This is so helpful! Thank you! Do you have more specifics on how to train a dog to actually hold their mouth open for brushing the insides, like the lab towards the end of the video? That's the part we're struggling with the most.

[@Caroline-fr1hp]

My dog isn't afraid of the toothbrush but I can't get her to stop trying to chew it when I brush her teeth. Anyone have this problem? Any advice on how to get her to stop?

[@tanelise4673]

My dog chews the tooth brush too

[@dana-jr1ci]

My dog has gum disease. At the vet she had to have 5 teeth pulled. Instructed to brush every day. I have been doing it but some gum disease remains and her gums bleed. It hurts her and she doesnt like it. I told the vet but she said i have to keep doing it or the gum disease will get worse. I feel so bad for her and she doesnt like it. Id ideally statt again from the beginning but im worried about stopping in case the disease gets worse

[@dana-jr1ci]

Any suggestions? It's been a few months of daily brushing and the bleeding continues.

[@qwertykotchka394]

My dog allows me to brush his teeth but he licks like mad and chews constantly. He'll allow me to hold his muzzle in my hand but I can't figure out Any tips for how to train him to hold his mouth open without liking and chewing as in your vids? Thank you

[@kikopup]

A trainer in Europe taught her dog to bite on a wooden dowel and then she could get in to do the inner parts of the teeth but it would be a great way to stop chewing.

[@kikopup]

Also just do a little brush, like for a milisecond then mark and feed before the chewing.

[@qwertykotchka394]

@@kikopup Thank you for the reply. Yes I think I saw that clip - it-s brilliant isn't it? I've actually started trying to train my dog to hold something in his mouth with the hope that I'll be able to use it eventually but it's taking time.

[@qwertykotchka394]

@@kikopup Thank you, yes I recently started that approach - I treat it as a secret game - who can be the fastest - me with my in out of the toothbrush or the dog with his chew!!!

[@ausieemu]

What if your dog is already scared of the toothbrush? One of my dogs makes a run for it every time that they see me with anything remotely medical/cleaning looking? (toothbrush, nail trimmers, tissues, cotton tips)

[@kikopup]

I suggest getting a new brush or begin with something like just a pen or a stick, and keep it in a different location like the yard, and work in the yard, then when you use a brush do it in the new place in the new way. This will help create a new positive association. Here is a video with tips kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHStYaqeasirn5Y

[@ausieemu]

@@kikopup Thank you!

[@Nireanaa]

what to do if your dog loves the toothpaste too much and just wants to lick it off the toothbrush immediately?

[@martinaluisetti]

Love this

[@kikopup]

Awe thanks!

[@mo_4.4]

What do you do when your dog loves the toothpaste so much that they keep trying to lick the brush when you go to brush the teeth?

[@kikopup]

Consider yourself lucky at first because a lot of dogs not like the toothpaste at all. You could start by putting it on some gauze on your finger and rubbing it on the teeth.

[@teolinek]

My dog is TOO enthusiastic about toothpaste. Maybe I should try the process presented - without a toothpaste? To keep it less exciting? Now I don't have much precision...

[@Andy32410]

I want take my dog to a vet more often, but there is no vet anywhere near where I live, and if I want to get him to a vet, I have to take him out of state :(

[@senorcrocs3366]

You should do a video on how to teach your dogs to high five each other

[@keishatorres9659]

How do you keep your dog still when ur brushing his teeth? Mine thinks we're playing. Lol. 😂

[@kikopup]

I suggest choosing a time when they are calm and relaxed and not when they are playful. But going in small steps.

[@keishatorres9659]

@@kikopup thanks so much!

[@cgeromi]

I notice you go through a lot of treats. What specific treats are you using? Going through so many treats per training session, id assume you'd want something on the healthier side...

[@kikopup]

i do have this video on what treats to use- kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIHCfoyLncmSeLs yes, especially with tiny dogs- w epic I like to use the raw freezedried Nibs that are a complete diet cut into tiny pieces, so shes not missing her dietary needs. Its more tricky the smaller the dog gets

[@cgeromi]

@@kikopup thanks! Can you offer any advice on my 11 week old miniature dachshund. She seems in perfect health, drinks well, but her eating habits compared to my two other dachshunds, are odd. 16 year's ago, my miniature dachshund puppy, Copper couldn't get enough food as a pup. My new puppy, Rosie, doesn't nearly as much. She's more interested in my older dogs food than her own. She eats twice a day and I can see belly gets full but unlike my previous puppy, she walks away when there's still food. I haven't been measuring her food, just giving her a small bowl full. She eats til she's ready to walk away. She probably weighs a tad over 2 pounds. It's just very foreign to me to see a dachshund not want to eat until they're gorged haha. And it's so hard to find online what amount of food such a little puppy should eat per day.

[@giantdog]

Good morning(*Ü*)ﾉ"☀cute❤️

[@hasselea8499]

what does that even mean? " a dog trainer that uses positive reinforcement" every dog trainer on the planet uses R+

[@kikopup]

I’m glad you asked. I actually wrote a manifesto on how I train. I don’t use quadrants to describe it but do in videos because that’s what people seem to understand these days- regarding to see if a trainer is using compulsion etc. progressivereinforcementtraining.com/manifesto/

[@hasselea8499]

okey, let me ask you this then. what do you mean by compulsion? i probably know where this is headed, let me ask you a difficult question. if you are unable to train a dog and the only option you see left are medication for life or euthanize. would you still not use a correction for the sake of this dogs well being? @@kikopup

[@crystal.matter]

A tip from me: you can also try electric toothbrush! For some reason my dog loved it immediately, while normal toothbrush is little bit icky for him. But as soon as I turn his electric toothbrush on, he takes it in his mouth on his own right from the start! He has his own electric kiddie toothbrush. I would never have guessed that the loud and vibrating thing would be easier for him! It's also great for people with limited hand motion since it doesn't require the brushing movement

[@crosita1]

I am really glad to hear this--I want to switch my three to electric but I have been putting it off thinking it would be lots of work! I know one dog probably won't mind and one probably won't like it lol

[@kikopup]

Awe thats awesome! Ill try it!

[@qwertykotchka394]

Yes a friend of mine uses an electric toothbrush. I'm trying to introduce my dog to one - still at the CER stage.