So this might sound a bit odd but dental care for your pup is essential. It can avoid tons of health problems and is great for getting your pooch used to being handled and having their mouth examined.  Quick read article.

Use a quality brand dog (not human) toothpaste (available from most good pet shops or vet) and toothbrush. Dog toothbrushes are much softer than a humans to protect their gums.

At first just put a little of the doggy toothpaste on your finger and allow the dog to lick this off. You can then progress quickly to putting your hand on their muzzle whilst they lick the paste.  Begin lifting their lips up gently to get them acclimatised to the unusual touch.

Then begin running your finger over their teeth briefly and reward.  You can now use the toothbrush.  Imagine it is your finger again and begin the process of them licking the toothbrush with the paste on it.  Start running it over the dogs teeth. Do this for a few days on the run, then you can begin actually brushing their teeth in the same way you would do your own. Be gentle and make it fun!

You can use a word like teeth before each session so your dog learns to expect what is happening. This way when you go to the vet and they want to look in your dogs mouth you can use the same word and your dog will be happy to have them examine their mouth – simples! Job done.

Potty training information found here.

Photo – Tooth fairy by the giant vermin