[katelin]

I brush all of my dog's teeth, usually a couple times a week -- I wish it was daily, but that just doesn't happen.

I use the C.E.T. toothpaste which I got from my vet. It tastes like liver and my dogs love it. It also leaves something on the teeth to help prevent bacteria/tarter from growing.

Here is what I do: Put the dog on a non-slip surface on the counter (I just use a towel). Put some toothpaste (about 1 inch) on the green "finger" brush. Let them have a small lick of the toothpaste, then lift one side of the upper lip so you can see the large canine tooth. In the beginning, just brush that tooth on each side. As they become more cooperative, move the brush back and forth across the front teeth too. Eventually, pull the mouth open at the farthest side and slide the finger brush down along the back teeth.

The more you do this, the more they will trust you to be in their mouth. I have to admit that one of my dogs thought I was trying to kill her when I first tried this. But now is cooperative after about 6 months of working with her. Brushes are all too big for their little mouths, especially when they are not cooperating.

I never clean their ears. I do pull the inside hairs out of the ear canal so that the hairs don't trap moisture and give them an ear infection. But that is all I do, and I've never had a problem with their ears in all the time I've owned yorkies.

Good luck. A gentle persistent approach and lots of praise should help you get the job done.