Living with humans, no there is no real alternative to brushing although everyone seems to like a 'quick pill'.
Here's what seems to be working for me so far:
Best thing I learned this week is that you only really need to get the outer side of the teeth (like cheek-side) because 94% of the tartar/plaque problem is there. So it's really just a quick back and forth along the molars on either side (like 2 seconds each), and that'll get most gunk, and it's enough to start. There's some good videos on youtube.com.
Other best thing I learned this week is when you're ready for business tell them so and DON'T let them squirm away. The neighbor's dog showed me how to 'mother-nip' the young ones and I think most of them will respond the same way - temporary stillness and submission. What I am calling a 'mother-nip' is when the bugger squirms, you grunt while you suddenly (gently but firmly) jab at his head with your nose. He should recognize this as dominating maternal discipline and quieten down for a brief moment. I have used this mother trick to quell mine when I'm pestering him and it has made for a huge improvement in controllability for face combing too and I can even pry his cheek to see his molars now without him knocking me over in a getaway.
Those of us who have not accustomed our pups to all that handling before their eyes opened have to do it now, oh well.
Last edited by friscomom; 01-28-2010 at 05:13 PM.
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