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08-13-2009, 10:10 AM | #1 |
Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ USA
Posts: 48
| Won't let me near her mouth! I have been working very hard on training my 15 week old yorkie. She knows lots of tricks and is just so smart. She is even doing really well with her potty training and hasn't had an accident in her crate in over 2 weeks! She doe have her days where she likes to be a brat (I'll tell her to come and she'll either lay down or look at me then walk the opposite way ) but for the most part does very well. The problem right now is that she hates to be groomed...well she loves to be brushed and doesn't really mind the blow dryer (and is even getting better about her baths) but it's almost impossible to clip her nail, the hair on her paws, and if I try and get near her mouth she FLIPS out! The vet told me I needed to work with her (esp. on getting her to let people in her mouth) and I have been trying for almost three weeks with little to no improvement. I have tried just forcing her so that she gets used to it...I've tried waiting till she's tired...I've tried making a "trick" and telling her to "show me your teeth" and then opening her mouth and giving her a treat but everytime I try anything she shakes her head and flips out! Anyone have any other tips? We go to the vet in about a week and I'd really love for her to have made some improvement. |
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08-13-2009, 10:28 AM | #2 |
Thor's Human Donating Member | I would suggest starting small (and get some dog toothpaste, because you'll want to start brushing her teeth). Go at her pace. When she is very relaxed, maybe when getting a belly rub, put a little toothpaste on the tip of your finger and hold it out in front of her. Let her lick it off. Each time, let your finger get closer until you are almost touching her lips. Then maybe get a small piece of jerky or something where she kind of has to bite at your fingers to get it. You can also try just quickly (and calmly) touching the side of her mouth while she is getting her belly rubbed. I would be REALLY patient, like expect it to take a month. Just make a tiny bit of progress every day, and let her get comfortable. Then when you can start putting your fingers in her mouth, start rubbing a little bit of paste on one tooth at a time. After another month, you should be able to brush her teeth without protest. Thor would struggle with every he had to escape the toothbrush, but by doing a little bit every day, he got used to it. I brush his teeth every night, and while he doesn't love it, he is very relaxed. He lies on his back and I give him little belly rubs after each side.
__________________ If you love something, set it free. Unless it's an angry tiger. |
08-13-2009, 10:55 AM | #3 |
Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ USA
Posts: 48
| Thanks! I have been having her lick the toothpaste off of my finger or off of the toothbrush (I figure at least her breath will smell better! ). I have been brushing her teeth but am only able to do it a few times a week and it's very difficult. I will work on your suggestions and try and keep it from being too stressful for her. I have a toothbrush for her (it the long green one with a big side on one end and a little side on the other) but was thinking that maybe the finger one would be less scary to her??? Do you think that would help any? |
08-13-2009, 10:59 AM | #4 |
Thor's Human Donating Member | The finger ones are still too big for Thor's mouth. He is 4 lbs. I got a cat toothbrush that works great. Also, have you seen the little Colgate Wisps? If you pop the breath mint bead out, it's a tiny little toothbrush. I still like the cat toothbrush the best. Just make sure to be really patient, and she WILL get used to it. Five minutes per night for a month, and she'll be a doll. Don't brush her teeth right now if she is struggling - she still has her baby teeth anyway, right?
__________________ If you love something, set it free. Unless it's an angry tiger. |
08-13-2009, 11:02 AM | #5 |
Thor's Human Donating Member | If you are already to the point where you are sort of brushing her teeth, start with your pinky finger, and literally do ONE tooth. The brush is a very strange sensation for them. Work up to rubbing all her teeth with your finger. At that point her breath will start to get much better. Then start again with ONE tooth with the brush.
__________________ If you love something, set it free. Unless it's an angry tiger. |
08-13-2009, 11:03 AM | #6 |
Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ USA
Posts: 48
| She does still have her baby teeth so I will work on getting her used to letting me in her mouth and then look into the right toothbrush for her. Thanks so much for your help! |
08-15-2009, 12:37 AM | #7 | |
YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: North
Posts: 1,324
| Quote:
Also try differnt toothpasted mine like vanilla and will jump in my lap when I get it out. Not so with the beef flavour...not intrested. Also what about breathlzer for the water she dronks helps keep teeth clean and then you may not have to brush as often JL
__________________ "The truth about an animal is far more beautiful than all the myths woven about it." Konrad Loranz | |
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