How do you brush your doodle's teeth?

[Willow and J]

I've look through using Search but didn't come up with "how" do you brush your dog's teeth, so I wanted to ask what you do. 

1. Do you make your dog sit? Is there a better position for holding the dog?

2. Is there an order (back to front? side to side?)

3. What do you do with her/his tongue licking the toothpaste?

4. How long do you brush his/her teeth?

I saw one video of someone brushing her dog's teeth, and it was pretty much like what I do except I usually make Willow sit and I position myself at the back of her, and this was easier to keep her sitting the whole time. But, whatever I do, toothbrushing turns into a comic episode - I more or less think of it as Willow's chance to eat the toothpaste. I can hear her saying "Why bother, Mommy? Just squeeze the tube into my mouth!"

It's probably better than nothing, but I can't think this is going to make that much difference. Any tips to make toothbrushing more effective?

BTW, I did find discussions on PetzLife, and I was curious if that can replace brushing teeth?

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

Cubbie used to be a PAIN about it (as he is with all grooming things) but I think he actually likes the feeling of clean teeth.  He doesn't put up a fight and is so used to the routine now that he runs off to his bed as soon as i'm finished. :)

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Every night! You are good-can we come over???

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

Cubbie has bad teeth no matter what I do and the vet likes to keep them looking clean and always recommends dental cleanings.  He has had 2 so far and he just turned 3 in January.  My New Year's resolution was to brush their teeth every night and so far I have been doing pretty good.  Not sure if it will be enough to avoid another dental cleaning, but if I could maybe skip a year, that would be great!

[Christine & Shelby]

I don't brush Shelby's teeth... so far her vet says her teeth look great (she's 2 and 1/2), but I know I should start... I'll put it on my to do list for the weekend!   She does enjoying chewing and I let her chew on Rawhide.  Shelby is a strong chewer, but a single retriever roll will last her about 2 weeks - she has never eaten one in a single setting - EVER.   I know there are some who are opposed to rawhide on the site due to choking hazards, chemicals and the fact that most rawhide comes from China.  But - before I knew all this I learned that Shelby really likes rawhide.  So... I went to work and found a company that makes them in the USA with USA beef hide and does not treat them with formaldahide <sp?>.   If you are interested... the company name is Wholesome Hide.  

[Kimmy & Chewie]

This is how I sit when brushing Chewie's teeth. It works great because he cannot "escape" from this position.

Not that he really wants to escape. In fact I think he kind of enjoys brushing his teeth and being in this position as I give him lots of tummy rubs (and praises) between brushing breaks.

I brush his teeth 1-2 times per week. Each brushing session is less than 5 mins I think. His teeth is pretty clean as he's on a prey model raw diet and chews on bullysticks once a week.

I use small human toothbrush with soft bristles and CET enzyme toothpaste (chicken flavor).

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Kimmy, these are very impressive pictures and Chewie looks like he likes having his teeth brushed !

[F, Calla & Luca]

That looks really effective.

[Willow and J]

This is a new idea. I haven't thought of laying Willow down. She will not be as calm as Chewie, but she may have to get used to it. Thank you!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I use those brushes that slip over your finger and while Riley is lying on my bed or the couch I just open his mouth and scrub.  As I've been doing this since he was a small puppy he doesn't mind.  I am quite vigorous and just get to it!  I'm hoping this will mean that the Vet won't have to do it.

[PennyS]

The post above (scrapping) when you don't polish, and do it wrong, you can have worse problems later.

As for teaching a dog to brush:

Start with a treat on the brush.

Make it FUN! Not a forced activity.

After your dog is use to the brush with a treat, move to a yummy flavored doggy toothpaste.

Good luck! :)