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One aspect of Dobermans that most people notice is their large, white “grins.” To keep your Doberman’s teeth pearly, you should keep them clean.

Dr. Roger Bagg of the Carbon Valley Animal Hospital (Firestone, Colo.) recommends that dogs have their teeth professionally cleaned annually. Between cleanings, they should be maintained at home.

A number of commercial products are available to help you. Dog toothbrushes, paste, swabs, and fingertip brushes are among the tools and supplies. Fortunately, Dobermans are very compliant with grooming routines, and their jowls are loose enough to allow easy access to their teeth.

Ideally, you should begin when home tooth care when your Doberman’s a puppy. Use dog toothpaste because human paste is harmful to ingest. Besides, dog toothpaste is available in beef and chicken flavors that are much more palatable to finicky dogs. If you use a human toothbrush, select one with soft bristles and a long handle. Children’s brushes aren’t necessary because the dog’s teeth and chops will accommodate an adult brush.

Begin by letting your dog lick paste from the brush. Praise him. Gradually, session after session, introduce the brush farther into his mouth until you are able to brush the sides, fronts and backs of each tooth. Keep praising him unless he bites more than the brush. If he does nip your fingers, it’s probably an accident and a firm, “No!” is in order. Remember that it’s hard for him to see around that long nose, and know what he’s biting. It’s his natural instinct to masticate what’s in his mouth. Prevention is the best method. Simply keep your hands out of the way.

If you’re training an older dog, it will take longer for him to accept brushing as part of his grooming routine; however, it’s not impossible. Keep praising him and reward his good behavior with non-food treats such as rubbing his ears or neck.

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