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Perhaps this isn't the topic of conversation you'd bring up at the dinner table, but it's one that pet parents shouldn't avoid. Tartar buildup on your dog’s teeth can lead to serious health problems. It doesn’t take long to form and it gets right to work. It’s your job, as a pet owner, to take care of your dog’s dental health, which means taking care of tartar before it becomes a problem.

The Problem with Tartar

Who would think that tartar could be such a problem? But the thing with tartar is it doesn’t start out that way. In fact, it starts its journey on your dog's teeth as plaque, which begins to form hours after a dog eats. As plaque combines with the salts found in dog saliva, it builds up and hardens, which is when it turns into tartar. And tartar is like a welcoming sign to dental problems and gum disease—opening the door to pain, illness and a host of expensive medical bills.

Why You Need To Worry

Tartar on our teeth poses the same problems as it does in a dog's mouth. Nasty bacteria start to grow, and it's only a matter of time before it wreaks havoc. Dental problems, such as gingivitis, periodontal disease, abscesses or lost teeth, are causalities of tartar's reign of terror. Not only that, but it can lead to some seriously rank dog breath! But teeth aren't the only thing you have to worry about. As tartar builds up along the gum line, it pushes the gums away from the teeth. This exposes the roots of the teeth, which are no longer covered by enamel. Because the roots are no longer protected, it leaves them open to sensitivities, causing your dog pain and discomfort. Tartar also likes to explore—after hanging out in your pooch's mouth, it'll explore your dog’s body. Bacteria hitch a ride in the bloodstream and make its way to organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys. And you know that the outcome will never be good in a situation like this!

What You Can Do About Tartar

Don't let tartar get the upper hand in your dog's mouth. There are things you can do to get rid of it or minimize its presence, many of which you can do at home: Brush your dog’s teeth on a daily or weekly basis. Give your dog dental treats, such as Honest Kitchen's Beams, and toys to chew on. Get the real deal—real, raw bones help scrape off soft plaque deposits on dog teeth. Vets offer professional cleaning and scaling for your dog's teeth. Costs will depend on the severity of plaque and tartar buildup, so try one of the above methods to keep it at bay. While you're brushing your dog's teeth, keep an eye out for the warning signs of gum disease. These include bad breath, a brownish crust of tartar around the gum line, red and swollen gums, and pain (flinching) or bleeding when you touch his gums or mouth. Besides practicing dog dental care at home, have your vet perform a dental check during your annual visit. It's usually done free of charge, and your vet will be able to assess and recommend if any additional care needs to be taken to stop the buildup of tartar.

"Think & Teach Dog: Unraveling the Complexities of Canine Training" by Kurt Burk (CPDT-KSA)

Introduction

Navigating the world of dog training can often feel like deciphering a complex puzzle. With an abundance of methods, theories, and guidelines, it's easy for pet owners to feel overwhelmed. However, I am here to tell you, as an experienced dog trainer and teacher, that the process can indeed be simplified. In this blog post, we will explore the art of “Think & Teach Dog,” a methodology that demystifies dog training, making it accessible and enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.

The Overwhelming World of Dog Training

When first delving into dog training, it's common to feel inundated with information. The key is to take a step back and breathe. Remember, at its core, dog training is about building a strong, positive relationship with your pet. By adopting a “Think & Teach Dog” mindset, you can streamline the process, focusing on what truly matters: understanding your dog and reinforcing positive behavior.

The Science of Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement stands as the pillar of effective dog training. This scientifically-backed method revolves around rewarding desired behaviors, encouraging your dog to repeat them. Conversely, by not providing attention or rewards for undesired behaviors, these actions become less probable or may even extinguish over time.

The beauty of positive reinforcement lies in its simplicity and kindness. It allows you to communicate clearly with your dog, establishing a bond of trust and cooperation. When your dog realizes that good behavior equals rewards, you've set the stage for a harmonious relationship.

Discovering Your Dog’s Unique Personality

Every dog is an individual, with their own quirks, preferences, and personality traits. As a trainer and teacher, my mission is to guide you in understanding and embracing your dog's uniqueness. This involves careful observation and study.

Take the time to watch your dog, noting their reactions to different situations, their play preferences, and their social interactions. What makes their tail wag with joy? What situations seem to make them uneasy? By answering these questions, you can tailor your training approach to suit their individual needs, leading to more effective and enjoyable learning experiences.

1. Confidence Level: Secure or Cautious. This can refer to the dog's overall sociability, gregariousness, sensitivity to the environment, reaction to sudden changes etc.

2. Focus: What do they inherently most often pay attention to? Focused on all the elements of the Environment or Focused on the human guardian or handler.

3. Flexibility: Obsessive or more Flexible? Does you dog stare and focus on a squirrel or sound, or person or object and simply not let it go? Or is your dog more easy going and like, whatever.

4. Determination: Strong willed or cooperative? Would you say your dog is very determined to get his way? Or more passive and will defer to who sets the boundaries?

Other personality traits to keep in mind are the following:

Motivation Style: This the key to discovering what motivates your dog, or more specifically what Reinforcers can the human teachers employ to get the Desired Behaviors we want. What motivates a dog can vary greatly. Some might be driven by food, others by play, affection, or praise. Recognizing what drives a dog aids in selecting the right rewards and incentives for training.

Learning Style: Some dogs are quick learners who enjoy constant challenges, while others may prefer a slower, more methodical approach. Recognizing a dog's preferred learning pace and style ensures that training is both effective and enjoyable.

Work Ethic: A dog's willingness to work and engage in training activities can vary. Some dogs have a strong work ethic and enjoy the process, while others might require more encouragement and motivation.

Problem-Solving Ability: This trait refers to how a dog approaches and solves problems, whether it's figuring out a puzzle toy or overcoming a training challenge. Some dogs are creative problem-solvers, while others may struggle with complex tasks.

Thinking and Teaching Dog

The essence of “Think & Teach Dog” lies in mutual understanding and communication. It encourages you to step into your dog’s paws, viewing the world from their perspective. This empathy-driven approach fosters a deeper connection, enabling you to teach your dog in a way that they inherently understand.

Remember, successful dog training is a journey, not a destination. It requires patience, consistency, and a willingness to learn and grow alongside your canine companion. By embracing the “Think & Teach Dog” philosophy, you're not just training your dog; you're embarking on a rewarding journey of companionship and mutual respect.

Conclusion

Dog training doesn't have to be an overwhelming labyrinth. By adopting a “Think & Teach Dog” mindset, backed by the science of positive reinforcement, you can unlock a world of understanding and connection with your furry friend. Remember, the key is patience, observation, and a deep appreciation for your dog’s unique personality. Together, you and your dog can forge a bond like no other, based on trust, respect, and a whole lot of tail wagging. So, embark on this journey with an open heart and mind, and discover the incredible world of “Think & Teach Dog.”