Shih tzu 4 months

Question
I'm trying to introduce my dog to having his teeth brushed by using the finger brush and dog toothpaste. Well, I'm having some difficulty as I can't get him to open his mouth for me and I don't really want it to be such a stressful event for him. Is this activity too early for him at this age? Is there any way that I could make this easy for him?I've even tried putting the toothpaste on my finger and tried to brush his teeth with this but have had no luck at all.Help please. Thanks.

Answer
Its NEVER too early to begin training.  Whether it is a stressful experience will depend on how YOU handle it.  Don't get agitated or ruff with him. If you find yourself getting frustrated...quit. I would go right to a small toothbrush. Fingers in a puppy mouth are big. He is not ever going to hold his mouth open for you. The best is just to pick up the lip and stick the brush inbetween.  You can actually hold the mouth shut as you brush. I will tell you this..unless you plan on doing this at least weekly, don't even bother.  Picking up a toothbrush and doing his teeth every month or so will not do anything. Don't worry about getting his teeth real good right now.  They are going to fall out anyways.  Just keep it fun, yet be firm.  He is still very young and everything is playtime.  Put him up on a table(tv tray, wash machine) somewhere where he can't run from you.  The floor is for playing. Make him learn when he is "up" that its business time...just like when he will be on a grooming table. Good luck to you.   Wendy