Dog Tricks: Teach Your Dog How To 'Show Teeth'
Brad asked how to teach a dog to bare his teeth on command.
My very tame American Eskimo, Jersey, (who wouldn't hurt a flea by the way) used to show his teeth. But it was only when our new little puppy, Destin -- and then years later our newest puppy, Tenor -- would get on his nerves.
So out of frustration, Jersey would simply bare his teeth as if to show some sort of dominance to these young pups. It was if he was saying, 'Okay, I've had enough... stay away... I'm done playing.'
It was cute. But it can actually be a scary situation if you don't know you're dog's own limits and how to read a dog's body language.
That said, there are ways that you can teach your dog to 'show teeth'...
A Simple Trick
While I never took the time to try this dog trick myself (because my dog did it on his own), from what I know about dog training in general -- and dog tricks in particular -- your best bet is to:1. Simply watch your dog's own behavior.
2. At the very moment that your dog displays some form of teeth baring (maybe a funny smile), then you have to REWARD that behavior and call it something.
3. Be consistent... try to encourage your dog to do it again. And always call that behavior the same thing and always reward it -- IF you want your dog to do it on cue at some point.
Videos Of Dogs Showing Teeth On Cue
Here are some videos of others getting their dogs to bare their teeth or 'Show Teeth'.If you're wanting to teach your dog this cute dog trick, perhaps you will find some clues in these videos:
A 6-month-old Boxer dog reluctantly shows teeth on command...
Fudley's owners simply display a hand gesture, and it causes the dog to show teeth...
Sometimes "show me your teeth" is all it takes...
Ways To Teach Your Dog To Show Teeth
If you get your dog used to teeth-brushing on a regular basis, your dog might become more accustomed to showing teeth on command -- simply because it's part of the exercise and it's a required behavior in order to get the teeth brushing done.That, and the fact that some dogs don't like the taste of the doggie toothpaste and may make a face like this as a reaction to the strange tasting toothpaste.
For that matter, introducing any dog-safe human foods to your dog for the first time could lead to a teeth showing behavior. You never know... especially with strange or bitter-tasting foods that are safe for dogs to eat (like some fruits & vegetables).
As with most dog tricks... a dog is never too old to learn a new trick. However, the younger your dog is when you start teaching new tricks, the quicker they catch on and the easier it is.
It's kind of refreshing to see a picture online of an American Eskimo baring it's teeth, looking fierce and not smiling. My wife and I have had Eskies since '92 and love them very much. They are a "personality plus" breed and their occasional ill temper with other dogs is as much a part of their personality as is their sweetness with people. Nice picture - we know it well!
Can you tell us how you taught your dog that trick? It is sooooo cool!
I want to teach my Dog Buster that!! He is a German Shepard Lab mix, who is about to turn two.He is EXTREMELY smart and knows aver 50 tricks(the hardest being able to "Say i love you" and digging his own grave and then playing dead in it when i pretend to shoot him, and getting me a soda from the fridge) Eventually, i ran out of tricks to teach him, but heres a new one!! ill give it a try! im only 15, but ive been able to teach my wonder mutt So much! I Love him to pieces!!!
-Alyssa
This is HILARIOUS! That's a great photo of Jersey and her teeth. I think I'll give it a try with our dogs. Thanks