A gentle, consistent approach to at-home dental care

If you caught our last post, How We Brush Our Dogs' Teeth, you’ll know we didn’t start out as dog toothbrushing pros. It took trial, error, and a lot of chewed-up brushes to find what worked for us — which is why we designed the Barkus Toothbrush in the first place.

This week, we’re sharing 5 practical tips to help you build a regular brushing habit that sticks (for both you and your pup). Because no matter how good your gear is, consistency is what makes the difference.

1. Start with Cues You Already Use

Building any new habit is easier when you pair it with an existing routine.

Try brushing:

  • After your dog’s evening walk

  • Right after mealtime

  • While winding down before bed

Creating a pattern your dog can expect helps reduce resistance and builds trust. Over time, they’ll begin to associate brushing with winding down, just like we do with our own nighttime rituals.

2. Make Toothpaste the First Reward

Before ever introducing a toothbrush, help your dog fall in love with their toothpaste.

👅 Let them lick it from your finger.
 👏 Reward them every time they do.
 😋 Treat it like a tasty snack.

3. Introduce the Brush Slowly

No need to rush. Think of the toothbrush like a new toy or grooming tool.

🧼 Day 1–2: Let them sniff and lick the toothpaste off the brush.
 🪥 Day 3–4: Gently touch their teeth and gums with the brush — no scrubbing yet.
 ⏱️ Day 5+: Begin soft, circular motions for a few seconds at a time, increasing gradually.

Our Barkus Toothbrush is specifically designed to make this part easier:

  • 360° soft silicone bristles

  • Bi-directional paddles for extra contact

  • Gentle, massaging feel (not abrasive)

4. Make It a Daily Thing (Even for 10 Seconds!)

The key? Frequency over perfection.

Even a few seconds a day is more effective than an intense brushing once a week. You’re training their tolerance and trust, not aiming for perfection right away.

Think of brushing like nail clipping or bathing — it gets easier when it’s familiar.

🐾 Bonus Tip: Create a mini ritual: play a calming song, use the same mat, or give a favorite toy after brushing. Dogs thrive on predictable routines!

5. Choose Sustainable Tools

Daily brushing can generate a lot of waste. Many dog toothbrushes are cheaply made and tossed after a few uses.

At Barkus, we wanted to do better. That’s why our toothbrush features:
 ♻️ An aluminum handle that lasts
 🔁 Replaceable silicone bristle heads
 🌎 Minimal environmental impact

Because being a good pet parent includes caring for the planet they sniff, run, and roll in.

Final Thoughts

Brushing doesn’t have to be a battle — or a guilt trip. With the right tools, routine, and mindset, it can become a moment of connection, calm, and care.

Let’s redefine what “good dog ownership” looks like — with less stress, more support, and way better toothbrushes.