My 6 month Cocker, pulls back when the judge trys to look in his mouth. Why does he do this, could it be because his teeth might be sore from teething??

Hi

It could be because his teeth are sore but it might be that he is not used to having different people open his mouth (whilst he is on a table)? Get as many different people as possible to check his mouth, smokers, non-smokers, men, women, people who have been handling garlic and as many different things as you can think of so whatever smells etc are presented he is ready. Some judges almost cover a dogs eyes when examining bite and others can open a dogs mouth by approaching the muzzle from underneath and lifting the top jaw - again try all sorts.

You may have to start with people just handling his muzzle rather than opening his mouth so he gains confidence (and don't forget lots of praise/rewards when he gets it right and silence when he doesn't)

Christine

Yeah we have had different people looking in his mouth, Thanx

dont get too mnay ppl too look in his mouth, only a few an hour or its not fair on him! one thing you could do is hold his head firmly from behind the ears. this has worked with a pup im working with at the mo.

i start from tiny------and stop them as they pass to look at there teeth, they dont get away until ive seen them---its old hat by the time they go in the ring.