Settlebox - Teeth
Week 5
Instructor Demo
The Settlebox gives us a calm and structured place to introduce new handling skills. In this lesson, we begin teaching puppies to feel comfortable having their mouths handled and their teeth checked.
Being able to gently examine a puppy’s teeth is an important life skill. It prepares them for vet visits, grooming, and general health checks while also helping them become more comfortable with hands around their face. In this exercise, we start by focusing on the canine teeth while pairing the handling with calm praise and reinforcement.
Quick Notes
Before beginning, make sure your puppy is settled and comfortable in the Settlebox.
Begin with your puppy calmly sitting or settled in the box.
Place one hand under the puppy’s mouth to support the head.
Use your thumb to gently lift the upper lip or pull down the lower lip.
Say the cue “Teeth” as you check.
Start by looking at the canine teeth (the large pointed teeth).
Keep the handling gentle and brief at first.
Reinforce your puppy for staying calm during the check.
Repeat in short sessions so the puppy learns to associate the handling with positive experiences.
Class Experience
Practice at home!
Now it’s time for you to try with your puppy!
During class, Laura demonstrates how to safely and calmly check a puppy’s teeth while the puppy remains settled in the box. Handlers practice supporting the puppy’s chin with one hand and gently lifting the lip with the other to briefly view the teeth.
The goal during class is not a full dental exam, but simply helping puppies become comfortable with the process. Handlers work at their puppy’s pace and reinforce calm behavior so the puppy begins to see this type of handling as normal and safe.
Upload a video
Be sure to send us a video demonstrating this behavior as well so we can give you personalized training advice with our virtual video service.
Additional Information
Supplemental Tips
Handling your puppy’s mouth regularly helps them feel comfortable with dental checks throughout their life. Keep these sessions short, gentle, and positive so your puppy builds confidence with the process.
Practice brief tooth checks a few times a week so the handling becomes routine.
Keep sessions short and calm — a quick look is enough while your puppy is learning.
Always support your puppy’s chin or lower jaw so their head feels stable and secure.
Pair the handling with calm praise and reinforcement to build a positive association.
If your puppy becomes wiggly, simply reset and try again later rather than forcing the check.
Focus on building comfort now so veterinary exams and grooming visits are much easier later.
About Teething
Puppy teething can last longer than many people expect.
Many puppies go through their most intense teething stage between six and eleven months of age.
Even after baby teeth fall out, adult teeth are still coming in and settling into the jaw.
During this stage puppies may become extra mouthy or chew more than usual.
This period also overlaps with adolescence, which can make behavior feel more challenging for owners.
Stay patient — this is a normal stage of development and your training foundation will help guide your puppy through it.