what to do to prevent ticks on my dog

Front Line Plus x2

Good luck with burnt matches, butter, etc.

We got an infestation with over 100 on just one of the dogs once...tweezers and dump 'em in a jar of rubbing alcohol (but make sure you get the head)

Check the armpits, between the toes, in the pads, the neck, the ears, etc.

<Disclaimer - not a vet, just what we've done with our dogs - YMMV>