We've all met dogs that would have their owners hold them all day long if they could.
Whether you have a small dog who loves being held or a large dog that only needs to be lifted in extraordinary circumstances, learning how to pick a dog up without hurting them is a must for every owner.
If you're carrying a dog incorrectly, the furry creature might feel pain and yelp immediately, or it might develop injuries from improper support happening slowly over time.
By learning how to hold a puppy or dog with confidence, you assert dominance and provide the dog with physical and emotional support.
The best way to pick up a dog isn't the same across the board - the size of the dog matters, as well as the temperament. As you can imagine, an instruction manual for the following two would be dramatically different:
- How to pick up large dog
- How to pick up a dachshund.
And holding a puppy can be extra challenging as their boundless energy can make them extra fidgety when they're in a playful mood.
Read below to learn more about the dos and don'ts of picking up and holding a dog, regardless of size, to keep you both happy and pain-free.
Do dogs like being picked up?
Just like people, dogs have an extensive range of preferences.
Some dogs love being held, some will tolerate it, and others absolutely loathe it - these guys will do everything they can to avoid getting picked up.
Listen to your dog's cues. If their body language becomes uncomfortable or just plain aggressive, don't force them to stay in your arms.
But you may still need to pick up your dog at certain times, like at the vet, which means you need a strong relationship with your dog. This is a two-way street, and can be built on when there is a foundation of deep trust from both sides. Allow them to trust you by respecting their needs, too.
Can you hurt a dog by picking them up?
Yes, you can pick up a dog the wrong way and hurt them. If you pick up a dog by his limbs, there is a greater chance of injury. Dogs' hips and shoulder joints aren't as flexible as humans. A leg bent the wrong way can easily strain or break.
Injury from repetitive, incorrect lifting happens when the dog's weight isn't evenly supported, causing extra pressure on their other body parts.
Grabbing by the scruff
The scruff is the loose skin on a pup's back that their mother uses to carry them around in her mouth and show dominance. She often uses this tool in the first few weeks and months of life when the pups are still tiny.
The mother naturally knows how to avoid hurting her puppies, but humans don't have that same natural instinct. A puppy grows larger by the second - their scruff isn't strong enough to support their growing body weight after a few months.
Humans should never pick their dog up by the scruff - the risk is too high for injury.
Dos and Don'ts: How to properly pick up a dog
Do: Use a verbal cue to start.
Create a verbal cue and use it every time you prepare to lift your dog. This signals your intentions and reinforces the training work.
Do: Use one arm under a tiny dog.
If you have a small dog under 10 lbs, you can get away with using one arm to lift the dog.
How to pick up a small dog
- Bend down near the dog.
- Slide your dominant arm under his torso and chest with your fingertips near the neck.
- Hug the dog close to your body and cradle the rear end on the curve of your elbow.
Do: Use two arms to lift medium- and large-sized dogs.
For dogs bigger than 10 lbs, you'll want to use both of your arms to lift and support the dog properly.
How to pick up a large dog
- Bend down beside your dog.
- Put your dominant hand behind the pup's hind legs.
- Place your other hand on his chest.
- Slowly stand up from the knees.
- Lift your dog and push its body against your chest for extra support.
Do: Ask someone for help.
If your medium-large dog is over 40 pounds, you should get a friend or family member to help you lift. For an extra-large dog, create a sling using a heavy blanket, wrap it evenly around the dog's torso, and get a partner to help raise the sling.
Do: Get a dog ramp for the bed, couch, and car.
Avoid lifting your dog, and create independence for both of you, by using dog ramps when possible. You can use them to get your dog into the car or onto the couch. Placing a bed ramp for dogs will help them quickly come and go as they please.
Don't: Bend and lift at the waist.
This is for the sake of your own body. Improper lifting puts too much pressure on an owner's lower back and can lead to injury. Bend and lift at your knees, not hips, to protect your spine and low-back.
Don't: Lift one end of the dog higher than the other.
While holding your dog, keep their weight distributed evenly between both of your arms. If you lift their front end higher or leave their hind legs dangling, too much pressure gets placed on their torso and back.
Final word
Use these methods to pick up your dog without hurting their little bodies or yours.
Remember, when picking up your dog, you should:
- Watch your dog closely to monitor their behavioral cues;
- Lift your dog's weight evenly, always;
- Employ help when you need it.
Leave a comment (all fields required)