The Right Way to Pick Up a Dog
Doggies come in all shapes and sizes. It only makes sense that picking up and carrying a dog could either be relatively easy or rather difficult. Let’s take a quick look at the right way to pick up a dog.
Why Lifting Them May Be Necessary
There are a few situations in which you and your dog might come across together where you lifting them becomes necessary. Here are a few examples:
- Your dog is trying to get on top of your bed or another piece of tall furniture and they can’t jump high enough
- You are visiting the veterinarian and you need to place your dog up on the table for the exam
- Your dog has become sick or injured
- You have a puppy!
How to Pick Up a Dog Correctly
The first thing you should do before you touch your dog is to announce what your intentions are. If you let it know what you are about to do, its reaction is likely to be a lot more positive.
Something as simple as saying the word “up” before you approach them is likely all it will take. Whatever cue word that you choose, be sure to stick with it and not try to change it up later.
Picking Up a Small Dog
Begin by squatting or kneeling beside your canine. Take one of your hands, and slide it between her front legs and underneath her chest to lend support to her torso. Next, place your other hand behind her bottom. When you feel confident that your grip is secure, slowly lift up your dog while you stand up.
Picking Up a Puppy
Who can resist holding a brand-new puppy? Because of this, it is important that everyone knows what to do and what not to do when it comes to keeping them. It is about creating positive experiences for the puppy and anyone holding it. This means making sure the puppy feels as comfortable as possible.
To pick up a puppy, follow the same directions as with a small dog. Come down to the puppy’s level, to begin. Now, place one of your hands between his front legs and the other underneath his bottom while you lift him up.
If your puppy is so tiny that it fits inside of one hand, be sure to carry him close to your chest. This will help the pup feel more secure about how high off of the ground he is.
Picking Up a Large Dog
Does your dog weigh more than 40 pounds? If so, it is a good idea to have a second person help you lift him.
If you need to pick up a large dog, remember to use your legs to support and help lift up the dog. Bending at your knees, rather than at your waist should help. Take one of your arms and wrap it around the front of your dog. Next, place your other arm around his bottom, near his back legs. Lift with your legs until you are standing upright.
What You Should Never Do
No matter your dog’s size, never pick him up underneath his arms, like a rag doll. This puts too much weight on his elbows and shoulders. Lifting your dog by the scruff of its neck is also not a good practice.
Be sure and tell children never to pick up their dog by its tail.
A dog is going to let you know if they are uncomfortable with the way they are being carried. He may begin yawning, licking his lips or showing the whites of his eyes.
Having to pick up and carry a dog is a little more difficult than one might imagine. However, if you approach it in the right way, your dog will feel at ease, and safe and won’t act anxiously the next time you need to take him out in public.