How Not to Pick Up a Puppy: Avoiding Common Mistakes
Picking up a puppy seems intuitive, but doing it wrong can cause lasting physical and emotional harm. This article explains how not to pick up a puppy, ensuring a safe and positive experience for both you and your new furry friend.
Introduction: The Importance of Proper Puppy Handling
Bringing a puppy into your life is an exciting time, filled with cuddles and playful moments. However, those first interactions, including how you physically handle your puppy, are crucial for establishing trust and ensuring their well-being. Improper handling, especially when picking them up, can lead to fear, anxiety, and even physical injury. It’s vital to learn how not to pick up a puppy. The goal is to always prioritize the puppy’s comfort and safety.
Understanding Puppy Anatomy
Puppies, especially young ones, have fragile bodies. Their bones are still developing, and their joints are delicate. Therefore, understanding their anatomy is the first step in learning how not to pick up a puppy.
- Spine: The spinal column is susceptible to injury if not properly supported. Avoid putting pressure on the spine by lifting only by the front or back legs.
- Joints: Hip and shoulder joints are particularly vulnerable. Twisting or yanking can cause dislocations or strains.
- Abdomen: The abdomen contains sensitive organs that can be easily bruised with rough handling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: The Dos and Don’ts
Learning how not to pick up a puppy requires knowing common mistakes.
Don’ts:
- Never lift a puppy by its front legs: This puts immense strain on their shoulder joints and can lead to long-term problems like luxating shoulders.
- Never lift a puppy by its scruff (neck): While mothers may do this with very young puppies, it is stressful and potentially painful as they grow. It damages trust.
- Never lift a puppy by its tail: This can cause severe pain and damage to the spinal cord.
- Never lift a puppy by one leg: This unbalances their weight and puts pressure on their joints.
- Never grab a puppy roughly: Gentle, reassuring movements are key.
Dos:
- Support the entire body: Use both hands to distribute the weight evenly.
- Approach calmly: Avoid startling the puppy.
- Speak in a soothing voice: Reassure the puppy that you are there to help.
- Bend down to their level: This makes the interaction less intimidating.
The Safe Way to Pick Up a Puppy: Step-by-Step
Here’s the correct method, contrasting with how not to pick up a puppy:
- Approach the puppy calmly: Kneel or squat to be at their level. Speak softly and offer a gentle touch.
- Place one hand under the puppy’s chest, behind the front legs: Gently slide your hand in, supporting their weight.
- Place your other hand under the puppy’s hindquarters: This supports their back legs and abdomen.
- Lift gently and slowly: Keep the puppy close to your body for added security.
- Support the puppy’s entire body: Ensure they feel secure and balanced.
- Lower the puppy to the ground gently: Reverse the process, keeping them supported until their feet are firmly on the ground.
Age and Size Considerations
The size and age of the puppy will impact the best way to pick them up.
| Factor | Younger Puppies (8-12 weeks) | Older Puppies (12+ weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| ————— | ————————————————————————– | ——————————————————————————- |
| Size | Smaller, more delicate | Larger, stronger |
| Support Needed | More comprehensive support is required for their entire body. | Still needs good support, but they may be able to bear slightly more weight. |
| Handling | Extra gentle and slow movements are crucial. | While still gentle, you can be slightly more confident in your movements. |
| Activity Level | May be more wobbly and less coordinated. | Generally more coordinated and aware of their surroundings. |
Training Your Puppy to Enjoy Being Picked Up
Making the process enjoyable is crucial. You don’t want your puppy to associate being picked up with stress or fear. Learning how not to pick up a puppy also means learning how to teach your puppy to enjoy the process.
- Start with positive reinforcement: Offer treats and praise when the puppy allows you to touch them.
- Gradually introduce lifting: Begin by simply placing your hands under their body without lifting.
- Keep the sessions short and positive: Avoid overwhelming the puppy.
- Use a specific cue word: Saying “Up” or “Hold” can help the puppy anticipate what’s coming.
- Avoid picking them up when they are resistant: If the puppy is squirming or showing signs of stress, stop and try again later.
Consequences of Incorrect Handling
Understanding the potential consequences can prevent unintentional harm.
- Physical Injury: Joint dislocations, spinal damage, and abdominal bruising.
- Fear and Anxiety: Developing a fear of being handled, leading to avoidance and aggression.
- Trust Issues: Damaging the bond between you and your puppy.
- Behavioral Problems: General anxiety and reactivity.
The Importance of Consistency
Consistency is key to reinforcing a positive association with being picked up. Everyone in the household should use the same technique. This will reduce the chances of the puppy developing negative associations. Remind others how not to pick up a puppy.
Seeking Professional Guidance
If you are unsure about the best way to handle your puppy, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a veterinarian, a professional dog trainer, or a reputable breeder. They can offer personalized advice based on your puppy’s specific needs and breed characteristics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it ever okay to lift a puppy by the scruff?
Never lift a puppy by the scruff after they have outgrown their early puppyhood (generally after a few weeks old). While mother dogs may do this, it is not appropriate for humans and can cause pain and anxiety.
What if my puppy squirms when I try to pick them up?
If your puppy squirms, stop immediately. It’s a sign they’re uncomfortable. Try again later, using a slower, more gentle approach. Offer treats and praise to build positive associations.
How high should I lift a puppy off the ground?
Only lift a puppy high enough to clear the ground. There’s no need to hold them up in the air. Keep them close to your body for security.
What if my puppy is already showing signs of fear when I approach them?
If your puppy is fearful, take a step back and reassess your approach. Start by simply sitting near them and offering treats. Build trust slowly before attempting to pick them up.
Can I use a harness to help lift my puppy?
Yes, a well-fitting harness can provide added support and security. Ensure the harness is properly adjusted and doesn’t rub or chafe. Never lift by the leash attached to the harness.
Is it different picking up a small breed puppy vs. a large breed puppy?
Yes, while the principles remain the same, smaller breeds require even gentler handling due to their more fragile frames. Larger breeds will become heavier more quickly, requiring more strength to support them correctly as they grow.
How do I teach children the correct way to pick up a puppy?
Supervise children closely. Teach them to always ask for permission before picking up the puppy and to use the correct two-handed support method. Emphasize gentleness.
What if my puppy has a pre-existing medical condition?
Consult your veterinarian for specific advice tailored to your puppy’s condition. They may have recommendations for alternative handling techniques.
How do I know if I’m hurting my puppy when I pick them up?
Look for signs of discomfort, such as whining, yelping, stiffening, or struggling. If you see any of these signs, stop immediately and re-evaluate your technique.
What is the best way to put a puppy down after picking them up?
Lower the puppy gently and slowly to the ground, supporting them until their paws are firmly planted. Avoid dropping or releasing them abruptly.
When will my puppy be too big to pick up?
This depends on the breed. As your puppy grows, assess your ability to safely and comfortably support their weight. Once you are struggling to do so, it’s best to avoid picking them up.
What can I do instead of picking up my puppy?
If you are unable to safely pick up your puppy, focus on other forms of interaction, such as petting, grooming, playing, and training. The most important thing is to build a strong bond through positive interactions.