How to Pick Up a Puppy


When you see a little puppy, the most natural thing in the world is to run over and swoop her into your arms for a nice big cuddle!

I beg you: Don’t do that. It may feel wonderful to you, but the odds are you just created a moment of fear for that puppy. 

PUPPIES GROWL OUT OF FEAR

Style matters, and the seemingly simple pick-up approach above includes three unfortunate choices: The surprise, the swoop, the squeeze. Each of those elements creates discomfort in a being who is new to our human world. (Nobody on Planet Dog picks anybody else up!) To complete the picture of terror, there’s often optional element #4: The Squeal. 

Sometimes, people contact me in a bit of a panic because the puppy they got last week is growling at them, and it’s getting worse every day. A quick home visit usually reveals that these nice folks are in the surprise-swoop-squeeze camp. They are unintentionally terrifying their pup, and the pup is learning to fend off that moment with a growl. 

While that’s a bummer, it’s also great news – because it means we can probably fix this in a jiffy by creating a new pick-up process that will build the missing trust.

RULE #1: NO SURPRISING!

It’s scary for puppies when they are picked up completely by surprise. One minute they’re just hanging out – maybe even sound asleep – and the next they’re up in the air! Sure, some pups will roll with it, but for many others it’s alarming. 

You can avoid the surprise factor by altering your approach. No running! No zooming! Just stroll over so pup has a chance to see you’re on your way. Then crouch down, and take a moment to say hi with a gentle stroke. All along, provide a nice low-volume voice-over for extra reassurance and preparation: “Hi sweet pup. How about I come say hello?” That advance warning system means the puppy has a chance to catch up to the action. 

Extra help: For a pup who has already been growling about handling, a cue word is a nice thing to add. A consistent heads-up in the form of a cheery, “1-2-3 time for a pick-up!” can be a game-changer. It helps pup learn to be ready when that’s about to happen and to totally relax when it’s not.

RULE #2: NO SWOOPING!

Even if you eliminate the element of surprise, you still may hear a growl if your pup feels unsafe in the air. That’s why the second rule of the perfect pick-up is this: No swoop-and-dangle allowed. Your new pup doesn’t want the thrill of an amusement park ride.

Help her feel safe with you by using a slow, cradling motion that keeps her body supported 100% of the time: One hand underneath, the other softly against her chest and shoulder. Bonus points for continuing your quiet voiceover: “Aw, there we go, we’re just going to move over here, you’re my sweetie girl . . .” Don’t stand up too quickly – give pup the old, creaky elevator experience rather than the one that whisks you ridiculously fast to the top floor.

Extra help: If you’re doing remedial work, it can help to have a chew, a toy, or a piece of jerky in your hand as you say, “1-2-3 time for a pick-up!” This way you can distract pup from her worries and create a positive association with the feeling of being handled in this way.

RULE #3: NO SQUEEZE-AND-TRAP!

Once pup is in your arms as you’re standing, you can extend her lesson in trust by slowly, gently putting her right back down. For some puppies, the worst part of a pick-up is the dreaded squeeze-n-trap! Humans love to trap puppies in what they call a loving hug. Alas, the puppy might call it terrifying jail time. 

Nobody – not one human, not one dog – wants their body to be held against their will. And yet somehow we think puppies are supposed to sit endlessly in our laps, or cherish being carried around by us, so we make them do that regardless of their reaction. Kids are the ones who find this hardest to resist, but I’m amazed how many adults also refuse to recognize a puppy’s squirming as a legitimate plea for bodily autonomy. 

To add to the train wreck, these over-held pups are often the ones who grow into dogs who hate being handled! Which is sad in all kinds of ways, because it’s the folks who most want cuddlers who tend to turn their dogs into resisters.

Here’s what I tell kids (and, ahem, a few adults): Do you want to be your puppy’s favorite? Then, especially at first, let that puppy do the choosing! Rather than demanding the puppy’s attention, entice it instead. Get down on the floor, get a squeaky toy, roll around in a puppy-like way – and soon enough that puppy will start choosing you to play with. And then, miracle of miracles, when she’s tired she’ll wander over and choose your lap to sleep in. Now you’re just one step away from that pup happily asking to be picked up and cuddled. 

how to hold a puppy
The perfect puppy hold. Stable support underneath, but with a relaxed hold. Happy puppy feels secure but not trapped. For kids in particular, sitting on the ground is the best way to hold puppies without scaring them.

ALWAYS LOOK AT YOUR DOG’S BODY LANGUAGE

If you eliminate the surprise-swoop-squeeze from your routine, your pup will soon be calm about being picked up. To see if you’re at that point yet, look for the signals that pup is happy about this consent-based handling. Is she regularly approaching you? Turning her head toward you instead of away? Relaxing her body against yours? No longer struggling in your arms? Perfect. Now you can skip the warning cue, and the treat in your hand as you lift. 

But the rest? The no-surprise approach? The soothing voiceover? The un-intimidating crouch? The slow, supported lift? Don’t drop those. It’s habits like those that eventually make people describe you as the one who is “just magic with dogs!”

Nope. It’s not magic, just empathy. Use it, and enjoy the rewards.  





Source link

61 thoughts on “How to Pick Up a Puppy

  • July 19, 2023 at 3:00 am
    Permalink

    It’s actually a nice and helpful piece of info. I am
    satisfied that you just shared this helpful info with us.
    Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

  • July 19, 2023 at 4:08 am
    Permalink

    Good day! I simply wish to offer you a big thumbs up for the great info you have right here on this post. I will be coming back to your web site for more soon.

  • September 26, 2023 at 2:22 am
    Permalink

    Link exchange is nothing else except it is simply
    placing the other person’s web site link on your page at suitable
    place and other person will also do same for you.

  • September 26, 2023 at 8:00 am
    Permalink

    I am extremely inspired along with your writing abilities and also with
    the structure in your weblog. Is that this a paid theme or did you modify it your self?
    Anyway stay up the excellent quality writing, it is rare
    to peer a great blog like this one today..

  • September 26, 2023 at 12:11 pm
    Permalink

    It’s going to be ending of mine day, but before end I am reading
    this great piece of writing to improve my knowledge.

  • September 26, 2023 at 12:32 pm
    Permalink

    Hello to every body, it’s my first pay a quick visit of this weblog; this webpage consists of amazing and truly excellent stuff in favor of readers.

  • September 26, 2023 at 1:18 pm
    Permalink

    I believe this is among the such a lot significant info for me.
    And i’m glad reading your article. But want to statement on some general issues, The web site taste is ideal,
    the articles is actually great : D. Just right activity, cheers

  • September 26, 2023 at 2:21 pm
    Permalink

    Awesome things here. I am very glad to see your post. Thank
    you so much and I am looking ahead to contact you.

    Will you please drop me a mail?

  • September 26, 2023 at 5:27 pm
    Permalink

    Spot on with this write-up, I actually feel this web site needs a great
    deal more attention. I’ll probably be back again to see more, thanks
    for the information!

  • September 26, 2023 at 5:28 pm
    Permalink

    Hey very cool site!! Man .. Beautiful .. Wonderful .. I will bookmark your web site and
    take the feeds additionally? I am glad to search out a lot of
    helpful information here within the put up, we
    want work out extra techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing.

    . . . . .

  • September 26, 2023 at 9:56 pm
    Permalink

    Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this blog.
    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s hard to get
    that “perfect balance” between user friendliness
    and appearance. I must say that you’ve done a amazing job
    with this. Additionally, the blog loads very quick for me on Internet explorer.

    Excellent Blog!

  • September 26, 2023 at 10:03 pm
    Permalink

    I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your blog.

    It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more
    enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did
    you hire out a designer to create your theme? Great work!

  • September 26, 2023 at 10:11 pm
    Permalink

    Hi there, I do believe your website could be having
    web browser compatibility issues. Whenever I take a look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine but when opening
    in IE, it has some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to provide
    you with a quick heads up! Other than that, great website!

  • September 26, 2023 at 11:06 pm
    Permalink

    Undeniably imagine that which you said. Your favorite justification seemed to be
    on the web the simplest factor to consider of. I say to you, I definitely get irked even as
    other people think about worries that they just
    do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also
    defined out the whole thing without having side-effects ,
    other folks can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more.
    Thank you

  • September 27, 2023 at 3:15 am
    Permalink

    After looking into a number of the blog articles on your website, I really appreciate your way of writing a blog. I book-marked it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back in the near future. Take a look at my web site as well and tell me what you think.

  • September 28, 2023 at 2:30 am
    Permalink

    I now play Lego every day. I find it therapeutic to lose myself
    in a world of bricks while watching my creations become real.
    quality LEGO Project These Lego sets go beyond
    just being toys – they are supplies for our imaginations!

    It’s amazing how we can create our own stories and construct them.
    I never thought I’d see the day when I could build my own version of Mickey Mouse using Lego bricks.
    This is pure magic.

  • September 28, 2023 at 3:06 am
    Permalink

    It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt donate to
    this brilliant blog! I guess for now i’ll settle
    for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
    I look forward to brand new updates and will talk about this website with my Facebook group.
    Talk soon!

  • September 30, 2023 at 2:42 pm
    Permalink

    Roulette, Poker, Blackjack are some of the most well-liked games that players pick to gamble on with Bitcoin.

  • October 3, 2023 at 4:49 am
    Permalink

    Use code “BTCSWB750” in the cashier with your 1st BTC deposit –
    you’ll get a 75% sportsbook bonus worth up to $750.

  • October 9, 2023 at 11:01 pm
    Permalink

    I do not even know the way I finished up right here, but I thought this publish used to be
    great. I do not recognize who you might be but certainly you’re going to a well-known blogger if you are not already.
    Cheers!

  • October 10, 2023 at 2:40 pm
    Permalink

    That is a really good tip particularly to those new
    to the blogosphere. Short but very accurate information… Thank you for sharing
    this one. A must read article!

  • October 10, 2023 at 2:40 pm
    Permalink

    I used to be suggested this website by my cousin. I’m now not certain whether or not this
    submit is written by way of him as no one else understand such
    exact about my trouble. You are amazing! Thanks!

  • October 11, 2023 at 5:47 pm
    Permalink

    The games often contain captivating themes, storylines, and bonus rounds.

  • October 14, 2023 at 6:42 am
    Permalink

    There is certainly a lot to learn about this issue.
    I love all the points you made.

  • October 14, 2023 at 6:43 am
    Permalink

    It’s perfect time to make some plans for the long run and it is time
    to be happy. I have learn this publish and if I may I want to
    recommend you some attention-grabbing issues or advice. Maybe you could write subsequent articles regarding this article.
    I want to read even more things approximately
    it!

  • October 14, 2023 at 6:44 am
    Permalink

    Hello, i think that i saw you visited my blog thus i got here to go back the favor?.I’m trying to to find
    things to enhance my site!I suppose its adequate to make use of some of your ideas!!

  • October 14, 2023 at 6:44 am
    Permalink

    My family members all the time say that I am wasting my time here at
    net, however I know I am getting experience every day by reading thes nice content.

  • October 14, 2023 at 6:45 am
    Permalink

    With havin so much content do you ever run into any problems of
    plagorism or copyright infringement? My site has a lot of completely unique content I’ve
    either created myself or outsourced but it seems a
    lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my authorization.
    Do you know any techniques to help prevent content from
    being ripped off? I’d definitely appreciate it.

  • October 14, 2023 at 6:47 am
    Permalink

    Thankfulness to my father who stated to me about this blog,
    this website is in fact remarkable.

  • October 14, 2023 at 6:48 am
    Permalink

    You are so interesting! I do not believe I have read through anything like that before.
    So wonderful to discover someone with unique thoughts on this issue.
    Really.. thanks for starting this up. This
    site is one thing that is required on the web, someone with some originality!

  • October 14, 2023 at 6:49 am
    Permalink

    hi!,I really like your writing very a lot! share we keep in touch more approximately your article
    on AOL? I require an expert on this area to unravel my problem.
    May be that’s you! Having a look forward to look you.

  • October 14, 2023 at 6:49 am
    Permalink

    Thank you a lot for sharing this with all of us you really recognise what you are talking approximately!

    Bookmarked. Please additionally consult with my web site
    =). We will have a link trade agreement among us

  • October 14, 2023 at 6:49 am
    Permalink

    Hi, I do think this is an excellent blog. I stumbledupon it
    😉 I am going to come back once again since i have book marked it.
    Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be
    rich and continue to help others.

  • October 14, 2023 at 6:50 am
    Permalink

    Hi there to all, the contents present at this web site are really amazing for
    people knowledge, well, keep up the good work
    fellows.

  • October 20, 2023 at 9:04 am
    Permalink

    Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon on a daily basis.
    It’s always helpful to read through content from other authors and use
    something from other sites.

  • November 21, 2023 at 7:53 am
    Permalink

    I needed to post you one little bit of remark just to thank you over again for these precious basics you have shared in this article. It has been quite tremendously open-handed with you to supply freely precisely what most of us would’ve advertised as an ebook to help make some money for themselves, particularly seeing that you could have tried it if you considered necessary. The secrets in addition worked to be the good way to be certain that other people online have the identical eagerness just as my own to know the truth significantly more with respect to this condition. I know there are many more fun situations up front for individuals that examine your blog.

  • December 7, 2023 at 1:29 am
    Permalink

    My wife and i got absolutely thankful John managed to do his investigations via the ideas he made through your web page. It is now and again perplexing just to possibly be giving out solutions which often men and women might have been selling. We remember we need the blog owner to give thanks to because of that. Those illustrations you have made, the straightforward website navigation, the friendships you help to create – it is most extraordinary, and it’s helping our son and the family know that the idea is brilliant, and that’s unbelievably fundamental. Many thanks for everything!

  • December 27, 2023 at 8:14 pm
    Permalink

    I’m just writing to make you know of the beneficial experience my princess enjoyed visiting your web site. She came to find so many details, including how it is like to possess a wonderful teaching heart to make the mediocre ones without difficulty know precisely a variety of advanced issues. You really surpassed her expected results. Thank you for providing the helpful, trusted, edifying and even unique tips on this topic to Emily.

  • December 28, 2023 at 11:46 pm
    Permalink

    My husband and i have been quite joyful when Louis could round up his studies from the precious recommendations he received through the weblog. It is now and again perplexing to just always be releasing procedures that a number of people might have been selling. So we know we need the website owner to be grateful to for this. The illustrations you made, the simple blog navigation, the relationships you will make it possible to foster – it’s got all sensational, and it is helping our son in addition to the family understand that situation is entertaining, which is unbelievably pressing. Thanks for everything!

  • December 30, 2023 at 1:42 am
    Permalink

    I precisely wished to say thanks once again. I’m not certain the things that I would have done in the absence of these techniques revealed by you on such question. It was before an absolute traumatic setting in my view, however , being able to see this professional technique you dealt with that made me to weep over joy. I’m happy for your support and even hope you really know what a powerful job you’re doing teaching other individuals via your blog. I am sure you haven’t got to know any of us.

  • January 2, 2024 at 12:38 pm
    Permalink

    My wife and i ended up being now fortunate Michael could finish off his researching through the entire ideas he grabbed when using the web page. It is now and again perplexing to just happen to be offering helpful hints which many others have been selling. We recognize we need you to be grateful to because of that. The specific explanations you made, the straightforward website navigation, the friendships you can assist to instill – it’s mostly remarkable, and it’s really facilitating our son in addition to our family feel that that article is brilliant, which is certainly seriously essential. Many thanks for all!

  • January 3, 2024 at 9:03 pm
    Permalink

    I and also my pals ended up taking note of the best information on the website and so quickly developed a horrible suspicion I never expressed respect to the site owner for those secrets. These people were totally glad to read them and now have very much been taking pleasure in those things. Thank you for turning out to be indeed kind and for choosing such extraordinary useful guides most people are really wanting to understand about. Our sincere apologies for not expressing gratitude to earlier.

  • January 5, 2024 at 3:03 am
    Permalink

    Thanks for each of your labor on this blog. My mother really likes engaging in investigation and it’s really easy to see why. Most of us learn all relating to the lively means you offer very important tricks through this blog and in addition cause participation from some other people on the article plus our favorite child is always being taught a lot of things. Have fun with the remaining portion of the new year. Your conducting a glorious job.

  • January 7, 2024 at 6:25 pm
    Permalink

    Thanks for all of your hard work on this web site. Gloria really likes carrying out research and it’s simple to grasp why. My spouse and i know all of the lively tactic you convey precious guides through your web blog and as well foster contribution from other people on this theme and our princess is really studying a great deal. Have fun with the rest of the year. You are conducting a wonderful job.

  • January 8, 2024 at 12:07 am
    Permalink

    This is the best blog for anyone who desires to find out about this topic. You notice a lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I truly would need匟aHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a subject thats been written about for years. Nice stuff, just nice!

  • January 9, 2024 at 1:04 am
    Permalink

    I simply had to say thanks once again. I do not know the things that I would have undertaken without the type of hints shared by you relating to such a field. It had become a intimidating condition in my position, however , viewing a new well-written style you dealt with the issue forced me to leap with fulfillment. I am just grateful for your service and even hope that you realize what a great job you were accomplishing training most people via your blog. I am sure you haven’t met any of us.

  • January 10, 2024 at 4:52 am
    Permalink

    I intended to draft you this very small remark just to say thank you again about the spectacular techniques you have documented on this page. This has been really generous with you to offer without restraint what exactly some people might have distributed for an ebook to generate some profit for their own end, mostly considering the fact that you could have tried it if you decided. The pointers in addition worked to be a great way to be aware that some people have the identical desire just like mine to see more with regard to this issue. I think there are numerous more fun times ahead for individuals that check out your website.

  • January 11, 2024 at 12:07 pm
    Permalink

    I wanted to put you a very small note so as to say thanks the moment again on the pleasing principles you have discussed in this case. It was certainly remarkably generous of you to provide openly what exactly numerous people might have offered for an electronic book to end up making some profit for their own end, especially seeing that you could possibly have tried it in case you considered necessary. These tricks likewise served to provide a great way to understand that other people online have the same dreams much like my very own to find out a great deal more in respect of this matter. I am certain there are several more pleasurable instances in the future for people who start reading your blog post.

  • January 12, 2024 at 6:35 pm
    Permalink

    I simply wanted to say thanks once again. I’m not certain the things that I would have taken care of in the absence of the thoughts discussed by you on such industry. Entirely was a distressing case for me personally, however , witnessing the skilled strategy you processed the issue forced me to cry for happiness. Extremely grateful for the assistance and hope that you recognize what a powerful job that you’re undertaking educating the rest thru a site. I am sure you have never encountered any of us.

  • January 13, 2024 at 11:34 pm
    Permalink

    Thanks so much for giving everyone remarkably breathtaking chance to read from this site. It’s always so fantastic and stuffed with a lot of fun for me and my office mates to visit the blog nearly thrice every week to study the fresh guides you have. Not to mention, we’re actually contented for the terrific advice served by you. Certain 3 points in this article are undoubtedly the most efficient we have all had.

  • January 15, 2024 at 4:41 am
    Permalink

    My spouse and i were absolutely glad when Raymond could finish up his basic research while using the precious recommendations he gained through your blog. It’s not at all simplistic just to continually be handing out facts others might have been trying to sell. We really know we now have the blog owner to be grateful to for that. The type of illustrations you’ve made, the easy site menu, the relationships you can help foster – it’s got many astonishing, and it’s really assisting our son in addition to our family reckon that that subject matter is enjoyable, which is incredibly pressing. Many thanks for everything!

  • January 16, 2024 at 6:56 am
    Permalink

    I wish to point out my passion for your kindness giving support to folks that should have guidance on this important niche. Your very own dedication to getting the solution throughout had become extremely good and has always helped professionals like me to arrive at their desired goals. This useful guideline can mean a lot to me and extremely more to my mates. With thanks; from each one of us.

  • January 17, 2024 at 7:07 am
    Permalink

    I and my pals ended up taking note of the excellent techniques found on your site and immediately came up with a horrible feeling I never expressed respect to the web blog owner for those secrets. The ladies were for that reason joyful to see all of them and now have unquestionably been having fun with these things. Appreciation for simply being very helpful and for obtaining some exceptional issues most people are really needing to be aware of. My personal honest regret for not saying thanks to earlier.

  • January 18, 2024 at 7:27 pm
    Permalink

    It抯 exhausting to search out educated folks on this subject, but you sound like you know what you抮e talking about! Thanks

  • January 19, 2024 at 9:44 am
    Permalink

    I together with my friends ended up analyzing the good recommendations found on your web blog then before long developed a horrible suspicion I had not thanked the site owner for those techniques. All the ladies appeared to be absolutely happy to learn them and have in effect sincerely been having fun with those things. I appreciate you for really being so kind as well as for using variety of great tips millions of individuals are really desperate to understand about. My very own sincere apologies for not expressing gratitude to sooner.

  • January 20, 2024 at 10:43 am
    Permalink

    I have to express some thanks to this writer for rescuing me from such a dilemma. As a result of searching through the online world and finding suggestions which are not helpful, I thought my entire life was gone. Existing without the presence of answers to the issues you’ve fixed by means of your main review is a serious case, and ones that might have adversely damaged my entire career if I hadn’t encountered your blog post. Your actual understanding and kindness in dealing with all the stuff was tremendous. I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t come upon such a subject like this. It’s possible to at this time look forward to my future. Thank you so much for your impressive and results-oriented help. I will not be reluctant to propose your web blog to anybody who requires assistance about this area.

  • January 21, 2024 at 1:20 pm
    Permalink

    I simply wanted to make a small comment in order to appreciate you for some of the fantastic techniques you are writing on this website. My extended internet lookup has now been rewarded with wonderful strategies to exchange with my co-workers. I ‘d point out that most of us readers actually are undoubtedly fortunate to dwell in a remarkable site with many perfect individuals with interesting plans. I feel truly happy to have come across your web pages and look forward to many more thrilling minutes reading here. Thanks once more for everything.

  • January 22, 2024 at 5:15 pm
    Permalink

    Thank you a lot for giving everyone remarkably memorable possiblity to discover important secrets from this website. It really is very pleasurable and as well , stuffed with fun for me and my office fellow workers to search your site at minimum thrice in 7 days to find out the newest items you have got. And indeed, we’re certainly satisfied concerning the attractive concepts you give. Certain 2 tips in this posting are rather the most beneficial we have all had.

  • January 23, 2024 at 7:00 pm
    Permalink

    I simply wished to thank you so much yet again. I do not know the things that I could possibly have followed without those ideas shown by you on such industry. It had become the horrifying scenario for me, but discovering the very specialised fashion you handled that forced me to jump over happiness. I am grateful for this work and as well , pray you realize what a great job you have been getting into educating some other people through the use of your site. Most likely you haven’t met any of us.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.