How To Pick Up a Dog (2024)

FAQs

What is the most comfortable way to pick up a dog? ›

Slide one hand between her front legs and under her chest to support her upper body. Take your other hand and place it behind her rump. Make sure you have a secure grip and slowly lift up your dog while you stand to your feet. Pull your dog close to your chest as you carry her so she feels secure.

Another option: Put one arm under their front legs like a forklift and lift up, while supporting their back feet with the other hand, and holding them against your body. Bigger dogs: Bend at the knees! Place one arm around the front of their chest (under the neck) and one arm around their back legs underneath the rump.

Knowing which areas not to pick them up by is also essential. “You definitely don't want to pick a puppy or kitten up by their legs, and even sometimes picking them up by their armpits can be uncomfortable and less secure,” he says. “And yes, never pick up by their collar or tail.”

Avoid picking up a dog from one end only. Lifting a dog by their front or back legs only will strain their ligaments. Lifting a dog like Simba in the opening scenes of The Lion King can also lead to negative associations with being picked up. Never pick up a dog by their collar or scruff either!

Put one arm (preferably your dominant one) between the front legs and under the chest. Use your other hand to support their butt and back as you lift. Your hand can be under the dog's abdomen. If carrying your dog, hold the dog close so they are cradled between your body and arms.

Lift from under her neck/chest and under the rump. Or, if you suspect your dog has an injured back, lift the dog keeping its back completely level and straight from under the neck and the rump. Definitely get another person to help. This will keep everyone safe.

Never grab a pup by its neck or tail.

While you may know not to yank on a pup's tail or pick it up that way, you should also not do that with the puppy's neck, even if you're holding it by the scruff. You could injure or even kill the puppy. Also, don't try to pick up the dog by a leg, as you could hurt the leg.

How to Properly Pick Up Your Dog With Back Pain. them from under their belly or carrying them across your body with both arms. Try to not pick them up when they are overstimulated or excited, as this will cause them to be more restless and squirming in your arms.

Slow your pace, and use a gentle tone. If you know the dog is shy or fearful, change your body language. Approach toward the side of the dog, not head on, and avoid direct eye contact. When you are close, begin to make your body “smaller.” Lower the shoulder that is closest to the dog.

From a dog's viewpoint, when they're being carried, or placed high up, they can't move away as easily from something worrying them. So, unless they're very used to it, being picked up might be scary.

How do I tell my dog I love him? ›

If their body language is relaxed and welcoming, that's a good sign. One of the easiest signs to tell whether or not a dog feels safe around you is to check their body language. A dog that feels comfortable around you will have a more relaxed body language, allowing you to pet them and play with them.

When choosing a dog, pick one that is active, friendly, inquisitive, and not afraid of you. The dog should accept gentle handling and not exhibit signs of aggression. The temperament of a puppy's parents may be an indication of its future behavior.