Some Puppies Like Being Carried – But Not All!
Whether you’re carrying your puppy for a quick stroll, or need to get the pup over a stile on a long walk, picking up your dog isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Puppies are fragile creatures, and picking them up too quickly or handling them roughly could lead to injuries and even scare the pup.
Some puppies like being carried – but not all!
A dog that does not like being picked up may growl or whine, squirm to try to escape from your grasp, and/or pant. Other signs that your dog is uncomfortable with being carried are excessive lip licking, a stiff body, and ears that may be flat against the head (depending on the breed).
Picking up a dog without consent can lead to bites or even an injury. Cueing your dog ahead of time, using a verbal command, can decrease the likelihood of bites as they’ll know you want their consent.
Carrying a puppy for too long can strain their muscles and ligaments, which will affect their agility and overall health. Small dogs, such as Chihuahuas, are particularly at risk since they’re often quite tiny and need to be able to keep up with their owners during walks or runs.
To make sure you don’t pick up your puppy too quickly or handle them too roughly, place one hand underneath their chest and the other behind their front legs. This will support their chest, which will help them feel secure and prevent them from wiggling and slipping out of your grip.
Once you’ve got them in the position you prefer, hold your hands together and gently lift up their chest and back. This will prevent them from wriggling and accidentally hurting themselves or escaping your grasp altogether.
Another important tip to remember when carrying a puppy is to never put their feet on the ground while they’re in your hands! This can strain their spines and cause them pain.
Some dogs also have trouble holding their heads up while being held. This can be caused by a variety of reasons, including a medical issue or a genetic predisposition that may affect their posture and ability to hold their heads up.
If your dog does have a problem with being carried, you can try to encourage them to move their heads by offering a treat or other rewards as you lift them up. This will give them the chance to show you they understand the act, and it can even help them gain confidence in your abilities.
A dog that does not like being carried can still enjoy other forms of affection, such as petting or belly rubs. Petting a dog’s neck, shoulders, or chest will help to relax them and set off a specific response in their brains that triggers positive emotions.
Belly rubs are especially popular with dogs because they’re a great way to connect with your dog on a personal level. They’re a simple and effective way to bond, and they may also help your dog to feel less anxious when you leave the house or go on walks.
