Have you ever watched someone pick up a dog and the dog seems really unhappy? Picking up a dog isn't just about lifting them; it's also about making them feel safe and cozy. How you hold your furry buddy can really change how close you are. This guide will help you learn the best way to pick up a dog so that every hug feels great!
How to Pick Up a Dog Correctly
You might be wondering, "How do I pick up a dog the right way?" That’s a smart question! Picking up a dog the wrong way can make them scared or even hurt them. When dogs get scared, they might squirm, try to escape, or bite. But if you learn the right way to pick up a dog, they will feel safe with you and see you as a friend. This is especially important for puppies, as it helps them grow up to be happy and confident dogs!
Common Mistakes When Holding Dogs
Before we learn the right way to hold a dog, let’s look at some wrong ways that can make dogs feel sad or hurt them. You might have seen these before!
- The Baby Hold: This is when you hold a dog like a baby, on its back with its belly up. It might look adorable, but it can make the dog feel scared and exposed. Exposing their stomach and neck, which are sensitive areas, can cause them to feel anxious.
- The Dangle: Letting a dog's back legs hang without support is a big no-no. This can hurt their back and make them feel unsteady, like they might fall. Imagine being lifted up and having your legs just hang in the air – that wouldn’t feel nice, would it?
- Picking Up a Dog: Lifting a dog by holding them under their front legs, like their "armpits," can hurt them and their muscles. Many people do this when they want to pick up a dog, but it's not the safest way.
- Picking Up Dogs by the Neck: A mother dog can carry her puppies by the back of their necks, but people should not do this with dogs, especially when they are older. An adult dog's neck cannot hold its body weight like that, and it can hurt them.
How to Properly Pick Up a Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide
Time for the fun part! Here’s how to expertly pick up your dog, no matter how big or small they are. The most important thing is to support their body and hold them close to you.
Small dogs might seem easy to lift, but you still need to be gentle so they feel safe.
- Get Down Low: Instead of bending over your dog, bend down next to them. Leaning can make them feel scared.
- Support the Front: Use one strong arm to lift your dog from under their chest, right between their front legs.
- Support the Back: With your other hand, hold up their back end and legs.
- Lift and Hug: Gently lift your dog and hold them close to your chest. This helps them feel safe and cozy in your arms.
If you have a big dog, it's important to know how to pick them up safely. This keeps you both safe! Always remember to lift with your legs, not your back!
- Bend Your Knees: Get down low next to your dog. Never bend over from your waist to lift a heavy dog.
- Front and Back Support: Wrap one arm around the front of your dog's chest and your other arm around their hind legs, under their rump.
- Lift with Your Legs: Hold the dog close to you for better balance, then use your legs to stand up straight.
- Get Help if Needed: If your dog is too heavy for you to lift by yourself, don't try to do it alone. Get another person to help you. One person can hold up the front (the chest and neck), and the other person can hold up the back (the belly and bottom).
Making it a Positive Experience
The aim is to help your dog feel good about being picked up. Here are some simple tips:
- Let Them Know: Use a happy voice and say something like "up we go!" before picking them up. This prepares them.
- Keep It Cool: Dogs can feel our feelings. If you’re nervous, they might get scared too. Stay relaxed and confident when you lift them.
- Give Treats: When your dog is young, giving them a small treat after you hold them makes them see it as a fun thing.
If you follow these easy steps to hold a dog, you will show your furry friend lots of love and support. Holding your dog the right way shows that you care, and it will make your friendship even better. Enjoy cuddling!