If you’re moving around with your dog, ideally they’re walking by your side. Nothing beats the walk for exercise, bonding, and mental stimulation as your dog gets a chance to sniff some of the things the world has to offer.
But occasionally, you may find it necessary to pick up your pup. It seems pretty straightforward! But there are some techniques you can use to lift them in the safest, most comfortable way.
First, give your dog a cue that you’re going to lift them. It’s not pleasant for anyone to be going about their business and suddenly finding themselves airborne.
For the lift:
Small dogs: Put your dominant arm underneath your dog’s chest with your hand between their front legs. Then, as you lift them up, use your other hand to tuck their legs or backside into your body so they’re fully supported.
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. Lift up with your legs.
What not to do:
Don’t pick up a dog by the scruff of the neck.
Don’t pick them up by the front legs (or “underarms”) like a baby—it can strain their ligaments.
Watch the video below for a quick demo of some vet-approved techniques for picking up your dog. Read more here about best practices for the pick-up.
FAQs
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.
How to pick up a heavy dog? ›
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.
What is the incorrect way to pick up a dog? ›
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.”
How not to lift a dog? ›
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!
How do dogs like to be picked up? ›
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.
How do you pick up a dog without hurting it? ›
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.
How not to hold a puppy? ›
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 pick up a dog with back pain? ›
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.
How do you pick up a scared dog? ›
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.
Why should you not pick your dog up? ›
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.
So, here's how to show your dog you love them:
- Use facial expressions. ...
- Talk to your dog. ...
- Embrace napping together. ...
- Use training as a form of bonding. ...
- Lose the distractions. ...
- Gazing into their eyes. ...
- Rub their ears. ...
- Respect their privacy.
How should you not pick up your dog? ›
3 Don'ts when picking up your dog
- Don't involve your dog's legs. Your dog's front and back limbs aren't intended as suspension devices, nor can they be expected to support the full weight of his body if, heaven forbid, he's lifted by them. ...
- Don't “scruff” your dog. ...
- Don't hold his collar or tail when picking your dog up.
How do you know you picked the right dog? ›
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.
How do you pick a dog as a pet? ›
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.