This Is How You Should Pick Up Your Dog
It's not always easy to carry your dog, particularly when he is larger than average. Did you know there's actually a right and wrong method to lift and carry your dog? All dogs, from young pups to senior dogs with health problems, require appropriate techniques for carrying them as well as methods that must not be used. Here’s how to correctly pick up a dog.
Picking Up a Small Dog
Begin by crouching or squatting close to your dog. To support his upper torso, place one hand between his front legs and underneath his chest. Position your other hand under his rump. Ensure you have a firm grip on your dog and carefully lift him while standing up slowly. Always carry your dog near your chest to make him feel safe and avoid an unintentional fall.
Picking Up a Puppy
It's especially crucial to pick puppies up properly from the very beginning. Ensure that you hold your pup in a manner that is as comfy as possible for him. Comparable to how you would hold small dogs, put one hand between their front legs and the other between their back legs and rump. If your pup is petite enough to fit in one hand, all you need to do is position your hand beneath his chest with your fingers pointing in the direction of his face. Cradle him near your chest to reduce his fear of heights from young.
Picking Up a Large Dog
When picking up a big dog, always bend at the knees, not the waist. Stretch one of your arms across his chest, ahead of his front legs but beneath his neck. Next, with your other arm, wrap it around his hind legs and cradle his rump. Remember to lift using your legs and never your back, as you would with a heavy object. If your dog is over 40 lbs, you'll probably need the assistance of another adult to carry him, with one person carrying the front while the other lifts his rear.
Picking Up a Senior or Injured Dog
Occasionally, you might need to pick your dog up when he is old, wounded, or recovering post-surgery. In certain instances, you should probably muzzle your dog beforehand because even the calmest dog breeds may bite unintentionally when in distress and pain. If your senior dog suffers from arthritis or other medical issues, you can still lift him up with the same technique for handling a large dog. However, in such cases, a hoisting harness developed especially for dogs may be required. Consult your vet for this as they would be the most knowledgeable about your dog's individual circumstances.
Picking Up a Dog the Wrong Way
It's equally crucial to know how you should never pick up your dog, no matter his size. For starters, remember never to hold your dog by his front feet or directly below his armpits, as if he were a baby or doll. This exerts way too much strain on his shoulders and elbows, which will hurt him. You should also not grab your dog by the scruff of his neck either as it would be too heavy and painful for his skin to handle.
