Getting your puppy used to being handled
Your dog will need to be handled throughout their life, whether it’s for grooming, health checks or vet visits. Getting them used to it from day one will make these necessary occasions much easier for everyone. Start practising handling when they’re young, and make it a positive experience.
Building confidence with handling
Start making handling a positive experience from day one. Gently hold your puppy with a firm but soft grip, and slowly stroke them all over their body with your hand or fingertips, depending on their size. Begin with easier areas, like their back, and don’t go on for too long – a minute or two is perfect for the first few sessions.
It’s important to stay calm and ensure your puppy perceives handling as a positive experience. Speak softly as you feel over their body. Crucially, don’t let go if your puppy struggles or tries to get away, as they’ll learn that struggling gets them what they want, creating a handling problem later on. Instead, only let them go when they are calm and relaxed.
As your puppy gets used to handling and feels calm and secure, gradually start holding each body part for longer. Gently lift or bend their legs, look inside their ears and mouth, and so on. Keep a couple of treats handy to reward your puppy after you’ve completed a part of the handling they might not find very fun.
Handling at home is very different to handling at the vet’s, so it’s a good idea to practise in different environments, but only once your puppy is completely comfortable with handling at home. You can then ask friends and family to gently handle your puppy too.
