Understanding the Incorrect Ways to Pick Up a Dog
As a responsible dog owner, knowing how to handle your pet safely is an essential skill. While many people love to shower their dogs with affection, picking them up improperly can lead to pain, injury, and even long-term damage. This article will explore the incorrect ways to pick up a dog and provide insights into better, safer approaches.
Why Proper Lifting Matters
Dogs rely on us for their safety and comfort. Their skeletal and muscular systems aren't built to withstand lifting from awkward or harmful angles. Incorrect lifting techniques can result in torn ligaments, dislocations, or nerve damage. Even if a dog doesn’t immediately cry out, improper handling can cause stress signals such as lip licking or looking away—signs that your dog is uncomfortable.
Common Mistakes: How NOT to Pick Up a Dog
- By the front or back legs – Limbs are not designed to support a dog's full body weight. This method risks joint damage and torn ligaments.
- By the scruff of the neck – While mother dogs carry puppies this way briefly, humans should never use this method, especially for adult dogs. It can cause pain and distress.
- By the tail or collar – Pulling on a tail can damage nerve endings and muscles, potentially impacting the dog’s ability to eliminate. Lifting by the collar may restrict breathing and damage neck structures.
Reading Your Dog’s Body Language
Dogs often communicate their discomfort subtly. These signals include:
- Yawning or licking lips
- Looking away or turning the head
- Struggling or stiffening
- Quiet whimpering or growling
Always watch for these signs to better understand your dog’s comfort level.
Safe Alternatives to Improper Lifting
If you must lift your dog, do so correctly. For small dogs under 40 pounds:
- Place one arm under the chest between their front legs.
- Support their hindquarters with your other arm.
- Hold them close to your body for stability.
For larger dogs over 40 pounds or injured pets:
- Two people should lift—one supporting the chest, the other the hindquarters.
- Use a towel or blanket as a stretcher for heavy or immobile dogs.
- Keep the dog’s spine level and straight during lifting.
Special Considerations
Some dogs have conditions that require extra attention:
- Injured dogs – Approach calmly, use a muzzle if necessary, and support their body fully when lifting.
- Pregnant dogs – Never lift from under the belly. Support the chest and rear safely.
- Nervous dogs – Use a vocal cue before lifting to reduce startle responses. Train with positive reinforcement to make lifting experiences more pleasant.
When Not to Pick Up Your Dog
Picking up dogs should be limited to necessary situations, such as:
- Moving the dog while injured or in danger
- Helping them into a car or onto an exam table
- Preventing an interaction with a larger, aggressive dog during a walk
Otherwise, allowing dogs to walk on their own promotes healthy exercise and mental stimulation.
Alternative Handling Techniques
Consider these techniques when lifting isn’t ideal:
- Teach a verbal 'lift-off' cue to cue the dog that it will be lifted
- Use elevated surfaces, like a bench, for the dog to jump on to be picked up easily
- Train dogs to be comfortable with handling using rewards and repetition
In Summary
Improper ways of picking up a dog can lead to serious injuries. Avoid lifting by legs, scruff, collar, or tail. Instead, use techniques that support your dog's chest and rear while keeping their back aligned. Always observe their behavior and use cues to make lifting less stressful. Your dog's safety and comfort should always be the priority.
