How To Hold A Dog: Essential Tips For Perfect Handling

Picking up a dog seems like one of the most natural things in the world. We see a cute puppy or a familiar furry friend, and our first instinct is often to scoop them up for a cuddle.

But have you ever picked up a dog only to have them squirm, whine, or try to jump out of your arms? It’s a common experience, and it often leaves us feeling confused and a little bit rejected.

The truth is, knowing how to hold a dog correctly is a skill, and it’s one that many well-meaning people have never been taught.

Improper handling can make a dog feel insecure, uncomfortable, or even threatened. Picking them up by their front legs, not supporting their body correctly, or holding them too tightly can cause physical discomfort and emotional distress.

For small puppies or senior dogs with delicate bodies, learning the right technique isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety.

This guide is here to demystify the process and provide you with the essential tips for perfect, safe, and comfortable handling.

We will cover the crucial first steps of reading a dog’s body language to ensure they want to be picked up, followed by detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to properly hold small, medium, and large dogs.

By the end, you’ll have the confidence to pick up a dog in a way that makes them feel secure, loved, and happy to be in your arms.

The First Rule of Holding a Dog: Read Their Body Language

Before you even think about picking up a dog, you must learn to ask for their permission. Dogs communicate with their bodies, and understanding their signals is the foundation of a trusting relationship. Forcing an interaction on a dog that is scared, anxious, or simply not in the mood is a sure way to damage their trust and can even lead to a defensive snap.

Signs a Dog is Okay with Being Picked Up

A relaxed and receptive dog will show clear, positive signals. Look for:

• A Relaxed Body: Their muscles will be loose, not tense.
• A Soft, Wagging Tail: A gentle, sweeping wag is a good sign. (A high, stiff, fast wag can actually indicate arousal or anxiety).
• Leaning In: The dog may lean into your touch or solicit attention.
• Soft Eyes and Ears: Their eyes will be a normal shape (not showing the whites), and their ears will be in a neutral, relaxed position for their breed.

Warning Signs: When You Should NOT Pick Up a Dog

If a dog is showing any of the following signs, they are telling you they are uncomfortable and do not want to be held. Respect their wishes and back off.

• Tense Body or Freezing: The dog becomes stiff and still.
• Lip Licking or Yawning: These are common “calming signals” that indicate stress when not related to hunger or tiredness.
• “Whale Eye”: When you can see the whites of their eyes as they turn their head away but keep looking at you.
• Tucked Tail: Their tail is tucked between their legs.
• Flattened Ears: Their ears are pinned back against their head.
• Growling or Snarling: This is a clear, final warning to stop what you are doing.

Actionable Tip: Always approach a dog calmly from the side, not head-on, which can be seen as confrontational. Let them sniff your hand first. Give them a gentle pet on their side or chest. If they respond positively, you can proceed. If they back away, respect their space.

The Golden Rule of Lifting: Support the Chest and Rear

No matter the size of the dog, the fundamental principle of a safe lift is to support their body in two key places: the chest (front end) and the rump (back end). Never, ever pick up a dog by their front legs or “armpits.”

This puts immense strain on their shoulders and can be very painful. Likewise, never lift them just by their belly, as this leaves their spine and back legs dangling without support, making them feel incredibly insecure.

Imagine being lifted by your armpits with your legs dangling—you would feel unstable and panicked, and it’s the exact same for a dog. A proper two-point hold distributes their weight evenly and keeps their spine aligned and supported.

How to Hold a Small Dog or Puppy

Small dogs (like Chihuahuas, Yorkies, or Dachshunds) and puppies are the most frequently picked-up canines. Their small size makes them seem easy to handle, but their delicate frames require a gentle and secure technique.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Get Down on Their Level: Squat or kneel down. Towering over a small dog can be intimidating. Approaching from their level is much less threatening.
2. Position Your Arms: Slide one of your arms under the dog’s chest, between their front legs. Your hand should be supporting their rib cage.
3. Support the Rear: Use your other arm and hand to scoop up and support their rear end and back legs. Your arm should be supporting their rump.
4. The Lift: In one smooth, confident motion, lift the dog upwards, bringing them close to your chest. Holding them snugly against your body provides an extra layer of security and makes them feel much safer than being held out in the air.
5. The Cradled Hold: Once lifted, you can comfortably cradle them in your arms. One arm remains under their chest, while the other arm can either stay under their rump or wrap around their back to keep them secure against you. Ensure all four of their paws are supported by your arms or body.

Special Consideration for Long-Bodied Breeds: For breeds like Dachshunds or Corgis, supporting their long spine is absolutely critical to prevent injury. Always make sure your arm supports their entire back from chest to rump. Never let their back end dangle or their spine bend in a “U” shape.

How to Hold a Medium-Sized Dog

Medium-sized dogs (like Beagles, Border Collies, or Spaniels) can be a bit more awkward to lift due to their weight and size. However, the same principles of support apply. Confidence is key here; a hesitant lift can feel unstable to the dog.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Bend at the Knees: To protect your own back, always bend at your knees, not your waist. Squat down next to the dog.
2. Position Your Dominant Arm: Wrap your dominant arm around the front of the dog’s chest, just behind their front legs.
3. Position Your Other Arm: Wrap your non-dominant arm around the dog’s rear end, underneath their tail, or scoop it under their belly just in front of their back legs.
4. The Lift: Straighten your legs to lift, keeping your back straight. As you lift, pull the dog in close to your body to create a stable, secure hold. Their body should be resting against your torso.
5. The Secure Carry: One arm should remain securely around their chest, while the other arm supports their rump and keeps their back legs from dangling. Make sure their weight is evenly distributed across both of your arms.

Never try to lift a squirming or struggling medium-sized dog. If they start to wiggle, it’s safer to lower them back to the ground calmly and try again later rather than risk dropping them.

How to Hold a Large Dog

Lifting a large dog (like a Labrador, German Shepherd, or Golden Retriever) should only be done when absolutely necessary—for example, to get them into a car or to help them if they are injured. For most large breeds, casual cuddling doesn’t involve picking them up. When you do need to lift them, it is often safest to do so with two people.

How to Hold a Large Dog (One-Person Lift – for Emergencies):

This lift is physically demanding and should be approached with caution to avoid injury to yourself or the dog.

1. Position Yourself: Stand at the side of the dog, facing the same direction. Squat down, keeping your back straight.
2. Arm Placement: Put one arm under the dog’s neck to support the front of their chest. Put your other arm under their belly, just in front of their hind legs.
3. Lift with Your Legs: In a single, powerful motion, lift by straightening your legs. As you lift, “hug” the dog’s body tightly against yours to keep them stable. This is a very temporary hold meant only to move a dog a short distance.

How to Hold a Large Dog (Two-Person Lift – The Safest Method):

This is the recommended method for lifting any large, heavy, or injured dog.

1. Coordinate with Your Partner: One person will be responsible for the front half of the dog, and the other will take the back half.
2. Person One (Front): This person should place one arm under the dog’s neck/chest area and the other arm behind the dog’s front legs, supporting the rib cage.
3. Person Two (Rear): This person should place one arm under the dog’s belly and the other arm under their rump, supporting the hind legs.
4. Lift Together: On the count of three, both people should lift simultaneously using their legs, keeping the dog’s body as level and supported as possible.

How to Hold a Senior or Injured Dog

Handling a senior dog or one who is injured or recovering from surgery requires extra care and gentleness. They may have arthritis, sore joints, or tender areas that need to be avoided.

• Go Slow: All your movements should be slow, deliberate, and gentle.
• Communicate: Talk to the dog in a calm, soothing voice to let them know what you are doing.
• Avoid Pressure Points: Be mindful of any known sore spots, such as arthritic hips or a recent incision. Adjust your hand placement to avoid putting pressure on these areas.
• Use a Sling or Towel: For dogs with hip issues or hind-end weakness, you can use a commercial lifting harness or even a large towel looped under their belly as a sling. This allows you to support their weight without putting direct pressure on their hips or legs.
• The Two-Person Lift: This is always the safest option for an injured or very frail dog.

Putting a Dog Down: The Gentle Landing

How you put a dog down is just as important as how you pick them up. Never simply drop a dog or let them jump from your arms, as this can cause serious leg and joint injuries, especially in small dogs.

1. Bend Your Knees: Lower your body by bending your knees, bringing the dog close to the floor.
2. Maintain Support: Keep the dog fully supported in your arms until all four of their paws are safely on the ground.
3. Release Slowly: Release your hold only when you feel that the dog has its footing and is balanced.

Building Confidence in Your Dog

If you have a dog who is fearful of being picked up (perhaps due to past negative experiences), you can work to build their confidence through positive association.

• Start Small: Begin by just reaching toward the dog and then giving them a high-value treat.
• Practice the Motions: Go through the motions of positioning your hands for a lift, but don’t actually lift. Just place your hands correctly, then praise and treat.
• The Micro-Lift: Try a tiny lift where the dog’s paws barely leave the ground, then immediately put them back down and reward them.
• Gradual Increases: Slowly increase the height and duration of the hold, always following up with praise and rewards.

This process, called desensitization and counter-conditioning, teaches the dog that being picked up is a safe and rewarding experience.

Conclusion: A Foundation of Trust and Safety

Learning how to hold a dog correctly is a fundamental skill that strengthens the bond between you and your canine companion. It transforms the act of picking them up from a potentially stressful event into a moment of closeness and security.

By always reading their body language, respecting their boundaries, and using the proper two-point support method, you are communicating in a language they understand: the language of safety and trust.

Remember the key principles: approach calmly, support the chest and the rear, and hold them securely against your body.

Whether you’re scooping up a tiny puppy or helping an aging friend, your confident and gentle touch tells them they are safe in your care. Practice these techniques, and you’ll not only prevent discomfort and injury but also deepen the incredible relationship you share with your dog, one secure and loving hold at a time.