How to pick up a dog and hold them correctly

Whether your pup needs a helping hand to get onto the vet’s table or they’re simply too small to hop onto the couch for snuggles, knowing how to pick up a dog properly is super important. Read on to find out the best way to pick up a dog, how to hold a dog correctly, and what not to do when handling your pup.

Key takeaways 

• Use both arms to fully support your dog’s body, and for larger pups, call on someone for an extra pair of hands. 
• Hold your furry friend close to your chest for added security.
• Not all dogs enjoy being carried – some may find it uncomfortable or painful, so keep an eye on their body language. 

How to pick up a dog

The way you pick up your dog will depend on factors such as their size, health conditions, and personality. Here’s how to lift a medium-sized dog (around 20 pounds):

1. Approach your pup like you would any heavy object, by squatting down with your knees bent. This keeps your back safe and makes you less intimidating to your pup.
2. Scoop one arm around the front of your dog and the other around the back, making sure they’re super secure.
3. Stand up slowly, using your legs, not your back, to do the heavy lifting. 
4. Hold your dog close to your chest for stability and comfort.

Trusted tip: If your dog’s a bit wriggly, try wrapping them in a towel to keep those limbs from flailing and help them feel safe and secure.

How to pick up a puppy or small dog 

For tiny pups or small dogs, you’ll need to adjust your technique a bit: 

1. Put your dominant arm through your pup’s front legs to support your dog’s chest.
2. As you lift, use your other hand to scoop their hind legs up.
3. Keep your petite pup snug against your chest.

How to pick up a large dog

When it comes to large dogs, you might need some extra muscle – aka, another person! Here’s how you can safely pick up your bigger fluffy friend:

1. Wrap one arm around the chest and under the neck, and use the other to hold their hind legs.
2. Bend at the knees and pull your pup close to your body before standing up. 
3. If you’ve got an extra pair of hands, have one person lift under the neck and chest while the other supports the belly and hindquarters. Then count to three and lift at the same time.

How do you pick up a dog for the first time? 

If it’s your first time picking up your pup, it’s a good idea to ease into it:

1. Let your dog know you’re about to pick them up by using a verbal cue like “up” or some gentle body language.
2. As you reach towards your dog, offer them a treat. This will make them associate being picked up with a positive experience, and help keep them relaxed. 
3. Offer plenty of treats and praise as you follow the steps above.
4. While you might be tempted to give them a big old squeeze, this could make your dog feel trapped. Hold them safely and securely without squishing them.
   

Whether it’s your first time picking up your pup or you’ve been carrying them around for years, it's important to pay attention to how they’re feeling. Dogs can’t tell you with words, but their body language says it all. Some furry friends might find being picked up uncomfortable or even painful, so watch for signs like squirming, whining, or stiffening up, and always make sure they’re relaxed before going in for the lift.

How to hold a dog comfortably

Now you’ve got your dog in your arms, you need to keep them comfy. Hold them against your chest, and keep them secure but not restrained – that’ll just make them squirm. Instead, support their body gently while keeping them close.

How to properly hold a dog with one hand

This one’s just for the small pups, especially when your hands are full! Use your strongest arm and slide it between their front legs to support their chest, just like how a harness fits. Then, gently tuck their little backside into the crook of your elbow so they’re nice and secure.

How to carry a dog

Need to move your pooch pal from one spot to another? Just make sure to support them with both hands at all times, and place them back on the floor gently when you’re done. 

If your four-legged friend isn’t a fan of being held but you still need to get them from A to B, there are plenty of dog carriers designed specially for this. From heavy-duty travel crates that can be popped in the back of the car to slings and backpacks for fur-filled adventures, there are lots of comfortable alternatives to carrying your pup. 

And if your pooch pal really isn’t keen on traveling, why add to their stress when you have to go away? Instead, treat them to a staycation with a loving, in-home dog sitter, who’ll give your furry friend all the TLC they need in the comfort of their own home.

What not to do 

Now you know how to pick up a dog safely, let’s go over a few dos and don’ts:

• Take extra care if your dog is injured – lifting them the wrong way could make their injury worse. 
• Avoid approaching your dog from the front and lifting them up, as this can feel threatening. It’s better to come from the side.
• Don’t hold your dog by the scruff of their neck – scruffing a dog can be painful and is reserved for fur mamas only. 
• Never lift your dog by the collar – this could choke them. Equally, don’t use your pup’s tail as leverage, as this could cause injury.
• Don’t pick up your dog by their front legs or armpits – this can be painful, especially if they have back or neck issues.