How to Handle a Puppy With Care
Handling a new puppy might feel strange and unfamiliar at first. They’re small and curious and will likely squirm in your arms which might have you wondering, does my puppy like to be held? The answer depends on how you’re handling them and how often. If you learn the basics of how puppies like to be held and what will make them feel safe in your arms, they’ll most likely enjoy giving you lots of cuddles.
When you handle your puppy correctly, it also sets you up for successful training because they will learn to trust and respect you. Puppies that are mishandled can become shy or aggressive, so it’s important to be gentle and understanding when handling them.
How to hold a puppy
When carrying your puppy, it is important to use a method that will make them feel secure. You will often have to carry them when they are still young, either to redirect them in another direction, or because they’re too small, possibly too tired, and need some assistance reaching somewhere.
Firstly, make sure you have a firm but gentle hold. Place your arm under their body and use your hand to secure their chest. Hold them close to you so they feel safe and can’t wiggle free.
Puppies move around a lot, so you’ll need to be able to keep them secure while still being able to move around easily yourself.
When you are ready to put your puppy down, it is important to do so in a way that is respectful and calming. One way to do this is to kneel down and gently place them on the ground. You can also slowly lower them to the ground by supporting their abdomen as you lower them.
How to pick up a puppy by the scruff
The best way to pick up a small puppy is by the scruff of its neck. The scruff is the loose skin on the back of the puppy’s neck. To pick up a puppy by the scruff, gently grasp the scruff between your fingers and your thumb and lift them. Be careful not to squeeze too hard and hurt the pup.
This is a method that their mothers use and picking them up by the scruff will not hurt them if it’s done correctly. However, it should only be used on puppies that are still young and small enough to be lifted in this way. Be sure to support their hind legs as you lift them off of the ground especially if they’re a few months old.
How to swaddle a puppy
Swaddling a puppy in a blanket can help them feel comfortable and safe. This can be especially helpful if your puppy is feeling anxious or overwhelmed in its new home. Swaddling your puppy will also help to keep them warm and will prevent them from scratching themselves.
When swaddling your puppy, be sure to use a soft and lightweight blanket. You should also make sure that the blanket is not too tight or constricting. The goal is to make your puppy feel comfortable and safe, not to restrict their movement.
Helping your puppy adjust to its new home with proper handling
Fostering new puppies is an exciting time and it’s important to show them love in their new home by handling them with care. When you first bring your puppy home, give them time to explore and get used to their new surroundings. As they start to settle in, you’ll start to discover how best to care for them week by week. Each milestone will need attention, care, and proper handling so they learn quickly and stay safe.
How to keep puppies alive without their mother
Puppies will nurse for about six to eight weeks. After that, they should start to eat solid food. It’s at this point you can take them home. If they are younger than 6 weeks, you’ll need to bottle feed them and take extra measures to ensure they are being cared for. This might mean handling them more often including swaddling them so they feel secure and remain at the correct body temperate since they don’t have their litter mates to help keep them warm. If they are past 8 weeks of age the most important thing you can do is maintain a healthy eating and sleeping schedule for the pup, provide them with a safe space to roam and keep a consistent eye on them so they don’t get into too much trouble.
Here are some common Q&As for handling newborn puppies
How long can puppies go without food?
If puppies are younger than 6 weeks old, they will need to be bottle-fed every two to three hours. If they are older than 6 weeks, they can start to eat solid food. It’s important to maintain a regular eating schedule for puppies so they don’t get sick.
How do you keep newborn puppies warm?
Newborn puppies cannot regulate their own body temperature so it’s important to keep them warm. One way to do this is by placing them on a heating pad set to low or by using a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. You should also make sure their sleeping area is draft-free and out of the way of any open windows or doors.
What is the best way to pick up a newborn puppy?
The best way to pick up a small puppy is by the scruff of its neck. The scruff is the loose skin on the back of the puppy’s neck.
How can you burp a puppy?
You can burp puppies by placing them against your shoulder and rubbing their sides gently with your fingers. Tap them softly on the back with an open palm until they burp. This will help to release any gas that might be trapped in their stomach.
How to keep puppies clean
A big part of handling puppies is keeping them clean. Puppies love to explore and play, but this can often lead to them getting dirty. It is important to keep them clean so they don’t ingest anything that could make them sick. When cleaning your puppy, be sure to use a method that is gentle and does not hurt them. Having a damp cloth or baby wipes on hand will help keep them clean without having to bathe them daily.
Make sure to keep all their bedding clean as well. This will help to prevent any infections or skin problems. Puppies are prone to getting worms, so it is important to keep their environment clean to help prevent this.
How to know if a puppy needs to pee
There might be ques your puppy gives you when they need to pee such as crying or excessive biting. If this occurs, take them outside to do their business. You can lead them by walking outside and calling their name. If you need to carry your puppy outside to pee, do so quickly and gently place them down in the right spot. They will soon learn this is where they need to go and they’ll head outside themselves when they need to go pee.
Tips on how to get a puppy to pee:
- Try using a puppy to pee pad.
- If it’s cold outside, warm up your puppy’s bottom with a heating pad before taking them outside.
- Take your puppy out every hour or so to give them the opportunity to go.
- Be patient and praise your puppy when they go pee outside.
- Never punish your puppy for having an accident inside. This will only make them scared of you and more likely to have accidents in the future.
As puppies grow older they will start to learn more things such as leash training, commands, and tricks but the first place to start is always handling and holding with proper care. Knowing when to hold them and how to hold them will make a big difference for future training. Give them lots of space to explore and grow; however, don’t be nervous to pick your puppy up too much—it only shows them more love!