Although it seems pretty apparent, how to carry a dog is not that straightforward. You might be hurting your pup with your techniques without knowing it. There are specific ways to hold different kinds of dogs. What follows below is a guide that will guide you through the whole process in detail. You must give it a read to give your pup a comfortable lift in your arms.
The First Step
First, your dog should be aware that it is about to be lifted. Like us, getting dogs by surprise might scare them, affecting your relationship with your pet. It is best to teach your dog a verbal cue to alert him to be ready for the lift. In my case, it’s “lift” you can choose any word that suits you and your dog.
Best Way To Carry A Small Dog
I have seen many people holding small dogs by the scruff of their necks. This method is applicable only for puppies. However, as they grow to uphold them from the scruff is hurting. The proper way to lift small dogs like Chihuahuas is first to call out the lifting cue you taught your dog and sit beside him. Now put your dominant arm between his front legs and the other arm behind his back legs. Now stand up and hold your dog close to your chest so he can feel the affection.
Best Way to Carry A Medium-Sized Dog
Carrying a medium-sized dog is slightly different from holding small dogs. Call out the lifting cue word and sit beside your dog. Now put your dominant arm behind your dog’s back and your other arm on the chest in front of the legs and below the neck. Now start standing up on your feet rather than your back. Hold your dog close to your chest once you are up and standing.
Best Way to Carry A Large Dog
The proper way of carrying a large dog is similar to that of a medium-sized dog. The fundamental point here is that you should know your limit in holding heavyweights. If you are not confident enough, there is nothing wrong with asking for the help of a family member. It will save your lovely pet from additional pain. If you know that it might be difficult for two people to carry the dog comfortably, then get a dog lifting device that you can get from any shopping website.
Best Way to Carry a Pregnant or Injured Dog
If your dog is pregnant and her belly is distended, you must avoid the belly part while carrying her, or it will be painful for the dog and the pup inside her. If you have a doubt that your dog has an injury that you cannot see with the naked eye, you must avoid the part of your dog’s body where it hurts. Keep the dog’s back straight while holding. Even the friendliest dogs can react violently to the pain, keeping it in mind while carrying an injured dog.
Dog Carriers
How will you carry him around once you have successfully lifted the dog? There are different kinds of bags and carriers available in the market to serve the purpose.
The first one is a dog carrier tote bag. It’s a shoulder bag that can hold the dog inside. It also has a pocket through which the pup can peep his head out to enjoy the view.
Another kind of bag that the market provides is a dog satchel. The strap on the pouch goes over your shoulder and under your arm with a pocket to hold the pup in front of you. Satchel provides the absolute sensation of a hug with the dog close to your chest.
Suppose you are a biker, then you must get dog backpack carriers. It keeps the dog near enough that you can check on it while riding. Moreover, it also allows the dog to live the experience with you safely and comfortably.
It would help if you chose the carrier keeping the dog’s size in mind. If the dog is heavy or oversized, you might want a carrier with wheels.
| Photo | Title | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Vceoa 17.5x11x11 Inches Cat, Dog Carrier for Pets Up to 16 Lbs, Soft-Sided Cat Bag Animal Carriers Travel Puppy Carry As a Toy of Fabric Pet Home | $19.99 ($19.99 / Count) | Check Price |
|
Henkelion Cat Carriers Dog Carrier Pet for Small Medium Cats Dogs Puppies up to 15 Lbs, TSA Airline Approved Soft Sided, Collapsible Travel Puppy - Black | $25.99 | Check Price |
|
Amazon Basics Hard-Sided Dog and Cat Kennel Single-Door Travel Pet Carrier with Metal Wire Ventilation, 23.6"L x 15.7"W x 13.0"H, Beige | $41.11 | Check Price |
|
Sherpa Original Deluxe Travel Pet Carrier, Airline Approved & Guaranteed On Board - Black, Small | $68.95 | Check Price |
|
Morpilot Cat Carrier - Soft Sided Cat Carrier Large for Big Medium Cats and Puppy up to 15lbs, Pet Carrier with Safety Zippers, Foldable Bowl, Airline Approved Large Cat Carrier - Dark Gray | $23.97 | Check Price |
Things You Must Not Do When Lifting or Carrying A Dog
Don’t ever lift your dog from its collar.
If you lift a dog from its collar, you will block its windpipe. As cruel as it seems, it’s even more painful for the dogs. Besides that, it might damage their trachea for the rest of their lives.
Don’t ever lift your dog from the tail.
Lifting an animal from a tail sounds brutal if we think of a third person. Also, the tails are not the handles to carry your dog around. You must follow the steps discussed above according to your dog’s size.
Don’t ever lift your dogs by their legs.
Just imagine someone lifting a tiny baby from his legs. It’s absurd and painful as it puts all the pressure on the joints of the legs. It might hurt the dog severely.
Don’t ever lift your dog from under his armpits.
This way of lifting a small dog would seem appropriate to many of us, but it’s not. Holding the dog from under his armpits puts pressure on his shoulders that might become too much if held for a long time.
Don’t keep the dog away from your chest.
When dogs are close to the chest, they feel secure. It increases their comfort which makes them squirm less when you lift the next time.
Final Thoughts
You must develop the habit of being lifted in your dog from an early age. It will help if you keep your dog’s comfort in mind, not your ease while lifting. When the dog is in your arms, always look for signs of discomfort on your dog’s face, showing the whites of its eyes, yawning, or licking its lips.
Lifting and carrying a dog can be tricky, but your dog will cherish those lifts if you use the right approach.
