The Right Way to Lift and Hold a Small Dog

Believe it or not, there is a safe way to pick up and hold a small dog. Knowing how to properly lift and hold your dog is not only safe for her, but for you too. The key is supporting a dog’s chest and rear at all times, which distributes weight evenly and keeps a dog and your back pain free.

Please take a moment and teach your children how to safely lift and hold a small dog. This prevents small dogs from being dropped on the ground and getting injured.

How to Pick Up a Small Dog

Squat down, place your dominant arm behind your dog’s back legs and place your non-dominant hand around her chest. As you’re lifting her up, her front and back legs will fold together a bit so her body is resting in your arms.

As you slowly pick her up and stand up, bring her body toward your chest to provide extra support for her body while securing her with your arms and removing excessive strain from your lower back.

Never pick up a dog by grasping under her front legs and lifting (like a small child). This is painful. Also, never pick up a puppy or dog by her scruff. It’s cruel and will cause irreparable damage. Just because puppies are carried around by their mothers in this manner, it does not give us a license to follow suit. We’re not dogs, so we should use our human arms and hands to support dogs.

WATCH: Safely Picking Up Small Dogs

How to Properly Hold a Dog

Depending on your dog’s size, weight and body length, safely hold your dog with one or two arms.

Holding a Dog With One Arm

After picking up your dog, stand still and move her body under your dominant arm (if you’re right-handed, you probably have more strength in your right arm). Now, take your dominant hand and place it under your dog’s chest (between her front legs) while securing her rear end between your side and arm. Now, you can safely carry your dog anywhere.

Now, you and your dog are facing the same way, which prevents your dog from being distracted by things going on behind or on the side of you. Plus, your other arm is free to grab your purse, hold treats, close doors or whatever else is needed.

WATCH: How to Hold a Small Dog With One Arm

Holding a Dog With Two Arms

For longer or heavier dogs, holding and supporting with two arms is beneficial. Place one arm around your dog’s chest and the other arm around her rear end. Using two arms works best for people with injured backs, especially lower back issues. Always keep both arms securely holding both ends of your dog.

Never allow a dog’s rear end to dangle unsecured. It’s extremely uncomfortable for your dog. She’ll most likely wiggle and scratch to get away, and fall down. Plus, securing both the front of her body and rear end keeps back and shoulder pressure to a minimum.

WATCH: How to Hold a Dog With Two Arms

 You may also like: My Dog Won’t Let Me Pick Him Up: Try This Tip!