Happy Handling For Puppies

Happy Handling For Puppies

HAPPY HANDLING FOR PUPPIES 


WHY PRACTICE HAPPY HANDLING WITH YOUR PUPPY? 

We often think that because our puppy gets petting and other physical contact from people every day, they are enjoying the experience. It is very common for young puppies to tolerate handling when they are young, but then stop tolerating that same contact as they become adults. Most adult family dogs need to be tolerant of all kinds of contact, such as moving them by their collar, lifting or restraining, and grooming or trimming nails.  

 

As a puppy parent you must take the time to teach your puppy that these types of handling are both fun and safe! You can only achieve this by thoughtfully exposing your dog to physical contact - pairing touch with something inherently positive, like tasty treats! 

 

HOW TO TEACH IT 

1: Prepare your clicker and lots of high-value treats cut into very small pieces. 

2: Your puppy must feel safe! Handle your puppy gently enough that they feel comfortable. 

3: Increase the pressure of touch only as long as your dog remains relaxed. If they start to squirm away from you, find a way to make the contact less intense before proceeding.  

4: Handling should always predict a treat.  Give your puppy a treat after handling, not before. Be careful not to use food to lure your puppy towards you so that you can handle them.  

 

COLLAR HANDLING: 

  1. Reach for your puppy’s collar. Gently take a hold of the collar with two fingers. 

  1. Click, then give your puppy a treat. 

  1. Repeat these steps several times, reaching for and holding different parts of their collar.  

 

PAW HANDLING: 

  1. Touch your puppy’s paw. Touch gently, so that your puppy doesn’t mind it. 

  1. Click, then give your puppy a treat.  

  1. Repeat these steps several times, gradually touching for longer and feeling toe pads. 

 

EAR HANDLING: 

  1. Touch your puppy’s ear. Touch as gently as possible so that your puppy doesn’t mind. 

  1. Click, then give your puppy a treat.  

  1. Repeat these steps several times. Work up to looking inside your puppy’s ear. 

 

OTHER HANDLING: 

  1. Follow these same guidelines as you handle your puppy’s tail, muzzle, and body.  

  1. Practice with other people, guiding them through the same steps. This teaches your puppy that handling from anyone can be safe and fun! 


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