How to Pick Up a Dog

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Allow the dog stand on all fours, if possible. This makes it much easier to access underneath the dog, which is what you need to do when picking up a dog.
Step 2:
Slip one arm around the front of the dog, across the front of his shoulders so that his head can rest in the crook of your arm. Make sure your arm is not across his throat. Otherwise, he might choke when you lift him.
Step 3:
Slide your other arm underneath the dog's stomach, just in front of his hind legs. If this is not comfortable for the dog, you can slide your arm across his hindquarters and pick up him by supporting his rump and back legs.
Step 4:
Stand up gently and slowly. Don't jerk the dog up, especially if he is injured. Hold him close against your midsection.
Step 5:
Set the dog down gently. If he is not able to stand, lie him down on your arms, then gently slide your arms out from under him. Always place the dog down with his paws toward the floor, not on his back or side.

Tips & Warnings

You can use a towel slipped under the dog's belly like a sling to help lift his back end, if necessary.
Use two people to lift large dogs like Great Danes or mastiffs.
You can pick up small dogs like Pomeranians or Chihuahuas and hold them in the crook of your arm.
Never pick up a dog by the neck, forelegs, hind legs or tail.

More Puppy Pages

How to Pick up a Cat

Most cats like being held. It makes them feel safe and loved. Here are a few steps on how to pick up and hold a cat in a gentle manner.

In the quest for evolutionary superiority, humans developed large, complex brains. Cats developed efficient, razor-sharp claws. Though they may be fluffy, darling and otherwise irresistible from a distance, some anti-social cat behavior may prevent you...

Cutting your dog's nails can often turn into a wrestling match complete with barking, biting and scratching. The key to making this work is to first position your dog properly. Read the following suggestions on how to position your dog while cutting its...

If you have ever been lucky enough to receive a foot massage, you know exactly how good it feels. Like humans, our four-legged friends also suffer the aches and pains of muscles, particularly if they are older, arthritic or have suffered an injury. A few...

A jumping dog is not only a nuisance, but can also cause you to fall over, and or injure yourself. Training your dog not to jump is actually a rather easy process which can be achieved through repetition and patience.