A Small Dog

Small Dog Lifting

Posted on 06. Jul, 2009 by Jeff K. in Small Dog Care

photo courtesy of Ed Yourdan@Flickr.com*

In the grooming section of our shop, we frequently have to lift dogs. We lift them onto and off of the grooming table. We also lift them into and out of the drying cages. We carry dogs into and out of the lobby to maintain maximum control over the dogs in high traffic areas. I have learned a few things about lifting small dogs. Here are some quick tips:

How to Lift

1. Only pick a dog up when there is no other way to move the dog from A to B. Most dogs do not like to be picked up because losing contact with the ground is unnatural and represents a loss of control. Those dogs that demand to be picked up are either afraid of something on the ground, or are attempting to get closer to your face.

2. If you must pick a dog up, give the dog forewarning.
a. Let the dog know you are there by approaching from the front. Surprising the dog by grabbing him/her from the blind spot to the rear will scare the dog.
b. Make first contact by lightly petting the dog.

3. Transition from petting to lifting in one motion by gently sliding one hand under the dog’s chest and gently sliding the other hand under the belly, very close to the dog’s pelvis. (Some show dog handlers lift stout terriers by the chest and tail. This technique requires training, practice, and can only be used on certain breeds. Unless you are a show handler with a need to lift a dog in this manner, please stick with the method I describe here.)

4. Lift with both hands simultaneously so the dog’s weight is evenly spread in your hands. (Since this is an article about lifting small dogs only, this technique may not work for large or heavy dogs.)

5. Hug the dog to you so your torso acts as a stabilizing third point of contact for your dog’s body.

6. If you need to free one hand, and your dog is light enough, you can continue to support your dog under the chest with one hand while cradling his/her rear half between your arm and your stomach. (The photo at the beginning of this article shows one example of this technique.)

7. While carrying the dog, let the dog look forward so he/see can where you are going.

Lifting No-no’s

photo courtesy of striatic@Flickr.com*

1. Although common practice, lifting your dog by grabbing your dog’s chest just under his/her armpits, with no support to the rear end, puts a lot of stress on the shoulder joints. This technique also causes the dog’s legs to dangle, increasing the dog’s loss of control.

2. Never dig your fingers into your dog’s body when lifting.

3. Never snatch a dog off the floor quickly. Snatching will scare the dog, and may lead to injury.

4. Never continue to lift a dog that is rolling in your grasp. A dog that is rolling over or squirming to break free may fall to the floor. Set a squirming dog down and start over; or, find another way to move the dog without lifting.

5. Never lift anything other than a “Teacup” dog with one hand. Using one hand only increases the risk of dropping the dog. Lifting with one hand means the dog’s weight will not be evenly supported. This could put dangerous stress on the dog’s spine. (Note: Extremely small dogs, such as Teacup Poodles and Yorkies, can be lifted with one hand. In general if a dog’s entirely body length can fit in one hand, a single-hand lift is okay, although using two hands is always safer.)

6. Some people recommend lifting a dog by the scruff of the neck because this technique imitates how a mother carries her puppies. Lifting by the scruff works on puppies because a puppy’s light weight makes the technique safe. Lifting an adult dog by the nape is an aggressive, risky act that will almost certainly scare the dog. (Note: I’ll admit there are some dogs that relax when lifted by the nape. Behaviorists believe lifting a dog by the nape may awaken the dog’s memory of being cared for by its mother. Personally, I have witnessed some dogs scream when lifted by the nape. I’m not a fan of this technique because it does not safely apply to all dogs.)

7. Don’t carry a dog backwards or over your shoulder as you would a baby. Allow the dog to see where you are going. If the dog cannot see where it is going, it will begin squirming to get a better a view, increasing the risk of falling.

Summary

Please realize in nature, wild dogs are never lifted after they have passed puppyhood. Lifting is an unnatural act for an adult dog. Lift gently and with no surprises. Use both hands and your torso to spread the dog’s weight evenly and to provide stabilization. Lift a dog when there is no alternative for safely moving the dog.

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The opinions expressed in this article are my own and not necessarily those of the providers of the included photos.

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Tags: carrying, grooming table, lifting, small dogs