Picking up your dog can seem like a simple everyday activity, but knowing how to pick up a dog safely is important for their comfort and your own safety.
Whether you're lifting a small puppy onto the sofa, helping a senior dog into the car, or carrying your pet away from a potentially unsafe situation, the way you handle them matters.
Dogs come in different sizes, shapes, and temperaments, so there isn't one technique that works for every pet.
A small puppy can usually be lifted comfortably with both hands, while a larger dog may need two people or a different approach altogether.
In this guide, we'll explain the correct way to pick up and carry a dog, common mistakes to avoid, and how to make handling a more comfortable experience for your pet.
Why Does the Way You Pick Up a Dog Matter?
Dogs don't naturally understand why they're being lifted. Being suddenly grabbed or lifted incorrectly can make them feel frightened or uncomfortable.
Supporting your dog properly helps:
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Keep them comfortable
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Prevent unnecessary struggling
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Give you better control
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Reduce the chance of accidental falls
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Make handling easier during everyday situations
A calm approach is just as important as the physical technique. Before picking up your dog, let them know you're there and avoid sudden movements.
How to Pick Up a Small Dog Safely
Small dogs are generally easier to lift, but they still need proper support.
Start by approaching your dog calmly. Place one hand around their chest, just behind the front legs, while using your other hand to support their hindquarters.
Then:
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Bend your knees rather than leaning awkwardly from your back.
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Keep your dog close to your body as you lift.
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Support both the front and back of their body.
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Lift smoothly without sudden movements.
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Hold them securely but avoid squeezing.
Supporting the hindquarters is particularly important because allowing the back half of the body to dangle can make your dog uncomfortable.
How to Pick Up a Puppy
Puppies can be easier to handle because of their small size, but they are also more delicate and unpredictable.
When picking up a puppy, support their chest and hindquarters at the same time. Keep them close to your body and avoid lifting them by their front legs, collar, or scruff.
It's also useful to teach puppies that being handled is a normal and positive experience.
You can gently touch their paws, ears, and body during calm moments and reward them with praise. This can help them become more comfortable with handling as they grow.
How to Carry a Dog Properly
Once you've lifted your dog, continue supporting their body rather than holding them only around the chest.
Keep your dog close to your body and maintain a secure grip without restricting their breathing or movement.
For smaller dogs, you can support them against your chest or hold them securely in your arms.
Pay attention to their body language. If your dog is stiff, repeatedly tries to escape, whines, growls, or appears frightened, put them down safely and give them some space.
How to Pick Up a Larger Dog
Larger dogs can be difficult or unsafe for one person to lift.
Instead of attempting to carry a large dog on your own, consider whether they actually need to be lifted. If they cannot walk, are stuck somewhere, or need help getting into a vehicle, having another person assist you can make the process safer.
For heavier dogs:
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Ask another person to help.
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Coordinate before lifting.
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Keep the dog supported throughout.
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Avoid twisting while carrying.
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Keep the movement slow and controlled.
If a dog is injured, in severe pain, or unable to move normally, it's better to seek appropriate professional assistance rather than attempting to lift them unnecessarily.
How to Put Your Dog Down Safely
Picking up your dog safely is only half of the process. You should also pay attention when putting them down.
Lower your dog slowly while continuing to support their body. Make sure their paws are close to a stable surface before releasing them.
Avoid dropping or allowing your dog to jump suddenly from your arms, particularly if they're small, young, elderly, or unfamiliar with being carried.
When Should You Pick Up Your Dog?
There are plenty of everyday situations where carrying a dog can be useful.
You may need to pick up your dog:
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When they're too small to navigate an obstacle
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When getting them into a car
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When crossing an unsafe surface
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During certain grooming situations
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When moving them away from danger
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When carrying a small puppy
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When helping an older dog that struggles with mobility
However, carrying shouldn't always be the default solution. If your dog is capable of walking safely, allowing them to move independently can be more comfortable for them.
How to Know If Your Dog Doesn't Like Being Picked Up
Not every dog enjoys being carried, and that's perfectly normal.
Watch for signs such as:
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Stiffening their body
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Turning their head away
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Trying to jump down
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Pushing against you
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Whining
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Growling
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Excessive licking
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Repeated attempts to escape
Don't punish your dog for showing discomfort. Instead, put them down safely and work gradually on creating positive associations with handling.
Common Mistakes When Picking Up a Dog
1. Lifting by the Front Legs
Never lift your dog by their front legs or allow their body to hang unsupported.
2. Picking Them Up Suddenly
Approaching from behind or grabbing your dog without warning can frighten them.
3. Letting the Hindquarters Dangle
The back half of your dog's body should be supported, particularly when carrying smaller dogs.
4. Holding Too Tightly
A secure hold doesn't mean squeezing your dog. Keep them firmly supported while allowing comfortable breathing and movement.
5. Trying to Lift a Dog That's Too Heavy
If you can't comfortably lift your dog, don't risk hurting yourself or dropping them. Ask for assistance.
Make Handling a Positive Experience
If your dog isn't comfortable being picked up, don't force them repeatedly. Instead, introduce handling gradually.
Start by touching their chest or supporting their body without lifting them. Reward calm behaviour with praise or a small treat.
Over time, you can gradually increase the amount of handling.
This can be particularly helpful for puppies because learning to accept gentle handling early can make everyday activities such as grooming, dressing, travelling, and veterinary visits easier.
Making Everyday Handling Easier with Pawgy Pets
Pawgy Pets
Being a pet parent involves plenty of everyday moments where comfort and convenience matter.
From picking up your dog to taking them outdoors, having the right accessories can make these experiences easier.
Pawgy Pets offers a range of products for dogs and cats, including walking accessories, toys, clothing, and other pet essentials.
Its walking collection includes harnesses, leashes, and car leashes designed for everyday outings.
Pawgy Pets also offers toys designed for play, tugging, chewing, carrying, and bonding between pets and their parents.
Conclusion
Knowing how to pick up a dog safely is a simple but important part of being a responsible pet parent.
Whether you're carrying a puppy, helping a small dog into the car, or moving your pet away from danger, always approach calmly and support their body properly.
For smaller dogs, support both the chest and hindquarters while keeping them close to your body.
For larger dogs, ask for assistance rather than attempting a lift that you can't safely manage.
Most importantly, pay attention to your dog's comfort. Some dogs enjoy being carried, while others prefer keeping their paws on the ground.
Respecting their boundaries and making handling a positive experience will help build trust and make everyday life easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the correct way to pick up a dog?
Approach calmly, support the dog's chest with one hand and their hindquarters with the other, then lift smoothly while keeping them close to your body.
2. Can I pick up my dog by the front legs?
No. Avoid lifting a dog by their front legs. Their body should be properly supported when they're being lifted.
3. How should I pick up a puppy?
Support the puppy's chest and hindquarters with both hands and keep them close to your body. Avoid sudden movements and never lift a puppy by their legs or scruff.
4. How do I carry a large dog?
If a dog is too heavy for you to lift comfortably, don't attempt it alone. Ask another person for assistance and coordinate the lift to keep the dog supported.
5. What should I do if my dog doesn't like being picked up?
Put them down safely and avoid forcing the interaction. Gradual handling paired with praise or rewards can help some dogs become more comfortable over time.
6. Is it okay to carry my dog everywhere?
Not necessarily. Dogs that can walk safely should generally be allowed to move independently. Carrying is useful when there's a safety concern, an obstacle, or when your dog genuinely needs assistance.