Can you hold a puppy on your lap? Here's the right way to do it!

 Can you hold a puppy on your lap? Here's the right way to do it!

Tracy Wilkins

Picking up a dog on your lap is bad or not, especially when he is a puppy, it is a common doubt for many people. The truth is that in some situations the lap is necessary, but there is a right way to do it. Many dogs hate this practice from an early age because they are not comfortable, while others cannot resist a cuddle and keep asking the guardian to pick them up and looking with that famous oneBelieve me, the correct way is quite different from what most are used to and that still does a lot of harm to the animal. If you have puppies at home and want to learn how to pick up a dog, check out this article from Patas da Casa.

You can hold a puppy on your lap as long as you take proper care

Can you pick up a puppy on your lap? Yes! Some situations call for the dog on your lap, such as a visit to the vet, vaccination and socialization, especially because he is not fully vaccinated. But be careful. First, this puppy will grow and if the lap becomes a habit, it will be very difficult to support his weight. So be aware of the size that the breed of puppy is.dog will hit.

In addition, there is a right time to pick up a dog on your lap and ideally it should only happen when the pet is one month old. Before that he does not have much autonomy and is still very fragile. Picking up a newborn dog on your lap, even if it is the right way, can cause some serious problems with the joints of the little one.

Grabbing a dog by the scruff of the neck is bad for you!

Neither the cat nor the dog should be caught by the throat! This is an extremely sensitive area that has a lot of blood circulation. So, in addition to causing a lot of pain and discomfort, the pressure used on the site disrupts blood flow and can cause a big problem. So, remember never to do that, okay?

Another very common way to hold them is by the armpits, which is also wrong! Both the puppy and the adult dog have fragility in the region. The force used to hold them can hurt, so avoid doing this. And as cute as it is, don't even think about holding it like a baby, especially if it has just eaten! Their stomach is "up" and it can even vomit and choke on it.But then, what is the right way to pick up a puppy? It's simpler than you might think, you see:

See_also: Is it OK to delay vaccinating your dog? Veterinarian explains the risks
  • Place both hands (or both arms) under their belly
  • One hand (or arm) should be close to the front legs
  • Lift it carefully
  • Then, just bring the dog closer to your chest

There you go, see how easy it is? Holding the dog in this way makes him feel safer and does not cause any problems or trauma. The ideal is to make him very comfortable, as if he were on top of some surface.

Why can't you pick up a dog when it does something wrong?

In addition to picking up the right way, avoid picking up the dog at the wrong times. For example, giving a lap when the dog is growling and barking at something or someone (usually visitors), is a very serious mistake, as many associate the lap with a caress and will understand that it is okay to act in this way. Also avoid picking up to take it out of somewhere, as the ideal is for the dog to know commands and listen to the dog's voice.A loud "come" or "stay" is much better than the hassle of picking them up and improves their behavior. Train your puppy to do this so you don't get headaches from inappropriate attitudes in the future.

Puppy loves lap when the first time is trauma-free

If you pick up the puppy at the right time (after a month) and in the right way, it will surely be a lapdog. Many love it, as they consider the gesture as a cuddle or reward. And the lap is even good for walking the puppy at this stage, given that it is not yet vaccinated and cannot have much external contact. But if it shows that it does not want or is afraid of someone who is not vaccinated, it will be a lapdog.When you approach your puppy to play, don't hesitate to move away, as he has no escape route. This way the puppy doesn't associate your lap with something bad and gains more trust from the guardian. Some small dog breeds even love to walk on your lap.

See_also: Breastfeeding dog: veterinarian explains the essential care at this stage

Tracy Wilkins

Jeremy Cruz is a passionate animal lover and dedicated pet parent. With a background in veterinary medicine, Jeremy has spent years working alongside veterinarians, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience in caring for dogs and cats. His genuine love for animals and commitment to their well-being led him to create the blog Everything you need to know about dogs and cats, where he shares expert advice from veterinarians, owners, and respected experts in the field, including Tracy Wilkins. By combining his expertise in veterinary medicine with insights from other respected professionals, Jeremy aims to provide a comprehensive resource for pet owners, helping them understand and address their beloved pets' needs. Whether it's training tips, health advice, or simply spreading awareness about animal welfare, Jeremy's blog has become a go-to source for pet enthusiasts seeking reliable and compassionate information. Through his writing, Jeremy hopes to inspire others to become more responsible pet owners and create a world where all animals receive the love, care, and respect they deserve.