Here are the five ways to hold dogs that they fear the most. Have you unknowingly done any of them?

Five common wrong holding methods

1. Baby hold
Dog’s subtext: “No! I don’t like this! My belly is so vulnerable!”
Holding the dog like a baby with its belly facing up easily makes the dog feel dangerous and insecure.
2. Front leg hold
Dog’s subtext: “Don’t pull my arms! My joints are about to dislocate!”
Pulling the dog up by its front legs puts great pressure on the joints, potentially causing dislocation or ligament tears.
3. Rear bear hug
Dog’s subtext: “My legs! They’re being stretched too far! I’m getting strained!”
Hugging the dog from behind makes it feel restricted and insecure, and it may even struggle or bite out of fear.
4. Scruff grabbing
Dog’s subtext: “I’m not a puppy anymore! Don’t grab my neck!”
Grabbing the dog by the scruff like a mother dog carrying a puppy is only suitable for puppies. For adult dogs, this can cause discomfort or even injury.
5. Upright hold
Dog’s subtext: “My spine hurts! Put me down!”
Holding the dog tightly in an upright position causes the most damage to the dog’s spine, possibly compressing nerves or even leading to paralysis.

Three correct ways to hold dogs

1. Chest and hip hold
Suitable for small dogs. Support the chest with one hand and the legs or hips with the other, keeping the dog close to your body in a sitting position.
2. Chest and abdomen hold
Suitable for medium-sized dogs. Slide one hand through the front legs to hold the chest, and use the other hand to support the abdomen, keeping the dog’s spine horizontal.
3. Chest and leg hold
Suitable for medium to large dogs. Slide one hand through the front legs to hold the chest, and use the other hand to support the thighs or hips. If the dog is too heavy, it is recommended to have two people hold it together or use professional tools.