When you bring your new puppy home, it’s natural to want to hold and pet her. But remember, how you handle and touch your puppy sets the tone for her expectations about touch for the rest of her life. Creating a positive experience around touch is crucial. Touch can even be rewarding for your dog, depending on her past experiences. Here are some key points to keep in mind as you begin this relationship with your puppy.
Pressure: Make sure you’re not tickling your puppy with a very light touch, as this might cause her to pull away. On the other hand, too much pressure can be uncomfortable and might even throw your puppy off balance. Experiment with different levels of pressure and watch for signs of discomfort.
Speed: Slow strokes are usually calming for your puppy, which is often what you want when handling her. Quick strokes can excite her nervous system, making her more aroused and less calm.
Approach: Approach your puppy gently, as you would an adult dog, by “asking permission” with your hands. Start with her feet on the ground and use the back of your hand to stroke her shoulder or side. Observe her reactions to see if she’s comfortable or if she needs a break.
Asking permission: To see if your puppy is still comfortable with your touch, remove your hands briefly. If she stays close or moves toward you, your touch is welcome. If she moves away, give her a break and try again later.
Touch sensitivities: Puppies have different sensitivities to touch. Learn what your puppy is comfortable with and start with those areas. Gradually build positive associations with touching more sensitive areas by pairing the touch with treats or something enjoyable.
Establishing a positive association with touch early on helps your puppy feel safe when you approach her. This is especially important for areas like ears, mouth, paws, and tail, which will need to be handled during grooming and veterinary care. Practice touching these areas gently, and always allow your puppy to move away if she feels uncomfortable.
Picking up the puppy: Just because you can pick up a puppy doesn’t mean you should do it without care. Start by getting down to your puppy’s level and picking her up in a supportive way. Reinforce this with treats. If your puppy shows any discomfort, put her down and try again later.
Every time you touch your puppy, you’re giving her another experience with human touch. Our goal is for touch to be a positive experience for her. Be mindful of all touch and handling, creating positive associations that will last a lifetime.
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