Proper Holding Position for Small Dogs Proper Holding Position for Medium or Large Dogs Carefully lift a heavier dog. If your dog weighs more than 9kg, lift him with one hand under the neck and the other under the hips as if he were a plank of wood. For dogs over 18kg, get another person to help. One person is at the dog’s head with one hand under the dog’s neck and the other hand under the chest. The other person puts one hand under the dog’s stomach and the other hand around the hips, then both people pick up the dog at the same time. *The person standing on the dog’s head decides when to lift the dog and gives instructions. For example, you can count together “one, two, three” and then lift the dog together when you shout “three”. Note: If the dog is heavy, be sure to get someone else to help. Avoid lifting dogs weighing 18kg or more alone. Everyone’s strength has an upper limit, so consider the safety of your dog and yourself when deciding to pick up your dog. * If you don’t hold the animal well, they will feel like they are going to fall and will struggle more. If you can’t hold it, just let it sit and cuddle, don’t push yourself too hard, after all, they may be bigger than you. “Pick up” the dog Note: When holding the dog to maintain the correct posture. Remember to bend your knees and lift the dog with both legs upright. Do not bend down to hold the dog to prevent back injury. Wrap your arms around the dog to keep it in place. *Bending your knees will bring you closer to the dog’s height. Do not bend down to hold the dog, most dogs feel fearful of people who bend down.
