Is Lifting Your Dog Necessary for Their Wellbeing and What Mindfulness Tips to Consider

Why Asking Your Dog’s Permission matters

Lifting your dog - whether they’re a puppy, adult, or senior - might seem like a simple act of care or affection. However, for your dog, being picked up can be confusing, uncomfortable, or even painful if not done thoughtfully. Understanding why you should ask for your dog’s consent, and how to do it safely, is crucial for their emotional and physical wellbeing.

Why Not Just Pick Them Up?

• Emotional Impact: Dogs, like people, have personal boundaries. Being suddenly lifted can make them feel vulnerable or threatened, especially if they’re not expecting it or don’t understand what’s happening. This can lead to anxiety, fear, or a negative association with being handled.

• Physical Risks: Improper lifting can cause serious injuries, especially if you pick up your dog by their legs, underarms, collar, or tail. This can strain muscles, tear ligaments, dislocate joints, or even cause nerve damage.

• Pain and Health Concerns: Dogs with arthritis, joint issues, or injuries may experience significant pain if lifted incorrectly. Older dogs are particularly at risk, but even puppies can be hurt if their bodies aren’t fully supported.

• Behavioural Issues: If a dog learns that being picked up is scary or painful, they may start to avoid you, shy away, lift a paw in warning, or even growl or snap. This can make it much harder to help them in situations where lifting is truly necessary, such as emergencies or vet visits.

How to Ask for Permission - and Listen

Consent-based handling means giving your dog the choice to participate in being lifted. Here’s how you can do this:

• Cue and Observe: Use a consistent cue like “Lift?” and watch your dog’s body language. If they move toward you, seem relaxed, or help you by shifting their weight, they’re likely consenting. If they back away, freeze, show the whites of their eyes, lift a paw, or growl, they’re saying “no”.

• Respect Their Signals: Never force the issue if your dog seems uncomfortable or scared. Give them time, use treats to create positive associations, and practice gradually so they learn being lifted isn’t something to fear.

• Positive Reinforcement: Reward calm and cooperative behaviour with treats and praise. Keep sessions short and always end on a positive note.

How to Lift Dogs of All Sizes Safely

Dog Size	How to Lift
Small	Slide one arm under the chest (between the front legs), support the rear with your other arm, and hold them close to your body for full support5.
Medium	Use the same technique as for small dogs, but ensure you have a secure grip and support both the chest and hindquarters5.
Large/XL	Bend at the knees (not your back). Place one arm around the front of the chest (under the neck) and the other under the hindquarters, then lift with your legs. For very large dogs, get help from another person54.

 Never:

• Lift your dog by their legs, underarms, collar, or tail - this can cause pain, injury, or even permanent damage.

• Lift them just under their ribcage without supporting the rest of their body, as this puts pressure on the diaphragm, ribs, and spine, risking discomfort or injury.

• Pick up a dog who is showing signs of pain or distress without first addressing their comfort and safety.

  
  

Supporting your dog’s entire body when lifting is essential to avoid unnecessary pain and to maintain their trust and comfort.

The Long-Term Impact of Mindful Lifting

If your dog feels safe and respected during handling, they’re less likely to develop fear or aggression around being picked up. This trust is critical for times when lifting is unavoidable - such as emergencies, grooming, or vet visits. By making lifting a positive, consent-based experience, you set your dog up for a lifetime of cooperative care and a stronger bond with you.

Listen to What Your Dog Is Telling You

Dogs communicate discomfort through body language: shying away, lifting a paw, freezing, growling, or avoiding eye contact are all signs they’re not comfortable. Respect these signals. If you ignore them, you risk not only physical harm but also damaging your relationship and making future handling much more difficult.

Final Thoughts

Lifting your dog should never be about convenience or cuteness alone. It’s about trust, safety, and respect. By asking for permission, supporting their whole body, and watching for signs of stress, you ensure your dog feels secure - physically and emotionally - every time you pick them up. That’s the best way to show them love.

“Just because you can lift your dog, doesn’t mean you should! but teaching them to feel save when being lifted, makes it a whole lot less stressful for them”.