When Can You Hold Puppies? Puppies benefit largely from human touch but it needs to be done correctly so they don’t have a bad experience.

1) Move slowly and reassuringly. Do not approach if the mother is being protective.

2) Pet newborn puppies as soon as their mother cleans them and they are nursing. Your touch should be very gentle and you may run your fingers softly along their sides and back and slide your hand under their body, moving slowly and deliberately.

3) Lift a small puppy by sliding your hand under its tummy. If the puppy is large, use both hands and support the puppy’s head. Cradle a puppy’s legs close to its abdomen. Gently snuggle the puppy’s legs with both of your hands, making it feel safe.

4) Supervise small children around newborn puppies. In general, puppies shouldn’t be picked up, carried around or played with until their eyes are open and they can walk easily. This is around three weeks of age. Until then an adult may hold a puppy and allow a small child to pet it carefully.

5) Continue to monitor a child’s activities around a puppy even after three weeks of age.

6) Give newborn puppies lots of attention and human touch in order to increase their ability to interact later with their owners.

If you have questions or need help with your pet, email us at:
Info@DapperDogTraining.com or call us at 917.538.4296
Dapper Dog Training

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