10-Step Puppy Handling Exercise
This approach is performed to improve your puppy’s ability to handle different types of touch, handling, and sensation. It can be performed in ANY order. Do not put your puppy down if they are upset. If they are displaying resistance, stop until the puppy calms and then resume! Reward with positive praise when done!
1. Rub and gently tug on their ears.
2. Cover their eyes for 3-5 seconds.
3. Open their mouth, inspect their teeth, and place your finger inside of their mouth. You can rub their tongue and gums. I also always watch their teeth to ensure they are coming in correctly. Every once in a while, issues with tooth eruption do occur.
4. Rub their belly and chest in a wide circular motion.
5. Run your hand up their back (from tail to head) a few times to ruffle their fur. Also, practice “heavy petting” – patting your pup’s back like you are burping a baby.
6. Gently tug and twist their tail.
7. Rub your fingers in between all of their paw pads.
8. Tap on the tip of their nails.
9. Put your hands on their collar and apply a slight tug or pressure.
10. Touch their nose!
This is an excellent time to check the puppy over from head to foot each day, ensuring everything is forming correctly and the puppy’s conformation looks and feels good. I use my hands and fingers as a way to explore and touch every part of them. You can be standing (elevation work) or sitting – try both! Don’t always perform the “puppy massage” in the same room at the same time. As puppies age, it helps to do this exercise when they are sleepy – after a solid play session is a great time. It is also CRUCIAL to have others do the massage as well. You want your dog to be tolerant of touch by friends, strangers, kids, the elderly, veterinarians, groomers, etc.
