When you first meet your puppy, it's hard to resist picking them up for a cuddle. Most of us do it without giving it much thought—we simply slide our hands under the front legs and lift, almost as if we were holding a baby.
Watch the video below to see the proper lifting technique, then read on to learn why this simple change can help protect your puppy as they grow.
But according to many dog trainers and canine professionals, that common habit may not be the best way to support a growing puppy's body.
A small change in how you lift your puppy can make them feel more comfortable and help protect their developing joints.
Why Puppies Aren't Meant to Be Lifted Like Babies
Although puppies and babies may be similar in size, their bodies are built very differently.
Human shoulders are designed with a ball-and-socket joint that allows our arms to move freely in many directions. Dogs don't have the same shoulder structure. Their front legs are attached differently, with muscles, tendons, and the shoulder blade working together to support movement.
When a puppy is lifted only from underneath the front legs, much of their body weight can place unnecessary pressure on the shoulders and surrounding tissues.
That pressure may be uncomfortable, especially while the puppy is still growing.
The Safer Way to Pick Up a Puppy
Instead of lifting your puppy by the front legs alone, support their entire body.
Place one hand under the chest and the other under the hindquarters. Lift gently and keep your puppy close to your body so their weight is evenly supported.
This position feels more secure and prevents unnecessary strain on the front of the body.
If your puppy relaxes instead of squirming, that's often a good sign they feel comfortable and supported.
Common Mistakes New Puppy Owners Make
Many mistakes happen simply because people don't know any better.
Avoid these habits:
- Lifting a puppy under the front legs only.
- Letting the back legs dangle without support.
- Pulling or lifting by the front legs.
- Picking up a frightened puppy too quickly.
- Allowing children to carry a puppy without proper support.
Gentle handling today helps build confidence for tomorrow.
For more puppy handling and care advice, the American Kennel Club (AKC) offers reliable guidance for new dog owners.
Why This Matters as Your Puppy Grows
A young puppy's bones, muscles, and joints are still developing.
While one awkward lift is unlikely to cause serious harm, repeatedly placing unnecessary pressure on growing shoulders isn't a habit worth keeping.
Using proper handling from the beginning helps your puppy associate your hands with safety and comfort rather than discomfort.
It's one of those small everyday habits that can make a big difference over time.
Building Trust Every Time You Lift Your Puppy
Picking up your puppy isn't just about moving them from one place to another.
It's a moment of communication.
When your puppy feels supported, they learn to trust you. They become more relaxed during grooming, veterinary visits, nail trimming, and other forms of handling throughout life.
That trust starts with simple, gentle actions repeated every day.
That sense of safety is also one reason your puppy may want to stay close to you all day. If you have a little shadow following you from room to room, discover why your puppy follows you everywhere.
A Better Habit Starts Today
Being a great puppy owner isn't about being perfect.
It's about being willing to learn.
If you've been lifting your puppy the way most people do, don't worry. Now you know a safer approach that better supports their growing body.
Your puppy may never understand why you changed the way you hold them.
But they'll almost certainly appreciate how safe and comfortable they feel in your arms.
The first week with your puppy is the perfect time to build trust through gentle handling and positive training.
Final Thoughts
Your puppy trusts you completely, even in the smallest everyday moments. Something as simple as the way you pick them up can affect how safe and comfortable they feel in your hands.
The good news is that the right technique is easy to learn. By supporting your puppy's entire body instead of lifting them under the front legs, you're helping protect their growing joints while building a stronger bond based on trust.
Sometimes, the smallest changes become the greatest acts of care. Your puppy may never know why you changed the way you lift them—but they'll certainly appreciate the comfort and security that comes with it. ❤️
FAQ
Is it bad to lift a puppy under the front legs?
It isn't the best technique because it places more pressure on the puppy's shoulders. Supporting both the chest and hindquarters is generally considered a safer approach.
Can lifting a puppy the wrong way hurt them?
Repeatedly lifting a puppy without supporting their body may cause discomfort, especially while they're still growing.
What is the safest way to pick up a puppy?
Support the chest with one hand, the hindquarters with the other, and keep the puppy close to your body while lifting.
Should children carry puppies?
Only if they can fully support the puppy's body. Otherwise, it's safer for children to interact with the puppy while sitting on the floor.
Do adult dogs need to be lifted the same way?
Yes. Whenever you need to lift a dog, supporting both the front and back of the body helps distribute weight more evenly and keeps them comfortable.