Puppy Handling

What is puppy handling?

Puppy handling means gently touching, holding, and playing with puppies every day from birth to help them get used to human contact. The goal? To build confidence, trust, and a calm, friendly attitude toward people. Unlike Early Neurological Stimulation, handling continues far after day 16 and will happen until puppy goes home.

Why does it work?

Handling sessions can be designed to acclimate your puppy to a wide range of anticipated manipulations, including being brushed, bathed, and examined by a veterinarian. During these sessions, puppies develop a positive association with being handled as these manipulations are paired with tasty treats. (According to VCA Hospitals)

Why It Matters:

Just like kids who grow up with lots of love and hugs tend to be more social, puppies handled early become:

✔ More comfortable with people (less scared or aggressive).

✔ Easier to groom/vet-check (okay with paws, ears, and mouth being touched).

✔ Better family pets (happy being held, cuddled, and examined).

Key Rules for Success:

✅ Keep it SHORT & POSITIVE (stop if they squirm or seem stressed).

✅ Involve different people (men, women, kids) so they generalize trust.

✅ Pair with happy vibes (soft voice, gentle touch, no forcing).

✅ Do it DAILY (consistency = lifelong confidence).

8 steps for puppy handling:

1. Rub and gently tug on their ears.

2. Cover their eyes for 3-5 seconds.

3. Open their mouth.

Note: Inspect their teeth and place your finger inside of their mouth. You can rub their tongue and gums. Always look at 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 circular motion.

5. Run your hand up their back (from tail to head).

Note: Also practice “heavy petting” or patting you pup’s back like your burping a baby.

6. Gently tug and twist their tail.

7. Rub your finger in between all of their paw pads.

8. Tap on the tips of their nails.