1.Holding a puppy up.
You hold a puppy up by placing your hands under his or her chest and lifting them gently, simultaneously you should move your hand to their rear to support their weight and bring them close to your chest.
Some puppies don’t like being carried and would resist this action, only if it is necessary that you need to raise him or her up then gently holding them up by the scruff of their neck and backside is recommended.
It is worth noting that this is the only time it is advisable to hold a puppy by its scruff. In fact, holding older dogs by their scruff is not recommended in any situation.
2. Holding smaller dogs up.
You hold a smaller dog up in the exact same way you hold a puppy up, the main difference here is that smaller dogs are a bit older so they are not supposed to be held by their scruff. Some dogs that fit into this description are Chihuahuas, Brussels Griffons, Pomeranians, Affenpinschers, Yorkshire Terriers, Toy Fox Terriers, Russian Toys, Japanese Chin, etc.
3. Holding medium-sized dogs up.
Holding up a medium-sized dog looks like the reverse of holding up a small dog. You start first by putting your stronger or more dominant hand behind their back legs for maximum support, then you use the other hand to lift them from the chest area.
It’s always good to keep in mind that placing them on your chest away from your face is the safest area for both you and your dog.
3. Holding large dogs up.
Usually, large dogs require at least two people to hold them up. You may first look at the possibility of holding them up in the same way you did a medium-sized dog. In the situation where this does not work out. Then get a partner and follow this process.
Put both hands under the chest area of your dog, let your partner lift the dog from behind the rear leg, move your dog to the new location, and gently set him or her down there. It’s important not to lift large and heavy dogs for long as they may start experiencing some pain.
A word of caution, avoid having your face directly facing the dog if he or she is experiencing some pain. In fact, you can take extra precaution and use a nuzzle for the period of the lifting as the pain the dog is experiencing can make him or her act out and unintended accidents can happen.
4. Holding pregnant dogs up.
Usually, holding up or lifting a pregnant dog is something that should be avoided, In the worst-case scenario, lift them as you would a large dog, taking extra precaution to avoid the stomach area.
A better option would be to fashion a makeshift stretcher. You can do this with a large towel or sheets. Get the pregnant dog to lie down on the towel or sheet, bundle the end (with the assistance of your friend or partner) and lift the pregnant dog to the new position.
5. Holding a dog with a spine problem up.
As with pregnant dogs, only hold up dogs with spine problems when absolutely necessary, follow the same process as when lifting large dogs and take the same precautions. You can also use the makeshift stretcher option.
6. Holding a dog with a hip problem up.
Unfortunately for dogs having hip problems or Hip Dysplasia, they need to be lifted from time to time. Whether you have to get them into the car for that vet hospital schedule, getting up into your bed if you allow that, or climbing stairs, they would need assistance.
As much as you can avoid putting pressure on the dog’s back legs, support the dog from the backside and lift him from the chest area, using your chest to support their body during the movement period.