When Can You Hold Puppies?
There’s nothing quite like the innocence of newborn puppies gently snuggled against their mother. A litter of puppies offers children and adults the chance to bond and care for these tiny creatures but misconceptions exist over how old a puppy must be before it may be held. From the time of birth or soon after, puppies benefit from light human touch but there are some guidelines about how and when a puppy should be handled.
Instructions
1. Move slowly and reassuringly. Before you touch a new puppy, its mother must be calm and accepting of your presence. Pet behaviorists believe puppies imprint smells, touch and their mother’s emotions even before their eyes open. If the mother dog is staunchly protecting her newborn litter, it’s not time to hold a puppy. A well-behaved mother dog will usually allow her owners near her litter right away but some dogs need a day or two to adjust to being a parent.
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. Some newborn puppies become accidentally separated from their mother and will need your help to be picked up and put back.
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. When a puppy is picked up and its tiny legs flail in the air, it becomes instantly frightened and it may protest. Gently snuggle the puppy’s legs with both of your hands, creating a feeling of safety for the pup.
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. Alternately, have the child sit on the floor and help him hold the puppy safely. If a child is excited or loud and boisterous, reschedule puppy-holding time. Under no circumstances should a small child pick up and hold a puppy whose eyes are not yet opened.
5. Continue to monitor a child’s activities around a puppy even after three weeks of age. Use your discrimination in making the determination. A school-age child who exhibits a gentle caring attitude will be able to hold a puppy without concern but a younger child must be supervised.
6. Give newborn puppies lots of attention and human touch in order to increase their ability to interact later with their owners.
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