Daily Handling Exercises for Your Puppy

It is essential to continue daily handling so your puppy stays desensitized and comfortable with touch. Always keep your puppy calm with positive praise and snuggles, and only set them down once they are fully relaxed. Never release them while they are agitated or struggling, as they must learn that calm behavior is what earns their freedom.

Practice these specific handling techniques to prepare them for grooming, vet visits, and interactions with children:

Gently cover and rub their eyes, tug lightly on their ears, and open their mouth to inspect teeth and gums using a finger or baby toothbrush. Rub their belly in circular motions, run your hands down their back, and touch their nose. Place your hands around their collar so they are used to being held, and give their tail a light tug to prevent them from freaking out if a child grabs it. Finally, tap their toes as if clipping nails and rub between the pads to check for debris.