Handling Your Dog and Why It’s Important

Training dogs to accept handling is a crucial component of any training program. Puppies should be taught from an early age that handling is a positive thing. That way, you’ll be able to comfortably administer medicine, groom, transport and allow for veterinary examination.

Accepting handling is natural for most young puppies, however as they mature, some dogs learn to take exception to being touched. A good training program includes plenty of positive association work for handling over several areas. Here are 6 that should be included in every puppy training program.

Grooming

All dogs require basic care. Even breeds with the simplest of grooming requirements will have to be accepting of ear and eye cleaning, toe nail trimming and various degrees of brushing. Some dogs will require more extensive grooming including trimming and blow drying. It’s important that they are comfortable with any grooming you may have to do, so practicing techniques coupled with positive association rewards such as food and praise will go a long way with a young puppy.

People

Not all dogs enjoy being touched by strangers, but they should be able to tolerate it comfortably enough that it doesn’t cause them stress or to bite. Acclimating to strangers and children is important for both…