The importance of handling your puppy early
The day your new little bundle of fur and paws first comes home is a red-letter day for any dog owner. That tiny velvety nose, those melting eyes, and their delicious puppy breath can make you want to smother them with endless cuddles. But thinking beyond these precious first few days, handling your puppy from a young age can play a critical role in shaping them into a confident, well-adjusted, and happy adult dog.
Why is it so important to handle your puppy early?
The first few months of your puppy’s life lay the foundations for the rest of their lives, as this is the time they are most receptive to new experiences. Regular and gentle handling will get your puppy used to human touch, which will help prevent anxiety and shyness as they grow. Exposing them to positive experiences in these formative months will build trust, help you bond, and let them know that being held and handled is safe and fun.
Puppies that are handled regularly are less likely to develop behavioural problems, like fear-based aggression or acting nervous around people. The more confident they are, the more they can bond with their family, and the more receptive they will be to training and socialisation. Without this important life lesson, you could find yourself with an adult dog that does not want to be touched, making everyday activities like vet visits, grooming, and training much more difficult.
Puppy Socialisation is linked to confidence
You may not realise it but handling your young pup forms part of their early socialisation — which are the lessons a puppy needs to learn about being a dog in a human world. Effective socialisation can significantly reduce the likelihood of your puppy developing behavioural problems or being shy and fearful.
When puppies are handled from a young age they grow in confidence and become more adaptable to different people and environments, and this is the secret to successful training — and training that’s lots of fun for you both!
Confidence will allow you to introduce your little bundle of fur to new situations — like a busy park, a street with heavy traffic, or a packed pub — without causing them stress or anxiety. In short, a confident puppy will grow into an adult dog that feels happy and safe no matter where you take them.
Healthcare and grooming for puppies
Picture this — you’ve booked your puppy in for their first grooming session, and as the groomer gets to work your little one turns into a Tasmanian devil and refuses to let the groomer touch them, let alone anything else. So embarrassing!
While pups on their first time at a groomer will be wiggly and excited, if you’ve put in the work at home with regular handling then the groomer should be a walk in the park. You should look in their ears, feel or brush their teeth, handle their paws, and run your hands over their body a few times a week to get them used to how it feels. By doing this, you can massively reduce stress for your puppy when at the groomer or the vet, and it will also make you feel much more relaxed about it.
This has another added benefit; if you are handling your puppy on the regular it lets you keep a closer eye on their health meaning you can spot any potential issues early. In your handling routine, you could also check for lumps, signs of ear or eye infections, or any signs that your puppy is experiencing pain that you may not otherwise notice. By teaching your pup to be calm and cooperative while you are checking them, you teach them that being handled like this is nothing to be afraid of and is actually quite nice! Trust me – your vet will thank you.
Tips for how to teach your puppy to be handled
Start slowly: Begin with short sessions where you gently handle your puppy. Stroke, apply light pressure, and run your hands slowly over different parts of their body. Remember to pay attention to tricky areas like their paws, ears, mouth and tail, as these are the areas they are more likely to react to. The aim here is to have a positive experience that helps build trust.
Be consistent: Add short handling sessions into your daily routine. Repetition helps your fur baby get used to it and know that it’s a nice experience, and they will learn that your touch makes them feel safe, secure, and bonded to you.
Positive reinforcement: Be generous with your rewards and praise during these sessions, so that your puppy learns that being handled is something really good.
Respect their boundaries: While handling them, you should be mindful of your puppy’s body language. If they seem anxious or are particularly resistant, stop and try again later when they’ve had a rest and some time to decompress. Never force the issue — it’s super important to take your cues from your puppy and go at their pace.
A family affair: The whole family should get involved in these handling sessions. This lets your puppy get used to all ages and sizes — especially children — so they get used to different people and not become overly attached to you.
Introduce new sensations: Once your pup is confident being handled, you should consider bringing in new textures, sounds, and objects for them to experience. For instance, you should consider letting your puppy get used to the feel of scissors, a brush, a comb, or a nail clipper (turned off) against their coat. This will help set them up for calm and positive grooming sessions.
Common mistakes in puppy handling
Rough or inconsistent handling: Being too rough with your puppy can create fear and mistrust, while inconsistent handling may confuse your puppy and may stop them from feeling secure.
Skipping handling altogether: You may be tempted to avoid handling sensitive areas like paws or ears, telling yourself you’ll do it another day. Unfortunately, this can often cause problems in the long term, so don’t shy away from it. Approach it gently and calmly.
Too much too soon: Too much handling in one go, especially in a loud or stressful environment, can be overwhelming for a small puppy. Short sessions that are controlled are so more effective than long, stressful ones.
Final Thoughts
Early handling is more than fun and games—it’s an essential ingredient for raising a well-rounded, sociable, and happy dog. By investing some time and patience in your puppy, you’ll help build a foundation of trust and security that will benefit it throughout its life.
So, whether you're preparing your puppy for its first trip to the groomer or helping it feel more comfortable at vet check-ups, regular handling when he/she is tiny will be your key to success. Take those extra few minutes each day to gently hold its paws, touch its ears, and give it loving belly rubs. Plus, all this quality time spent together will help build a solid bond. Happy handling!
If you would like some one to one puppy training to help raise a well-behaved puppy, why not look at my Clever Puppy Training Course.