Pugs are extremely friendly and lovable, that’s why this breed is so popular. If you’ve ever wondered “do Pugs like to be held” you’re in the right place. Not every dog loves to be picked up and carried, and you’ll learn how to read their body language.
Do Pugs Like To Be Picked Up?
Every dog is different, but most Pugs will love picked up and held. However, it’s important to understand that being picked up can be a scary experience for a dog.
From your pooches view, their space is being intruded and then they are being swept up off the ground, which prevents them from moving freely.
Before you make it a habit of picking up your Pug, it’s important to understand your canine’s body language and communication.
But first, let’s look at why some dogs don’t enjoy being held or being pet.
Why Some Dogs Don’t Like Being Picked Up
Pain
If your pooch squirms away from you when you’re holding them or just doesn’t enjoy it, it’s most commonly due to pain.
A canine’s limbs are not meant to support the entire weight of your dog when they are suspended in the air. While some dogs will tolerate the pain and discomfort better than others.
It’s important to be able to spot the signs of whether your dog loves being held or not.
Bad Experiences
Some dogs relate being held to an unpleasant experience such as the last time their nails were cut, or were picked up and handled roughly.
This is more common if you have children, especially, since kids have not been taught how to pick up a dog properly. They usually lift the dog by their front legs, which puts unnatural force and pain on their elbows, shoulders, and front toes.
If this is the case, then your dog has associated being held with a negative experience. The great thing is that you can recondition your dog to learn how to enjoy it. (I’ll discuss this below)
Haven’t Been Scruffed Since A Puppy
Some people scruff or lift a dog by the nape of his neck. We’ve all seen a mother dog and cat carries their pups like that. The truth is that you should NEVER scruff a full-grown dog.
You’re Doing It Wrong
It’s not unusual to see kids picking up dogs by their tails, limbs, and etc. If you have children, it’s important to teach them how to respect the dog and learn how to properly hold them.
Doesn’t Mind Being Held
A Pug that doesn’t mind being held and pampered will let you know with their body language. They will move closer to you and will beg you to pick them up.
In fact, they will be a cuddle monster and will want to be attached to you 24/7. It’s true most Pugs love to cuddle and are extremely affectionate. Check out the ways Pugs display their affection.
Dogs that don’t mind being held will want to sleep with you, lean up against you, and will want to constantly sit in your lap.
Other dogs may be more boisterous and will whine, bark, or paw at you until you make eye contact with them and pick them up.
The dogs that enjoy being picked up and held, will have a relaxed demeanor in your arms. When they want down, they’ll let you know by struggling and squirming until you put them down.
Leave Me Alone
A dog that doesn’t like being picked up usually won’t enjoy cuddling or sitting in your lap. In fact, they may have more of a cat personality, where they are happier when you leave them alone.
Canines are very observant and when you come into their space to pick them up, they may run to their favorite hiding spot.
These signs are telling you that they don’t want to be picked up and would rather be left alone. Some other signs “leave me alone” signs are struggling and squirming, cowering, leaning away, becomes stiff, yawning, lifting a paw, and turning their head or back.
Other more obvious signs may be; snapping, pawing, growling, or barking at you whenever you hold out your arms to them.
Can I Teach My Pug To Enjoy Being Held?
With proper training and persistence, you can teach your Pug to enjoy being picked up. You’ll want to start slowly to help keep your dog comfortable.
Here are some tips on how to pick up your four-legged friend.
How to Pick Up A Pug The Right Way
Believe it or not, there is a right and wrong way to pick up your Pug. As I mentioned above, you never want to pick up your dog by the scruff, tail, or limbs.
Most full-grown Pugs weigh around 23 pounds or less. This means you’ll want to use both your hands to pick them up.
Follow these steps to pick up your Pug the right way without causing them any pain.
- For a medium-sized dog like a Pug, place your dominant arm behind your dog’s back legs. With your non-dominant hand, you’ll want to secure their chest by putting your hand in front of their limbs.
- This position will help keep your dog safe and prevent them from falling.
Of course, if you have a smaller that weighs less than 25 pounds, the process would be different. A bigger dog may require two people to lift them up properly.
Here’s a video that will walk you through on how to properly pick up a dog, regardless of the size.
Wrong Ways To Pick Up A Pug
Regardless of what type of dog you have, you never want to pick them up by their tail, front limbs, scruff, collar, or their underarms.
Picking up your pet the wrong way can cause serious injury, and may even cause your dog to bite you.
Important Safety Tips
Before you pick up any dog, it’s always best to ask them first. This is especially true if you have kids and the dog isn’t comfortable being around them.
These are some important safety tips for strangers and kids that your Pug may not be comfortable with.
- Always seek permission from your pooch before picking them up.
- If your Pug shows any signs of discomfort, let them down.
- Never let children pick up an injured dog without the assistance of an adult.
Interacting with your Pug should be a pleasant experience for both of you. If you pay attention to the signs your pooch is sending you, it can help you respect their wishes.
Whether it’s an adult or child holding a pet, you need to learn how to do it the right way.
Final Word On Do Pugs Like Being Held
I know you want to hold your Pug, after all, that’s why most people get a dog. Before you make your four-legged friend uncomfortable, it’s important to respect their wishes.
Pay attention to your dog’s body language. Your Pug will let you know whether they want to be held or not.
Pugs are extremely friendly and lovable, that’s why this breed is so popular. If you’ve ever wondered “do Pugs like to be held” you’re in the right place. Not every dog loves to be picked up and carried, and you’ll learn how to read their body language.