Why Is My Dog Growling When I Pick Them Up? The Surprising Reasons

Dogs are often seen as loyal and obedient creatures that always love their owners.

However, sometimes dogs can act out in strange ways that leave their owners scratching their heads in confusion.

One of the most common behaviors that dog owners find puzzling is when their pup growls or snaps when they try to pick them up. So why do dogs do this?

In this article, we will explore some of the possible reasons your dog might be growling when you try to pick them up.

Why is my puppy growling when I pick them up and how to deal with it?

The common reasons puppies growl when picked up are:

Because they are afraid

This is most likely to happen if you have not been handling your puppy a lot since they were born.

Puppies that are not used to being handled can be scared of being picked up and may growl as a way of expressing their fear.

If your puppy is growling when you try to pick them up, it is important to be gentle and patient with them.

Try slowly acclimating them to being picked up by first touching them all over their body, then gradually moving your hands towards their chest and belly.

Only pick them up once they are comfortable with being touched in these areas.

Because they are in pain

Puppies are not always good at communicating when they are in pain. They may growl as a way of expressing that something hurts.

If your puppy yelps or tries to bite you when you touch a certain area of its body, it is possible that they are injured and you should take them to the vet for an examination.

It is important to be aware of the signs that your puppy is in pain so that you can get them the help they need.

If you think your puppy may be injured, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian.

Because they are trying to assert dominance

In some cases, puppies may growl when picked up as a way of asserting their dominance over you.

This is most likely to happen if your puppy is the alpha of the litter and is used to being in charge.

If your puppy is growling when you try to pick them up, you can assert your dominance over them by being firm and assertive with them.

Do not pick them up if they are growling, but instead wait for them to calm down and be quiet before picking them up.

How to teach your puppy to enjoy being picked up?

If your puppy is growling when you pick them up, here are what important things to do.

Do not punish your puppy for growling.

Growling is a normal part of puppy development and should not be punished.

Puppies growl for a variety of reasons, including fear, aggression, and excitement.

If a puppy is growling because they are afraid, punishing them will only make them more scared and less likely to want to be picked up.

This can lead to further behavioral problems down the road.

If a puppy is growling out of aggression, it is important to consult with a professional trainer to determine the best course of action.

With proper socialization and training, most puppies will outgrow their need to growl. Therefore, punishment is not necessary and can actually do more harm than good.

Be patient and gentle with your puppy

Picking up a puppy is not as simple as just scooping them into your arms.

Puppies are fragile and need to be handled with care. If you are too rough, you can cause them pain or even injure them.

It is important to be patient and gentle when picking up your puppy. You should also support their weight so that they feel secure.

Slowly bring them close to your body and then lift them up. Make sure to hold them close to your chest so that they feel safe and secure.

With practice, your puppy will learn to enjoy being picked up and will be more cooperative when it happens.

Take them to the vet for an examination

One of the most important things you can do for your puppy is to take them to the vet for an examination.

Not only will this help to ensure that they are healthy, but it will also allow you to socialize with other animals and people.

During the examination, your puppy will likely be required to be picked up by the vet or their staff.

This is an excellent opportunity to teach your puppy that being picked up can be a positive experience.

Be sure to praise them and give them treats while they are being handled, and they should soon learn to enjoy the process.

As a result, they will be less likely to be anxious or afraid when they need to be examined in the future.

The takeaway

Puppies growl for a variety of reasons, including fear, aggression, and excitement.

If your puppy is growling when you pick them up, it is important to be patient and gentle with them. With proper socialization and training, most puppies will outgrow their need to growl.

However, if your puppy is injured or in pain, it is important to take them to the vet for an examination.