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Handling Exercises Through Massage

It is very important that you teach your puppy to accept mild restraint, such as might be required in a veterinary examination or grooming session, and to enjoy being handled and touched. Start this process by massaging your puppy several times each day, gradually increasing area massaged, time of massage, and people who massage, by following the progression listed below.

Start this process by massaging your puppy several times each day, gradually increasing area massaged, time of massage, and people who massage, by using the following progression:

Begin with your puppy between your legs. Gently massage your puppy's head, temples, ears, shoulders, chest, front legs, paws, pads, toes, and nails, all in a circular motion. If your puppy struggles or squirms, quietly hold on to him until he calms down then release him. Your puppy should learn that lying still will result in being able to get up. If you release your puppy when he is wiggling, then this behavior will be reinforced. You can also offer your puppy a chew toy to help keep him quiet. Next time, he should lie still for a little longer. If your puppy bites or mouths you, give an "ouch"! so he understands that his mouthing hurts and continue massaging.
  1. Massage your puppy three times a day for three days, three minutes each time. Incorporate your puppy's head, temples, ears, shoulders, chest, front legs, paws, pads, toes, nails, etc. into your massage. If your puppy struggles or squirms hold him still until he calms down, then continue.

  2. Once your puppy is at ease and completely comfortable with the first stage of massage, gently place him on his side, roll him over slightly, and massage in the same manner, now incorporating his belly, hind legs and feet, flanks, tail, etc.

  3. Also teach your puppy to allow you to gently open his mouth and put your finger inside, gently running it around inside his mouth and over his gums, pick up his ears and lift his tail. As you do each of these things, talk to him quietly, and even offer him a tidbit. This will help prepare him to enjoy any routine care that you may need to give his teeth and ears.
Repeat this exercise with your puppy three times a day, for three days, but now gradually increase the massage time to five minutes. Gradually (one at a time), have each family member work on massage exercises with the puppy.

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PETsMART Accredited Training Instructors, in addition to their previous experience, receive a minimum of 120 hours of training in a curriculum which includes: Canine Behavior, Learning Theory ("How Dogs Learn"), Problem-Solving, Classroom Management, Equipment, Handling Skills and more. Where possible, hands-on training is completed in partnership with local shelters, using shelter dogs to demonstrate training methods, behavior assessment and handling skills. This enables us to accredit our instructors while contributing to the community, as we help to make these dogs even more adoptable.

Suzanne Hetts Ph.D. is certified as an applied animal behaviorist and co-owner of Animal Behavior Associates, Inc., in Denver, CO.

Terry Ryan is the well-known author of training books such as The Toolbox for Remodeling Your Problem Dog and The Bark Stops Here.

Pia Silvani is the Director of Pet Training and Behavior at St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center in Madison, N.J.

Mary Lee Nitschke, Ph.D. is a Professor of Psychology at Linfield College, an Animal Behavior Therapist and the Director of Training for Animal School in Portland, OR.

Trish King is the Director of the Animal Behavior and Training Department at the Marin Humane Society in Marin County, CA.

Pamela J. Reid, Ph.D. is a certified applied animal behaviorist and assistant professor at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, where she teaches veterinary students courses in Applied Ethology and the Principles of Learning.
Information and advice contained on this site is for your consideration only. Please consult your veterinarian for specific advice concerning the care and treatment of your pet.