Simple Handling Exercises to Reduce Dog Sensitivity

We all love cuddling and petting our dogs, but things can get tricky when it comes to grooming and health checks if your dog doesn’t like being touched. After a bad experience, like a painful nail trim, some dogs might avoid grooming altogether.

They can even become super sensitive to any touch.

Handling your dog regularly is important for their health and well-being. Instead of chasing them around every time you need to groom them, you can teach them to enjoy being touched through handling exercises.

If they associate handling with treats and praise, they’ll be much more relaxed about it.

Training Your Puppy

The best time to start handling exercises is when your puppy is young. A daily massage is perfect for health checks and getting them used to being touched.

Gently stroke and squeeze their paws, check their pads, and touch their nails, praising them for staying calm. Offer treats frequently. Lift and massage their ears, check their mouth, and don’t forget their belly and tail. Your puppy should get used to being touched all over while getting rewarded.

Do these exercises when your puppy is calm, like after playtime or a walk. Use mealtime as a reward for handling, so they link touch with good things. If they fuss, distract them with a treat. Soon, they’ll learn that being handled leads to rewards. Gradually introduce brushing, teeth cleaning, and nail trimming, starting small and giving lots of praise and treats.

Once your puppy is comfortable with you handling them, get other people to help out. This way, they’ll get used to being handled by strangers, like vets or groomers. Always reward them for cooperating.

Training an Older Dog

If your older dog already hates being handled, you can still turn it around with patience. Make handling positive by linking it with something they love, like cheese. Start with less sensitive areas and gradually move to more sensitive ones.

Here’s a step-by-step example:

1. Reach for your dog’s paw, then pull your hand away and give a treat.

2. Gently touch their paw briefly, then give a treat.

3. Gradually increase the time you touch their paw, always followed by a treat.

4. Gently squeeze their paw, then treat.

5. Hold their paw gently, then let go and treat.

Use a clicker or say “yes” to mark the end of each touch before giving a treat. If your dog is nervous, start by giving treats while touching them. Gradually progress to touching first, then treating.

This process might take days or even weeks. Go slowly and watch for signs of anxiety. If your dog seems uncomfortable, back off and go slower. Over time, your dog will relax during handling, making grooming easier and less stressful for both of you.

Why Handling Exercises Are Important

Regular handling exercises aren’t just about making grooming easier. They’re also crucial for your dog’s overall health. When your dog is comfortable being handled, it’s easier to check for health issues like cuts, lumps, or ticks. Regular handling can help catch potential problems early, which can be vital for your dog's health.

Tips for Effective Handling Exercises

1. Stay Calm and Positive

Dogs pick up on our emotions. If you’re nervous or frustrated, your dog will be too. Stay calm and use a soothing voice. Make the handling sessions positive by using treats and praise.

2. Be Consistent

Consistency is key to any training. Handle your dog regularly, not just when you need to groom them. This helps them get used to being touched and makes it a normal part of their routine.

3. Go Slow

Don’t rush the process. Start with short sessions and gradually increase the time. Watch your dog’s body language for signs of stress or discomfort. If they seem anxious, slow down and take a step back if needed.

4. Use High-Value Treats

Make the experience as rewarding as possible for your dog by using high-value treats they love. This makes the connection between handling and positive rewards stronger.

5. Incorporate Play

Mix handling exercises with play to keep it fun. This can help your dog stay relaxed and see handling as part of a fun activity.

Regular handling exercises can transform how your dog responds to grooming and health checks. A dog that is comfortable being touched is easier to care for and less likely to become stressed during vet visits. This not only makes life easier for you but also improves your dog’s quality of life.

Make Your Walks and Handling Easier

Balancing pet ownership with a busy life can be tough, but the right tools can make it easier. Handling exercises are important for your dog’s well-being, and having a good harness can improve your daily walks.

The Joyride Harness offers comfort and control, making walks more enjoyable for you and your dog. Its secure fit reduces pulling, helping you manage your dog better, which can improve their training and behavior.