Q&A for How to Get a Puppy to Stop Growling when You Pick Them Up

Understand when your puppy growls because it wants to be left alone. It's important to allow dogs their own time to enjoy their space or relax, although you have to balance that with ensuring they're submissive to your touch. Approach the situation empathetically, and ask yourself if it's important to pick up the dog now, or if it can wait. Touch should be a rewarding experience for your puppy, which will help desensitize it.

It can be difficult to tell play aggression and true aggression apart. The main differences are to be found in the dog's posture, which tends to be more rigid for true aggression. Also, the pup is more likely to stare at you directly, as if challenging your authority.

This depends on the circumstances. In the middle of a game, the puppy may growl as part of the play. However, if the puppy growls when you walk toward their food bowl, this is different. Seek the advice of a behaviorist or a good dog trainer on positive methods of reducing the latter behavior.

A dog doesn't growl for no reason and is trying to convey a message. What that message is depends on the individual situation the dog is in. However, if growling is out of character, never chastise the dog (they may stop growling but still feel angry) and get them checked out by a vet.

Sit on the couch with some treats and show them to your puppy. Once he climbs up on your lap to get a treat, cuddle up with him while he's eating it. Offer another one to get him to stay. Once he associates your lap with treats he will do it on his own.

Allow the dog to get used to your touch by petting and stroking him. Try rubbing his belly and putting your hand around him but not picking him up. Gradually apply more pressure and lift him off the ground for short periods of time. Although some dogs naturally don't want to be picked up, it's just a preference. Try not to harass him too much about it and give him his space.

If she is two months old, she is probably teething. When she bites or chews on anything other than a chew toy, just get her to play with the toy instead. Puppies require patience.

Squeeze the sides of the dog's mouth gently and quickly snatch it out his mouth.

Give him a treat, and while he eats it, say "Good boy!" in an enthusiastic way. Get down to his level when you talk to him, and give him lots of praise. Gradually start trying to touch him if you think he knows you. Don't start with your hand above him, as he may feel threatened. Make sure he knows you are doing something, because he may jump and lash out at an unexpected contact. Try stroking him while he is waking up from a heavy sleep, as he will be less aware of his surroundings. If you haven't already, get him checked out by a vet. Sometimes an animal will behave this way when they're in pain.

You may be touching a spot the dog does not want you to grab touch. The dog might not like being picked up because of discomfort. Allow your friend to put the dog on the ground, leash the dog, and tug slightly to give the dog a hint.