The easiest way to pick up your puppy without risking injury is to reach under her chest (brisket) between her front legs with one hand and place the fingers of your other hand between her two rear legs, keeping your thumb under her tail. As you straighten your knees to stand, smoothly bring her into your chest so she is leaning into you. Puppies can get wiggly when you least expect it, so make certain her weight is fully supported by your hands, fingers, and forearms. Young children and awkward people shouldn't pick up the puppy and, instead, should either get down to her level or let her sit on their lap if she is small and calm enough. Many puppies do not like to be carried, but all should learn to tolerate being picked up and held.

As for general handling by you and others, gentleness is key. Rough handling, even under the guise of play, can hurt even the sturdiest-looking puppy, and can create bad habits in the future. Another aspect of handling that is important for your puppy to get used to is being touched all over her body. It's hard to find a dog that doesn't enjoy being petted on the head and back, but it can be hard to find a dog that does enjoy having her feet touched, her legs picked up, her head repositioned, her teeth checked, and so on. Being touched in these ways feels unnatural to your puppy or dog, but she must learn that she must allow you to do so — and that it is not painful.

With some tiny treats in your pocket, sit down next to your puppy and just interact normally with her. As you're doing this, reach for and gently hold a paw for just a second. Produce a treat and give it to her if she doesn't struggle. If she tries to pull her paw away instantly, let her, but don't give her a treat. As you're petting and interacting with her, try touching the sensitive areas — paws, ears, lips, under the tail — for very short times (just a second or two), and reward any positive response.

Handling Nipping

Remember that puppies explore with their mouths. Her natural way of interacting with you will be to want to mouth you, and she has sharp teeth! Don't hit her for accidentally nipping you, as she will be confused and scared by this. Instead, go into defense mode: Lower your eyes, put your hands into a fist so it is harder for her to get a grip on any part of them, and whimper loudly like a hurt puppy. This should startle your puppy and evoke a natural response to stop and observe you. If she backs off, reach out gently for her, and if she doesn't respond with her teeth, resume petting and gently playing. If she tries to go for you again, whimper again and get up and walk away from her. She needs to understand that using her teeth on you is unacceptable.