Low-Stress Handling Techniques for Large Dogs
- Dr. Zeke Zekoff
- Apr 27
- 2 min read
Handling large dogs can be challenging, but with the right techniques, it can be a safe and stress-free experience for both the dog and the handler. This guide provides an overview of low-stress handling techniques specifically tailored for large dogs, focusing on establishing control, preventing unwanted movements, and safely changing positions.
Evaluating the Dog
The first step in handling any dog is to evaluate their demeanor. Is the dog relaxed, excited, fearful, or nervous? Understanding the dog's emotional state is crucial for choosing the appropriate handling techniques and ensuring a safe interaction.
Basic Handling Principles
Greeting and Positioning: Begin by greeting the dog calmly and offering a treat to create a positive association. Reward the dog for automatic sits to encourage cooperation. Controlling the dog's movement is essential for positioning them correctly, whether for examination on the floor, standing, or sitting.
Controlling Movement: Chapter 11 of this guide covers various techniques for controlling a dog's movement. It emphasizes the importance of being able to quickly adapt and switch between techniques based on the dog's reactions.
Restraint Techniques for Large Dogs
Preventing Forward Movement: Techniques such as holding the collar, chest holds, and neck holds can be used to prevent a large dog from moving forward.
Preventing Jumping and Moving Away: The neck hold and "making a ceiling" technique are effective in preventing dogs from jumping up or moving away.
Preventing Body Movement: To prevent a dog from moving its body away, handlers can use techniques like placing a hand on the hip or across the flank, or placing a hand across the side of the chest.
Changing Positions
Lifting: Lifting large dogs requires specific techniques to ensure safety for both the dog and the handler.
From Stand to Lateral: Two-person techniques are recommended for moving large dogs from a standing to a lateral position. There are also alternate two-person techniques for dogs that need head control and one-person techniques for medium-sized dogs.
From Stand to Sit: Several methods can be used to move a dog from a standing to a sitting position.
From Sit to Down: Verbal cues, treats, and two- or three-person techniques can be employed to move a dog from a sitting to a down position. One-person techniques may be suitable if the dog is calm.
Additional Techniques
Other helpful tools and techniques include using an easy slip lead, counterconditioning to a muzzle or gentle leader, a calming cap, and various techniques from chapters 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, and 19 of this guide.
By mastering these low-stress handling techniques, handlers can create a safer, more comfortable, and positive experience for large dogs during handling and examinations.
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