Why Dogs Squirm When Held: Understanding Their Behavior
Sometimes when we pick up our dogs, they immediately start wriggling and trying to escape from our hands. If this happens, don't rush to think that your dog doesn't love you. In fact, there are many reasons behind this behavior.
Many dogs dislike being restrained because it limits their freedom to move and react. Dogs are naturally designed to run fast and their instinct when feeling threatened or uneasy is to flee. Being held prevents them from escaping, which can raise their stress levels and anxiety. So when your dog squirms, it might be expressing discomfort or anxiety rather than a lack of affection.
Additionally, dogs communicate affection differently than humans. They show it through licking and sniffing rather than hugging or being cuddled. Signs that your dog is uncomfortable with being held include turning their head away, showing the whites of their eyes (often called "whale eye"), pulling their ears back, lip licking, or yawning. These are clear signals that the dog is not feeling relaxed.
Some dogs, especially puppies or small dogs, may also squirm due to physical reasons, such as soreness from rough play, or discomfort from a burr or similar irritant. Sometimes this behavior can also stem from needing to build trust or from not being used to gentle restraint.
If you'd like your dog to be more comfortable being held, you can practice gentle, brief holding combined with calm commands like "Settle", accompanied by plenty of praise when the dog relaxes. This approach helps the dog associate being held with positive experiences and security rather than fear or discomfort.
Ultimately, if your dog squirms when held, it's important to be patient and attentive to their body language. Respect their limits, and use positive, gradual training techniques to help them feel safe and loved.
Japanese dog trainer Iroha analyzes the 5 common psychological reasons why dogs don't want to be held, and shares small details to pay attention to when holding your dog. Check it out now!
1. Too High, Too Scary
When we stand and hold our dogs, they are often lifted more than 1 meter (about 3 feet) off the ground. You might think that 1 meter isn't a big deal, but for those short-legged little dogs, it's like riding a roller coaster.
The sensation of having all four paws off the ground can be very frightening for them. Just like how humans can feel uneasy when suddenly suspended in the air, dogs can become quite alarmed by this unfamiliar experience.
Understanding how our pets perceive these moments helps us be more mindful of their comfort and reduces their stress. Next time you pick up your dog, try to be gentle and aware of how high you're lifting them, so that your furry friend feels safe and secure.
2. How to Properly Hold a Dog to Avoid Anxiety
Holding a dog incorrectly can cause discomfort and anxiety for the animal. Some common mistakes include using only one hand to support the dog's belly while letting its legs dangle freely, or rocking the dog back and forth as if holding a baby. These unstable holding positions can make the dog feel insecure, anxious, or even frightened.
To properly hold a dog, ensure you support both the front and rear parts of the dog's body securely. For example, when lifting a small dog, use one hand to support the chest behind the front legs while the other hand supports the hindquarters, holding the dog close to your body. This stable and secure hold helps the dog feel safe and comfortable.
Avoid sudden movements or shaking while holding the dog. Gentle, steady support without excessive swaying or dangling is vital to prevent anxiety. Always consider the dog's temperament and physical comfort to ensure the handling is as calm and reassuring as possible.
3. Understanding Changes in Your Dog's Affectionate Behavior
Sometimes, a dog who used to enjoy being held may suddenly start resisting close physical contact. This change in behavior can be a sign that your dog is experiencing some physical discomfort. Dogs communicate through body language, and resistance to affection can indicate issues like joint injuries, skin inflammation, or even pain caused by something pressing on their body, such as a metal button on your clothing.
Dogs do not speak with words, so they rely on subtle behavioral cues to express discomfort or pain. A dog that once eagerly allowed you to hold them but now pulls away might be telling you that something is wrong physically. This could be due to an injury to their joints, which makes movement or being touched painful, or skin conditions like inflammation that cause sensitivity. Even an external factor, such as the pressure from a metal clasp on your clothes when you hold them, could cause irritation and lead to avoidance.
If you notice such changes, it is important to observe your dog closely for other signs of pain or discomfort, such as limping, licking or biting a specific area, or a change in posture. Consulting a veterinarian is advisable to identify and treat any underlying medical issues. Addressing the problem early can help restore your dog's comfort and affectionate behavior.
4. Understanding the Need for Freedom in Active Dogs and Puppies
Energetic dogs and puppies crave freedom of movement. When they are suddenly lifted while playing or eating, they often feel restrained and restricted. This sudden limitation on their movement can trigger an immediate urge to struggle and escape.
It is important for dog owners to recognize this behavior and allow their pets the space to move freely during activities. Respecting their natural energy and need for independence helps build trust and promotes a happier, more relaxed pet.
5. Understanding Dogs' Fear of Being Hugged
Developing a fear of hugs: If a dog has ever fallen and gotten injured while being held, or if being picked up always leads to a visit to the vet, the dog may develop a fear associated with being hugged and may try to escape whenever it hears the word "hug".
Dogs often do not naturally enjoy being hugged because hugging restricts their freedom of movement, which can feel threatening or stressful to them. Unlike humans, dogs do not use hugs as a form of affectionate communication. Instead, physical restraint through hugging can lead to anxiety or fear, especially in dogs that have had negative experiences such as injury or uncomfortable veterinary procedures while being held.
Research shows that many dogs display signs of discomfort when hugged, such as avoiding eye contact, turning their heads away, lip licking, blinking, or even attempting to bite or nip to get free. This reaction stems from their natural instincts as cursorial animals—species adapted for running and quick escape in the face of danger. Being held or hugged immobilizes them, which can cause stress or fear responses.
Therefore, it is important for dog owners to recognize that not all dogs appreciate hugs and to respect their boundaries. Instead of hugging, petting or gentle physical contact that the dog seeks out can build trust and strengthen the human-dog bond more effectively.
Important Tips for Holding Your Dog Safely
When holding your dog, there are several important things to keep in mind to ensure both your safety and your dog's comfort. First, it's crucial to adopt a safe and comfortable posture. Avoid holding your dog vertically. Instead, try to keep your dog's body parallel to the ground.
Use both hands to support your dog's chest and abdomen (or chest and hips), distributing the support points evenly. This helps your dog feel secure and prevents discomfort.
When putting your dog down, do not let them jump directly from a height. Instead, slowly squat down and wait until all four paws touch the ground before releasing your dog.
If your dog clearly does not want to be held, do not force it or chase after it to pick it up. Doing so may make your dog more resistant to being held in the future.
