After all, there is nothing cozier than a new puppy with soft, fluffy fur. Holding your puppy strengthens your relationship with him and keeps him off the ground where he might be exposed to dangerous diseases. However, you shouldn’t keep your puppy in your arms all day; occasionally, he needs to play, sleep, or get away from the family.
Just how much attention is too much?
Puppies do require a lot of attention, but perhaps not as much as you might think. Refrain from giving in to their constant cries for attention and irresistible cute puppy eyes. Despite your desire to pick him up and cuddle him, doing so will only cause him to act out and develop separation anxiety. Over time, they will become overly dependent on you, and they will definitely take advantage of this. They recognize cues just like we do and associate whining with being picked up and cuddled.
Whining and crying can be brought on by a variety of different things, so it is sometimes best to let him deal with it alone. It will be tough but eventually he will learn. Whether he is complaining out of loneliness or fear, letting him be alone will teach him how to control it because there are times when we just need to solve certain problems on our own. This will be one of the hardest choices you have to make as a devoted pet owner, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how wonderful your pup ends up being.
How much supervision do puppies need?
Naturally, when you bring a new puppy home, he has no idea about the house rules or even what is expected of him. You must assist him in learning right from wrong so that he can mature into a self-assured and well-adjusted dog.
How can you do this?
During the first few weeks, you must constantly watch over your puppy so you can identify any behaviors that need to be stopped and establish some new routines for him to adopt. Those minor bad habits, such as urinating on the carpet or using his teeth to drag your favorite loafers into the yard Stop them in their tracks and direct him to perform the action you desire instead
Especially if your puppy will eventually weigh 150 pounds and is a large breed, you might not want him to get used to jumping into your lap for cuddles.
Sometimes squirmy puppies don’t want to be held. Along with cuddles, your puppy needs a lot of play and exercise. He should acquaint himself with his surroundings, and it’s beneficial for him to do so through other means.
Since 1999, Cate Rushton has worked as a freelance writer with a focus on wildlife and outdoor pursuits. Her articles on various websites also discuss relationships, gardening, and travel. Rushton graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Arts in English.
Take cues from your puppy’s behavior. If you try to hold him when he’d rather run around, he could develop an aversion to snuggling. Instead, play with him. Roll or throw a ball for him to chase, play with a toy or just run around the yard with him.
The puppy is ready to be handled more when he is 3 weeks old because his eyes and ears are open. Hold him several times per day for brief snuggle sessions.
FAQ
Is it bad to cuddle your puppy too much?
While playing and cuddling with your new puppy is perfectly acceptable, try to avoid picking them up too much. Holding your dog all the time might lead them to believe they are people and might encourage actions that lead to power struggles inside your house.
Is it bad to always carry your puppy?
It can cause increased stress on the lumbar spine. If we must carry our dogs, it is much preferable to support their backs and legs with our arms, allowing them to sit or lie down naturally.
What happens if you hold puppies too much?
Puppies Can Become Overwhelmed Your dog might retaliate by crying, nipping, whining, or trying to escape from your arms. Take him to his crate so he can unwind with a chew toy and calm down.
What happens if I hold my dog too much?
The muscles that support the front limbs and spine may be strained, ligaments may be torn, and a shoulder or elbow may even become dislocated as a result. In the worst-case scenarios, especially if the animal struggles and is dropped, it can harm the bones and cartilage.