How to Safely Pick Up and Build Trust with Your Golden Retriever?
Learn the correct technique to pick up your Golden Retriever and build trust with 5 simple steps.
1. The Correct Pickup Technique
When picking up a Golden Retriever, especially for the first time, it's crucial to support their body correctly. Their long body and strong legs can make them feel unbalanced. Start by crouching down to their level. Place one hand under their chest, just behind the front legs, and the other hand under their hindquarters. This provides full support and prevents them from feeling like they're falling.
Avoid lifting them by their front legs, as this can cause strain. Instead, lift them using a gentle, steady motion, keeping their body level. This approach is especially important for adult Golden Retrievers, who can weigh between 55–75 pounds.
Remember, the key is to be gentle and patient. Golden Retrievers are social dogs and will appreciate the care you show during this process.
- Crouch down to their level
- Support chest with one hand
- Support hindquarters with the other hand
- Lift gently and steadily
- Keep body level during lift
2. Building Trust with Clear Steps
Building trust with your Golden Retriever is a gradual process. Here are five clear steps to help you establish a bond without causing stress:
1. Spend time sitting or lying on the floor, allowing your dog to approach you at their own pace.
2. Offer treats and gentle praise when they come closer.
3. Gently pet them, starting with their head and moving to their body.
4. Introduce the pickup technique in short, positive sessions.
5. Always end on a positive note, even if the session is brief.
- Spend time on the floor
- Offer treats and praise
- Gentle petting
- Short, positive pickup sessions
- End on a positive note
3. When Not to Handle
There are times when it's best not to handle your Golden Retriever:
1. After feeding: Wait at least 30 minutes after eating to avoid startling them.
2. During shedding: Avoid handling them when they're shedding excessively, as it can be stressful for them.
3. While asleep: Respect their need for rest and don't disturb them unnecessarily.
4. When rushed: Take your time and don't rush the handling process, as this can cause stress.
- Wait 30 min after feeding
- Avoid handling during heavy shedding
- Respect their sleep
- Avoid rushing
4. Stress Signals to Watch For
Golden Retrievers may show stress through various signals. Be aware of these signs:
1. Lip licking
2. Shaking
3. Hiding
4. Pacing
5. Whining
If you notice these behaviors, it's a sign to slow down and reassess your handling technique.
- Lip licking
- Shaking
- Hiding
- Pacing
- Whining
Keep reading about Golden Retriever: Golden Retriever care sheet
Related questions
How often should I handle my Golden Retriever for the first time?
Start with short, positive sessions of about 5 minutes, gradually increasing the duration as your dog becomes more comfortable.
What if my Golden Retriever is scared of being picked up?
Be patient and take it slow. Use treats and gentle praise to create positive associations with handling.
Can I pick up my Golden Retriever too much?
Yes, over-handling can be overwhelming for a Golden Retriever. Aim for a balance, handling them enough to build trust but not so much that they feel stressed.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your golden retriever is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.