Step 2: Assess the Issue
If we don’t know where your dog’s issue starts, we won’t know if what we’re doing is working.
Start out by keeping track of your dog’s issues for at least a week. When does he get upset about handling? What were you doing? What else was going on nearby? What did he do?
For example:
June 24, 2019: Fluffy allowed me to clip his leash on for our 7:30am walk no problem. It was quiet in the house (everyone else was asleep). I picked up his leash and he came over. I reached under his neck and clipped it on. But when I went to take his leash off, he growled at me. It was 8:00am and we’d returned from our walk. Jojo, the neighbor’s dog, was barking at us. I pulled Fluffy into the house and was talking to Ted about dinner plans. I reached for Fluffy’s collar, grabbed it, and rotated it upwards to unclip the leash. When I reached in with a second hand, he lifted his lips and growled. His eyes were really big.
If you keep a journal like this, you’re likely to identify some patterns. Do you see the difference between the 7:30am and 8:00am collar grabs? Why do you think Fluffy was OK with the earlier collar grab, but not the 8:00am one?
It’s also time to consider getting help from a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant. Some handling issues are easy to work through – but many are not. Check our aggression scoresheet to see how your dog stacks up.
If you feel like your dog might bite or needs a muzzle for safe training, get help!
The answer? Train a trick!
I have a Shetland sheepdog that, ever since he was a puppy, did not like to be held, restrained, or even really petted. He used to scream whenever I would try to hold him – that’s just his personality. He was never abused or even corrected, he just doesn’t want to be told what to do (I think he was a terrier in another life). So, when it came to doing things like nail trims, or trimming his paw hair for shows, forget it.
I also happen to live in Oregon, on a farm, which means lots of rain and lots of mud. I know what a pain it can be to have to wipe a struggling dog’s paws several times a day after potty breaks and walks.
Step 1: Check for Pain
If your dog doesn’t like having his paws touched, it’s important to get a veterinary checkup as your first course of action.
That’s because it’s possible that this handling sensitivity is related to pain.
When I worked at the shelter, we often saw dogs who didn’t like being handled. Some of these dogs actually had abscessed teeth, ingrown toenails, or painfully matted fur.
Ideally, look for a Fear-Free Certified Vet. Keep in mind that assessing your dog for pain can be really difficult if your dog is terrified of the vet. But a thorough checkup is a MUST!
Be sure to warn your vet ahead of time WHY you’re coming in. Don’t spring this question on your vet after they’ve just finished up routine vaccinations!