Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting and heartwarming experience! Those tiny paws, the adorable puppy breath, and the boundless energy make for an unforgettable journey. But amid all the snuggles and playtime, some aspects of puppy care can get overlooked including early handling.
So Jen and I decided to do this series to give both the puppy and their new human the information necessary to set everyone up for success!
One of the most important aspects of puppy care that is often overlooked is getting the pup used to being handled early on!
Puppies: Early Handling
Often, new puppy owners don’t realize how crucial it is to start handling their pups early. It’s never too early to start making grooming, nail clipping, ear and teeth cleaning, vet visits, and more a positive experience and preventing a world of stress later!
Puppies: Early Handling: Why it Matters
Puppies undergo a critical socialization period between 3 and 16 weeks of age, the prime time for learning what’s safe and enjoyable. If they aren’t gently introduced to being touched, lifted, or handled, they can become fearful or resistant later on. That’s when tasks like brushing their teeth or trimming their nails become a battle of wills.
And trust us, your future self will thank you when your full-grown Cane Corso calmly sits for a nail trim instead of wrestling you like a pro athlete!
ICYMI: Early Neurological Stimulation is Critical in the first 3-16 days of a puppy’s life!
How to Make Puppy Handling Positive: 4 Steps
Handling your puppy can be a positive experience if you start small, are gentle and patient, and reward often! In other words, make it FUN for your puppy (and you)!
Here’s a breakdown of everyday handling tasks:
1. Bathing & Brushing
Brushing should become part of your puppy’s daily routine early on. Start with a soft-bristle brush and make each session short, positive and fun to get them used to being groomed (without stress or anxiety). (Source: American Veterinary Medical Association)
Even if your puppy doesn’t need a complete bath yet, slowly get them used to:
- Being around water.
- The feel of water.
- The sound of running water.
- The sensation of being handled around water.
Gently use a damp washcloth at first, then progress to short baths. Pair the experience with treats and praise so they associate bath time with desirable outcomes.
Dogster: The 6 Common Reasons Dogs Hate Baths
2. Brushing Teeth
Yes, brushing your dog’s teeth should start as early as possible! Dental disease is a common issue in dogs, including the Cane Corso, so prevention should start young.
- Use a dog-safe (NEVER human) toothpaste, a soft toothbrush, a finger brush, or just your finger.
- Let them lick the toothpaste (which often tastes like chicken or peanut butter) off the brush or your finger and slowly introduce the brushing motion. Keep it fun, short, and rewarding. (Source: Veterinary Oral Health Council)
3. Ear Cleaning
Ear infections can be a problem in many breeds (including Cane Corsos), so getting your pup comfortable with ear cleaning is essential. Start by gently rubbing and massaging their ears during cuddle time. Once they’re comfortable with touch, introduce a vet-approved ear cleaner on a cotton pad. Never stick anything deep into the ear canal. Wipe just the outer ear and let them shake their head to remove any excess cleaner. (Source: Animal Health Foundation)
4. Nail Clipping
Nail trimming is another one of those dreaded grooming tasks. But if you start early, it doesn’t have to be a struggle.
What’s the Deal with a Dog’s Paws?
Dogs’ paws are highly sensitive, with many nerve endings in the paws and pads. The paws are also crucial for mobility, balance, and defense, so touching them can feel like a threat to the dog.
So, touch your puppy’s paws often, play with their toes, and give them plenty of treats and praise. Then, introduce a nail clipper or grinder, letting them sniff it first and then clip the very tip of one nail at a time and reward enthusiastically! Over time, they’ll learn that nail trims aren’t scary.
ICYMI: Early Scent Introduction is ALSO crucial the first 3-16 days of a puppy’s life!
The Final Bark!
Early handling is one of the best gifts you can give your puppy – and yourself! It builds trust, prevents future stress and anxiety, and makes routine care enjoyable for you both!
Some effort now will make a huge difference later, especially with large breeds like Cane Corsos, who will grow into powerful dogs. Handling them when they’re small ensures they’ll be cooperative and stress-free as adults.
So, start today!
Stay tuned for the next part of this series, where we’ll tackle another common mistake new puppy owners make with new puppies: socialization.
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