General Handling of Dogs

Comfort Principles

Before handling patients, these principles should be followed:

1. start with a comfortable environment

2.  keep the pet from moving too much or pacing nervously

3.  support the animal well so it feels balanced and comfortable.

4. Do not force movement because it may escalate fear.

5. Know how and where to place your hands to control movement.

6. Wait until the pet is relaxed before starting any procedure.

7. Start with minimal restraint and increase it only if needed.

8. Avoid prolonged struggling and adjust your handling if necessary.

9. Use distractions and rewards when appropriate.

Support the Pet Well

• Never let a pet thunk or whack its head when positioning it in lateral or dorsal recumbency.

• Supporting the pet does not mean holding with a death grip; apply pressure only when needed, in the correct placement and manner.

• Rotate the pet on an axis to position it, such as for sitting.

• Rotate the hips, and always start in lateral position.

Handling Terminology: Recumbency definitions:

Recumbency:  means the state of leaning, resting, or reclining.
Lateral recumbency: means resting on the side.
Dorsal recumbency: means resting on the back or spine.
Sternal recumbency:  means lying or resting on the chest or sternum.

Hand Positions: Moving Forward

Hand positions for moving forward include chest hold, collar hold, U hold, and C hold for jumping up.

Head restraint

After placing the dog in the desired position, place one arm around the dog and cup under the mandible.
- Repeat with the other hand on the opposite side under the mandible.
- This controls and stabilizes the head for ocular exams.
- An alternative is the C hold around the muzzle with one hand resting on the back of the dog’s head.

Standing restraint

• Standing restraint uses one hand under the abdomen/flank area and neck hold.

• This is ideal for physical exams.

Sitting restraint

• Wrap your arm around the dog’s neck or use the C hold over the muzzle and mandible.

• Hold gently but securely until movement is shown, then a squeeze may be needed.

• Use the second hand around the rear or over the back of the dog.

For large dogs on the floor, place your foot behind the rear to prevent slipping backward.

Sternal restraint

• After getting the dog to sit, apply gentle pressure to the back and slide the front limbs cranially until the dog is sternal.

• A trained dog can also be commanded to lie down.

Lateral recumbency restraint

• This can be a two-person restraint for larger dogs or a single-person restraint.

• Always support the dog’s head so it does not slam on the table or ground when moving into lateral.

• Use your legs or body to gently slide the dog onto its side.

• Grasp the legs closest to the ground or table to keep the dog from jumping back to sternal.

• Use your forearm to apply pressure over the neck to keep control of the head.

Dorsal recumbency restraint

• Lift from lateral into dorsal recumbency simultaneously.

• Do not stretch the dog; keep it in a natural position if possible.

• Support the spine with a blanket or V trough, especially in deep-chested breeds.

Relaxed Is Best

• Relaxed restraint is best.

• Use minimal or appropriate restraint and avoid struggling.

• If the pet struggles, fix your technique, switch to a different restraint position, get assistance, or try sedation before the pet becomes too aroused.

Use Distractions and Rewards

Use distractions and rewards such as food, praise, play, and petting when appropriate.
Use whatever works for that individual animal and adjust to its needs.