More about Body Handling:

 Please spend time each day, 3-5 minutes in a formal body handling session!

When a 7 or 8 week old puppy arrives from GEB to our homes, body handling is easy and simple. The small puppy sleeps a fair amount (at least during the day!) that first week and so many raisers find it natural to spend a lot of time massaging the ears and feet while they cuddle the pup. Then the puppy gets bigger and routine body handling is sometimes neglected in favor of loose lead walking, the commands of sit, down, stay, and come and the need to provide appropriate socialization experiences.

Some pups seem to enjoy these massage sessions from the beginning. Others are more challenging. Don’t give up! Many people try to perform grooming tasks (nail clipping, brushing, ear cleaning) during massage sessions. If you do this, it is important to be sure that the grooming is a positive experience. A puppy won’t like massage much if just as they relax their nail is clipped to close to the quick. 

For young puppies who may be mouthy, massage will help a lot with the play biting. It may not be easy, but a couple of sessions every day kneeling over the pup with its chin cradled in one hand and your other hand massaging the face in slow circles, moving to the ears, touching the feet,  will eventually give you and the pup a set of cues about how to settle down.

For some older pups, there comes a time when they seem to rebel against the handling. They squirm and try to engage you in play instead of the calm massage session. Try to pick a time when the dog is naturally settled. Find a low seat (sometimes sitting on a stair is just right), and again, have the dog sit between your knees and begin the massage working slowly.

The dog learns many things while you work on this part of training. First, that you are the boss; a kind, soft-spoken, endlessly patient, gentle boss- but still the boss. The puppy also learns that there is no need to fear being touched and handled by humans, and, eventually, that human interaction of this sort is pleasant. 

So, keep it positive. Keep it regular.