How to Carry a Dog Properly | Protect Their Back

Carry a dog properly by supporting both the chest and hindquarters simultaneously while keeping the dog held close to your body.

For the full breakdown, see our best Carry Bag For Small Dogs guide.

Lifting a dog the wrong way — by the forelegs, scruff, or tail — can strain their spine and joints. Here’s the method that protects both you and your dog on every lift.

The Two-Hand Support Method

The core principle is even support for the front and rear of the dog’s body at the same time. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends placing one hand under the chest and the other supporting the hind legs and rump for small dogs. For larger breeds, slide one arm around the front of the chest and the other behind the back legs.

This two-point hold keeps the spine in a neutral position. When you lift, bend your knees instead of your waist — both Dogs Trust and Whole Dog Journal stress this to protect your own back. Crouch down to the dog’s level, get a secure grip, and stand up using your leg muscles while bringing the dog close to your torso.

Small Dog Carry

Your other arm slides under the hindquarters, with your hand supporting the rump. The dog’s body should rest in a horizontal, natural posture — never dangling with the legs hanging free.

Large Dog Carry

Larger dogs need a broader support base. Place one arm around the front of the chest at the base of the front legs and the other arm behind the back legs, scooping the rear. Lift smoothly with your legs, not your back, and hold the dog against your body.

Common Lifting Mistakes That Hurt Dogs

Several handling habits that look harmless can actually injure a dog. Avoid them every time you reach down to pick up your pet.

• Scruff lifting. Grabbing the loose skin on the back of the neck is for kittens, not dogs — it pulls the skin and strains the neck.
• Foreleg lifting. Hoisting by the front legs throws the entire body weight onto the shoulders and elbows.
• Tail or rear-leg lifting. This torques the spine and hip joints and can cause serious injury.
• Bending at the waist. This stresses your own back and makes the lift less stable for the dog.
• Holding the dog away from your body. An outstretched hold gives the dog room to wriggle and puts unbalanced pressure on their spine.

If the dog starts squirming, lower them gently to the ground and try again rather than tightening your grip.

Special Cases: Arthritic Dogs and Heavy Breeds

Dogs with arthritis or joint pain need extra care. Whole Dog Journal notes that a modified hold may work best — but the chest-and-rear support principle stays the same. Try a slightly deeper cradle under the hindquarters to ease pressure on tender hips, and always move slowly. A smooth, calm lift is less startling; jerky motions can cause a painful dog to yelp or struggle.

With very heavy dogs, get a second person. One handler supports the chest and front legs, the other the hindquarters and back legs, and both lift together on a silent count. This prevents injury to the dog and to both human backs.

When Carriers and Crates Are the Smarter Choice

Not every dog needs to be carried by hand.