My puppy shivers and runs when picked up. How can I calm her?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Some dogs feel uncomfortable while being picked up, and you may want to try to be gentle while drying/brushing her. I typically recommend waiting until most dogs are fully dry before brushing. It is important to establish good behavior around people while Muffin is a puppy. You can do this by giving her treats when she is "good" or in situations where she may be somewhat uncomfortable in - for example, while you are picking her up, brushing her, etc. If Muffin starts barking, growling or nipping at a time when she shouldn't, I recommend ignoring her rather than punishing her. I would also be happy to answer any more questions you may have about training Muffin!

That does sound a bit like nerves, especially if it is only happening when you pick him up a certain way and he doesn't have any other symptoms. I would try to pick him up in a way that is more comfortable with him, as well as try to get him more used to be handled. This can be done by offering a favorite treat every time you handle him -- such as when you pick him up, touch his paws, face, etc. Praising and rewarding will help him to associate it with good things and can make handling and picking him up a bit easier in the future as well. If the behavior continues, worsens, or other symptoms appear, it is always a good idea to have your vet take a look as well to rule out any health or pain issues that could be causing it.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Besides this being behavioral, this could also be due to a medical issue such as a display of pain of some sort. I recommend that if this persists, you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for this possibility and treat him accordingly. This may require taking x-rays. Good luck and have a great day!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry to hear Molly isn't feeling well. Unfortunately we are unable to give advice for medication without seeing Molly. I would contact your veterinarian to see if they can give you more assistance. I recommend making an appointment for her so they can find the source of her pain and get her the correct treatment. They may need to take x-rays to rule out a fracture. In the meantime, I would rest her in a kennel so she doesn't continue to injure herself. You could also try a warm compress on the area, but since it has been going on for so long, I would take her to a vet. Good luck and kisses to Molly!

Hello. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I recently raised a litter of puppies from a dog I adopted, & at about the same age, 1 of the puppies became very shy & scared. If you picked her up, she would sometimes scream like she was being murdered. With extra attention, over the next 4 weeks, she became much calmer & less anxious. She was never as assured as her litter mates, and all I can hope is she continues to mature & do well. All animals have different personalities, & at this young age, you cannot say how one will turn out. Give him as much of your attention as possible, & when it comes time to place him ( if you decide to ), it might be best to find someone with some experience raising dogs ( not a first-time dog owner ), & is possibly willing to put a little extra time in to train & socialize this pup. Take care.

Shaking can be a sign of anxiety (as with thunderstorms) or could indicate pain and discomfort. I would recommend taking Molly in to be examined by your veterinarian. She likely has some degree of arthritis and this could be causing her discomfort. She may need to be started on a joint supplement and an anti inflammatory drug to help with pain. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Hello. Trembling & lethargy can be signs of pain or a fever from an infection. If you can take her temperature ( any oral or rectal thermometer inserted just a small way into the rectum ) will work. If Molly's temp is above 103 F, you might want to have her seen today. Otherwise, try to keep her from jumping on or off furniture & carry her up & down any stairs in case she has somehow injured a disc in her neck or spine. Hopefully she will be feeling better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.