How should I pick up a young puppy correctly?

One hand placed under the chest, between the front legs, and the other supporting the rear end gives a puppy a secure, evenly distributed lift. Lifting only under the front legs, a common instinct, can be uncomfortable and does not give the back end any support.

If children will be picking the puppy up, show them the same two handed method and have them sit or kneel on the floor first, rather than standing, to reduce the chance of a drop from height.

Lifting a puppy by scooping it up from behind without warning often triggers a startle response, so approach from the front or side where the puppy can see you coming, and pause briefly with a hand extended before lifting so the puppy has a moment to anticipate what is happening.

Holding a wriggling puppy out at arm's length to keep clothes clean is a common instinct that actually increases the chance of a drop, since there is less control and the puppy has more room to twist. Bringing it in close to your body, even if it means accepting a bit of mud or dampness on your clothes, is the safer choice.

For a particularly small or fragile breed, cradling the puppy in one arm against your chest, supported from underneath along its full body length rather than gripped from the sides, tends to feel more secure to the puppy and reduces the twisting that leads to drops.