Everyday care
Care your dog can cooperate with
Being small should not mean losing every choice about touch. Gentle handling practice makes grooming and veterinary examinations easier.
In this guide / 3 chapters
Touch, release, reward
Begin in a quiet place with an area your dog enjoys having touched. Briefly touch, remove your hand and reward. Gradually introduce another body area or a little more duration, changing one thing at a time. Pause if the dog turns away, stiffens or tries to leave. Introduce equipment first as an object to investigate, then as a momentary touch. Practise with new people and places only after the easier version feels comfortable.
Look beyond the coat
Use grooming as a chance to notice changes in skin, feet, nails and body condition. Long and smooth coats require different brushing routines, so ask a groomer or nurse to demonstrate suitable equipment. Do not force painful mats or sensitive nails. A sudden dislike of handling can indicate pain and deserves a vet check; an established fear may also need behaviour support.