Goal

Puppy is calm and relaxed while being physically touched on every inch of body.  

Why

Puppy is comfortable being handled.

Set up

• Puppy off leash

Procedure

1. Sit down and have your puppy between your legs. Slow long strokes will calm the puppy.
2. Start at the head. Massage their gums and teeth.  
3. Nose: touch it.
4. Eyes: look at them, gently touch around them.  
5. Ears: massage, smell, and place fingers in them.  
6. Massage down the puppy’s neck.  
7. Front legs: Hold each leg out at the elbow (this is practice for blood draws). Feel and massage their toes and feet while their legs are stretched out.
8. Gently roll the puppy onto their side.
9. Massage puppy’s body and back.
10. Stroke the puppy's belly.
11. Back leg: Massage one back leg, toes, and feet.  
12. Roll the puppy to the other side.  
13. Massage their body and back.  
14. Massage the other back leg, toes, and feet.  
15. Feel all the way down the tail.  
16. Calmly release the puppy to get up.