First, act like you're going to pick him up, but give him a treat instead. Second, go to pick him up by putting your hand under his body, but don't actually pick him up. Just give him a treat, remove your hand, and walk away. Next, offer him a treat, then pick him up and keep offering treats until he is on your lap.
Another option: Put one arm under their front legs like a forklift and lift up, while supporting their feet with the other hand, and holding them against your body. Bigger dogs: Bend at the knees! Place one arm around the front of their chest (under the neck) and one arm around their back legs underneath the rump.
This change in tolerance to being picked up can happen to some extent as part of a pup's normal physical development (i.e getting bigger makes being picked up less comfortable), but often it is also a result of us over-using picking up or not teaching the puppy how to feel calm and confident about being picked up.
Whether your dog gets wriggly or aggressive when you scoop him up, he's communicating to you that he doesn't like that. Many dogs don't enjoy being held, some love it, many simply tolerate it. It is important to listen to what your dog likes and doesn't like.
Be cautious: A fearful dog may bite. If you don't think that you can safely handle the dog, don't try. Instead, call animal control (even if it's your dog).
Anxiety. In addition to vocalizing pain, dogs also growl as their means to scare away people or animals when they feel anxious or fearful. Your dog's tense demeanor every time you pick him up might stem from a traumatic event. For example, you or other members of the family might have lost grip while holding the dog.
Children who don't know better tend to lift by the front legs, whereas adults are more apt to put their hands under the armpits and lift as they would a child. Picking up a dog in this manner strains the muscles in the front legs and spine, which can result in torn ligaments and even a dislocated shoulder or elbow.
There are many possible reasons why a dog can't stand up, ranging from toxicity, injuries, and orthopedic reasons to infections, illnesses, and cardiovascular reasons.
Make training a habit.
To reinforce wanted behavior, engage your dog in short training sessions throughout the day. This can be as simple as asking your dog for a specific desired behavior, such as a sit or down, and rewarding his success with treats, play, petting or walks.
Yelling or pushing your puppy away may cause it to think that it's playtime, which will encourage even more biting and nipping. Reacting to its behavior with attention may cause the puppy to misinterpret you, which is why it's better to quietly and calmly remove yourself from the situation instead of yelling.
Do be patient if your dog stops and refuses to move, and only praise movement. Do step to the side of your dog to encourage movement and apply gentle pressure with the lead. If you make the dog feel unbalanced, it'll create movement. Don't forget to praise your dog for being well behaved.
A dog's first instinct in the face of danger is to run away. And being held prevents him from doing that. It's also possible that your dog has had a negative experience with a restraining hug.
To lift a medium or large dog comfortably, you want to cradle her in your arms – with one arm around the front of the chest and the other around her hind legs, below her tail and above her hocks, mid-thigh. Press the dog's body against your chest and lift, making sure the entire dog is well-supported so she feels safe.
Straight off the bat you should be correcting your dog's growling and/or snapping with a firm “no” at the onset of the behavior. When he stops growling, reward him with a “good boy”, or in the beginning, a treat if it's handy at the exact moment of training so that he knows what he is being rewarded for.
Some dogs resent being moved from where they are resting or sleeping and may use aggression in order to be left alone. Grumpy or aggressive? Some dogs try to stop you moving them by giving a warning and wouldn't go further, but some have learned to use snaps, snarls or bites to prevent themselves being moved.
When your dog delivers a hard bite, yelp loudly. Then, when he startles and turns to look at you or looks around, remove your hand. Either ignore him for 10 to 20 seconds or, if he starts mouthing on you again, get up and move away for 10 to 20 seconds. If necessary, leave the room.
The Proper Way to Lift a Large Dog
For severely injured dogs that are unable to stand on their own, a pet stretcher is often the safest way to transport your large dog. A transport stretcher safely supports your dog's entire weight and allows multiple people to help carry your dog to the car or to Vet.
Other Possible Reasons Why Your Dog Doesn't Want To Walk
Your pooch is fatigued or tired. It's too hot or cold outside for your dog. Your dog's walking gear (leash, collar) is uncomfortable for them. They want to keep walking more.