Canine Husbandry

An important part of puppy raising is looking after the health and appearance of the puppy. Husbandry tasks include regular health checks, veterinary examinations, administering or applying medication when required and regular grooming.

Types of handling for husbandry tasks.

Low stress handling.

What is low stress handling?

Low Stress Handling, developed by the late Dr. Sophia Yin, focuses on teaching the individual how to use humane animal handling techniques. These skills improve animal welfare and strengthen the animal-human bond by continually assessing body language and behaviour. This improved communication increases safety, efficiency, and patient care.

Dr. Sophia Yin’s ten handling principles:

1. Start with a comfortable environment.
2. Keep the pup from pacing, moving nervously or excitedly, squirming, or suddenly trying to escape.
3. Support the pup well by having your hands, arms, and body positioned appropriately. The pup should not feel as if they will fall or are off balance.
4. Avoid causing resistance in the pup. Move deliberately and slowly to avoid reflex resistance or escape behaviour.
5. Know how to place your hands and body to control movement in any direction.
6. Wait until the pup is relaxed before starting a procedure.
7. Use minimal and appropriate restraint.
8. Avoid prolonged struggling (more than three seconds) or repeated fighting or struggling. If the pup does not relax into a hold, have a break and try again when the pup is calm. Keep sessions short. If the issue persists, seek advice from your PDA.
9. Use distractions and rewards.
10. Adjust your handling based on the individual animal and their response to restraint.

Cooperative care.

Cooperative care means teaching an animal to willingly take part in their own care, such as grooming, health checks, or vet visits. Instead of being forced or restrained, the animal is given choices and is rewarded for calmly allowing the care. This makes routine care less stressful for the animal and safer and easier for the person providing the care.

Teaching a chin rest and asking the pup to roll onto their side during a health check are two ways that we teach a puppy to participate in their own care routines. Another way we can incorporate cooperative care into our regular grooming and health checks is by using “the bucket game”.

Chirag Patel’s bucket game.

The bucket game, developed by Chirag Patel, is a cooperative care training method designed to make dog husbandry and grooming more ethical, stress-free and choice-driven.

What is the bucket game

The Bucket Game empowers dogs to communicate their comfort levels during handling, grooming, and veterinary procedures. It shifts the dynamic from forced compliance to voluntary participation, reducing fear and building trust.

Core concept

• A bucket of treats is placed within the dog's view but out of reach.
• The dog is trained to look at the bucket to signal readiness.
• If the dog looks away, the handler pauses the procedure. This is the dog's way of saying, “I need a break”.

How to teach the bucket game

1. Look equals reward: Reinforce the dog for looking at the bucket.
2. Increase duration: Gradually extend the time the dog maintains focus.
3. Introduce hand movement: simulate grooming or health check actions without touching the dog.
4. Introduce touch: Begin gentle handling while the dog looks at the bucket.
5. Progress handling: Touch different body parts, increasing duration and complexity.
6. Apply to real tasks: Use during grooming, nail trims, vet visits, etc.

Benefits

• Gives dogs agency and control.
• Encourages calm, cooperative behaviour.
• Reduces stress, fear, and resistance.
• Strengthens the human-animal bond.

Completing a health check.

Caring for your pup’s health is one of the most important parts of puppy raising. A daily health check is a quick and easy way to spot problems early, keep your pup comfortable, and build their tolerance to being handled (which is important for future vet visits and grooming).

Why daily health checks are important.

• Early detection: Small issues (like an ear infection, sore paw, or upset tummy) can be spotted before they become serious.
• Comfort: Pups can’t tell us when something feels wrong. Checking daily helps you notice changes.
• Routine handling: Getting your pup used to gentle handling makes future vet visits stress-free.
• Bonding: Daily checks are a chance to build trust and strengthen your relationship with your pup.

How to conduct a simple health check.

Keep it short and gentle, about five minutes each day.

Overall appearance

• Is your pup bright, alert, and moving normally?
• Are there any changes in energy, appetite, or behaviour?

Eyes

• Should be clear, bright, and free from redness, discharge, or cloudiness.

Ears

• Check inside for redness, swelling, bad smell, or wax build-up.
• Pup shouldn’t scratch or shake their head excessively.

Mouth and teeth

• Gums should be pink and moist, not pale.
• Teeth should be clean, with no swelling or bad odour.
• Some pups may have pigmentation on their tongue or gums. Ask your PDA if unsure.

Nose

• Should be moist, not excessively runny, dry, or crusty.

Skin and coat

• Run your hands over the body for lumps, bumps, or sores.
• Coat should feel clean, soft, and free of bald patches.

Paws and nails

• Check paw pads for cuts, cracks, or foreign objects.
• Nails should not be overly long.

Body condition

• Pup should feel neither too thin nor overweight. Ribs can be felt but not seen sharply. Check out this video for a quick and easy way to tell if your dog is underweight, overweight or just right: The knuckle test(opens in new tab)

Toilet habits

• Normal stools and urine. Look for diarrhoea, straining, or blood.

Movement

• Pup should walk and run without limping or stiffness.

Tips for success.

• Be gentle and calm: Use a cheerful voice and reward your pup with praise or a treat afterwards.
• Make it routine: Pick a regular time each day (after breakfast or before bed).
• Keep it short: Just a few minutes is enough.
• Handle positively: Stroke your pup as you check each area. Make it part of bonding.
• Clear communication: Use known cues such as close, sit and down. It can help to talk to the puppy and label each body part as you work through the health check, for example,  mouth: “open mouth”, ears: “touch ears”, “tail”, “paw”.
• Observe behaviour: Changes in mood, energy, or eating can be just as important as physical signs.

When to seek veterinary advice.

Contact your vet if you notice any of the following:

• Loss of appetite or sudden weight change
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea
• Coughing, sneezing, or breathing difficulties
• Swelling, limping, or reluctance to move
• Discharge from eyes, ears, or nose
• Skin rashes, hair loss, or constant scratching
• Unusual lumps or wounds that don’t heal
• Sudden changes in behaviour, such as lethargy, aggression, or confusion

Veterinary examinations.

What does a positive veterinary examination look like?

The pup remains calm, relaxed, and able to be handled for brief examinations. They can be touched, gently held, and examined without becoming overwhelmed, and are able to recover quickly if something feels unfamiliar.

Why do we prepare pups for veterinary examinations?

• Supports welfare: Calm, cooperative handling reduces stress for the pup.
• Improves safety: Makes examinations easier and safer for veterinary staff and handlers.
• Builds confidence: Helps the pup cope with new environments, people, and procedures.
• Supports future training: Many guide dog assessments and procedures require similar handling.

How to prepare your pup for a veterinary examination.

Focus on building positive, low-pressure experiences at home first.

• Start in a calm environment
  Work in a familiar, low-distraction space where your pup feels comfortable and relaxed.
• Keep interactions short and positive
  Begin with brief, gentle touches, then gradually build duration over time.
• Progress gradually
  Only increase holding, handling, or duration if your pup remains in a calm, thinking state. If they become worried, make things easier.
• Use cooperative care skills
  A chin rest or relaxed “roll” can help your pup feel more in control and confident during handling.
• Reinforce calm behaviour
  Use food rewards where possible. If not, use quiet praise and gentle, steady touch.
• Practice with variety
  Gradually introduce different surfaces, like the floor, a mat, or a table, and different people, so your pup can generalise the experience.

Practising examination handling.

You can build your pup’s confidence with simple, everyday practice:

• Gently hold the collar while the pup is in positions like sit, down, or stand
• Briefly cradle the muzzle or support the chin
• Look at ears, eyes, and mouth
• Run your hands along the body and down each leg
• Gently lift paws and apply light pressure

Keep repetitions short and release your pup while they are still calm and relaxed.

Supporting your pup during real vet visits.

• Advocate for your pup: Ask for short, manageable interactions where possible.
• Use breaks: Allow your pup time to reset between handling.
• Bring reinforcement: Use food, praise, or calm touch to support positive associations.
• Stay calm and predictable: Your body language and handling can help your pup feel safe.

Troubleshooting.

• If your pup moves away
  Reduce the intensity. Allow them to re-engage voluntarily and reward small steps back toward you.
• If your pup resists handling, such as with a collar or touch
  Start with very brief contact, mark calm responses, and gradually build duration.
• If your pup becomes unsettled
  Pause, give space, and reset to an easier step. Avoid pushing through.
• If your pup is over-excited
  Use familiar cues like “sit” or “down” to help them settle, then reintroduce handling in short bursts. Remain calm.

Administering medication.

Introducing pups to ear and eye medication early sets them up for stress-free care throughout their lives. These moments can be made calm and positive with preparation, patience, and plenty of rewards.

Supplies needed.

• Cotton balls or soft tissues
• Ear medication (as directed by a vet)
• Eye drops/ointment (as directed by a vet)
• Treats or kibble for rewards
• A helper, if available (optional but useful)

Tips for success.

• Refer to completing a health check and the cooperative care section before introducing medication. Pups should first be comfortable with gentle touch around their ears and eyes.
• Set up your treatment area and have everything you need in reach and easily accessible before starting. You might use a folded towel to kneel on, or a low chair.
• Ask a pup for a chin rest if the behaviour is fluent and the pup can hold for the duration as you administer the medication. If not, secure the pup in a calm restraint where the pup feels supported and safe.
• Present a cotton ball with ear solution or eye medication scent, rewarding calm behaviour before actual application.
• Practice with an empty dropper or dry cotton ball before using medication. Gradual introduction can help the pup feel better about the experience.

If needed, have a second person available to hold the pup in a supportive manner and to provide a steady stream of food rewards.

Note: There are times where you may need to give ear and eye medication without using small steps to build up to the application. In these cases, use low stress handling and food rewards to make it a positive experience. Afterwards, reintroduce this handling technique slowly when you have time.

Troubleshooting.

• If the pup resists: Pause and return to simpler steps (like just holding the ear or showing the bottle). Reward calm and still behaviour before moving forward.
• Use cooperative care tools: A chin rest or bucket game can give the pup a sense of agency, making the process smoother and more positive.

Grooming.

What is grooming?

Grooming means taking care of your pup’s coat, skin, ears, nails, and overall appearance. For Labradors, grooming is simple but important. It’s more than just brushing; it’s about keeping your pup healthy and comfortable.

Why grooming is important.

Keeps the coat and skin healthy: Regular brushing removes loose hair and dirt and helps spread natural oils.

Supports health checks: Grooming is the perfect time to notice changes such as lumps, bumps, or sore spots.

Prepares your pup for the future: Grooming teaches your pup to enjoy being handled, making vet visits and Guide Dog care much easier later.

Bonding time: Grooming helps build trust and strengthens your relationship with your pup.

How to groom the pup.

1. Brush the coat

Labradors have a short, double coat that sheds regularly.

Use a soft bristle brush or zoom groom (rubber brush) a few times a week (more often during shedding season).

Brush in the direction of the hair, covering the back, sides, chest, legs, and tail.

Keep sessions short, just a few minutes, and make it positive by giving praise and gentle pats.

2. Incorporate a health check

While grooming, take the chance to check:

Eyes: Clear, bright, no discharge.

Ears: Clean, no redness or smell.

Mouth: Gums pink, teeth clean.

Skin and coat : No bald patches, sores, or fleas.

Paws and nails : Pads free of cuts, nails not too long.

Body condition: Pup should look healthy, not too thin or overweight.

3. Other grooming tasks

Bathing: Labradors don’t need frequent baths. Only bathe when dirty or once a month, using a good quality gentle dog shampoo that is mild and non-irritating, free from harsh chemicals and is not heavily scented. Check with your PDA for advice on brands.

Ears: Check weekly. If they look dirty, ask your puppy supervisor before cleaning.

Nails: ask your PDA if not confident trimming nails.

Tips for success.

Start early: Get your pup used to being brushed and handled from a young age.

Keep it positive: Use praise and gentle handling. Never force your pup.

Short sessions: Groom little and often instead of long sessions.

Routine matters: Groom at the same time each week so your pup knows what to expect.

Stay calm: If your pup gets wriggly, pause and try again later.

End on a good note: Always finish with praise, play, or a cuddle.

Nail clipping.

What does nail clipping look like?

The pup remains calm and relaxed while their paws are gently handled and their nails are trimmed. They can stay still for short periods and recover quickly if unsure.

Why do we clip nails?

Regular nail clipping:

• Supports comfort and movement by preventing nails from becoming too long
• Reduces risk of injury, including splits or broken nails
• Maintains a short quick, making ongoing nail care easier. The quick is the soft tissue in a dog’s nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. It often appears as a pink or black area within the nail, but can be difficult to see in dogs with dark nails
• Builds handling tolerance for grooming and veterinary care

How to teach nail clipping

Focus on cooperative care and gradual exposure so the pup learns to feel safe and in control.

1. Build comfort with paw handling

• Start by gently touching and holding the pup’s paws
• Reward calm behaviour and brief stillness
• Keep sessions short and low pressure

2. Introduce the tools

• Let the pup see and investigate nail clippers or a file
• Pair the sight and sound of the equipment with food and praise
• Practice handling paws while holding the clippers without cutting

3. Start small

• Trim one nail or even part of one nail at a time
• Mark and reward immediately after each clip
• End the session while the pup is still calm and successful

4. Build duration gradually

• Slowly increase to a few nails per session
• Work toward clipping all nails over multiple short sessions
• Use a chin rest or cooperative care strategy where appropriate

Tips for success.

• Keep sessions short. One or two minutes is often enough.
• Use high-value reinforcement to maintain a positive association.
• Work at the pup’s pace. Avoid rushing or forcing.
• Ensure the pup is comfortable and balanced before lifting a paw.
• Use soft, supportive handling. Avoid pulling or restraining.
• If unsure, seek support from your PDA.

Troubleshooting.

Bleeding nail quick:

• Don’t panic; it’s usually not serious.
• Press the nail into a bar of soap to stop the bleeding.
• Keep the pup still while the clot forms.

Clipping too close:

• If the pup yelps but no bleeding, the clip may be too close to the quick.
• Ensure clippers are sharp to avoid crushing or twisting.
• Adjust your aim if needed.

Split or broken nails:

• Trim loose nails if possible.
• For larger splits, consult your Puppy Development Advisor.
• If the nail tears off, seek veterinary attention.

Practice and comfort:

• Practice with wooden matches.
• Get comfortable with clippers.
• Gradually work with a real pup and nails.
• If still uncomfortable, consult your advisor.

Our goal

A pup who willingly participates in nail care , remains calm during handling, and does not need force or restraint during nail clipping.