You might have noticed mother dogs or even wild creatures lifting their offspring by the scruff of their necks. Quite endearing to witness!
Indeed, during her puppy days, your dog’s mother might have carried her this way. Does this mean it’s suitable for you to do the same?
However, although the loose skin at the back of your dog’s neck might seem like an ideal spot to grab, it’s actually painful for them.
In her puppy days, with her tiny body size and a higher skin-to-body ratio, the process wasn’t as uncomfortable. But as she grows and gains weight, the skin-to-body mass ratio decreases.
Even as an 8-week-old pup, when you first welcome her into your home, she would have outgrown being safely lifted by the scruff.
Should you lift a dog by the scruff of its neck? Definitely not.
The Reality About Your Dog’s Skin Thickness Many believe that a dog’s neck skin is more robust than ours, suggesting it can endure some toughness. However, that’s a misconception.
Your dog’s outer skin layer, the epidermis, is only 3-5 cells thick, whereas for humans, it ranges between 10-15 cells. Despite variations across breeds and specific body areas, dogs generally have thinner, more delicate skin than humans. This fragility is also why even something seemingly harmless, like human shampoo, can harm it.
Does Scruffing Serve as Effective Discipline? We’ve concluded that scruffing, especially supporting the entire weight of your dog via the scruff, is not only uncomfortable but painful.
So, is it a proper disciplinary measure?
There are some dog training resources and trainers who advise using the “scruff shake” as a corrective measure. The guidance typically involves shaking the dog until they cease resisting, then maintaining a direct gaze until the dog looks away, followed by releasing them rather abruptly.
Does that sound scientifically grounded to you?
If it appears archaic and harsh, your instincts are correct.
Those still practicing this often defend it by saying that the mother dog would have done the same, which is both incorrect and illogical.
As humans, our evolved brain has allowed us to develop myriad methods to engage and communicate with our dogs.
Should you seek guidance with training, don’t hesitate to reach out to me, explore the blog archives, or consult a professional dog trainer through the ADPT or CCPDT directory.
The Consequences of Scruffing Your Dog If you’ve unintentionally lifted your dog this way, and they don’t seem harmed, the worst-case might be some bruising.
It’s uncertain whether scruffing can interfere with a dog’s microchip placement. Still, since microchips have been known to shift over time, it’s better to avoid any unnecessary rough handling. As a tip, during vet visits, you can get your dog’s microchip scanned to ensure it remains correctly positioned and the details are updated.
For smaller dogs, resisting while being lifted can result in serious injuries like broken bones or strained muscles. Hence, it’s crucial to handle them with utmost care.
Beyond physical injuries, scruffing can erode trust. Your dog might be apprehensive when you approach or try to lift her.
Fortunately, dogs are forgiving creatures. If you demonstrate gentleness in the future, she’ll likely regain her trust in you.
Always ensure you support her body appropriately when lifting. Refrain from using the scruff, underarms, or any other inappropriate methods.
