Do Maltipoos Like to be Held? (Training Guide)
Everyone loves to cuddle a super cute puppy. The teddy-bear like Maltipoo are some of the cutest pups! But do Maltipoos like to be held? Are they cuddly dogs like Goldendoodles?
YES! Maltipoo dogs do enjoy being held. While Maltipoo dogs are known for bursts of hyperactivity, they often return to their owners expecting warm and comforting cuddles aplenty. Given that some dogs will growl or cry when picked up – this is a great breed for people who love a cuddle!
The cuddly nature comes from their social dependance on humans. Maltipoo dogs usually dislike being left alone for extended periods. You’ll have to spend plenty of time with your puppy if you’re looking to bring a Maltipoo home!
On the flipside, Maltipoo dogs would return the favor with a whole lot of love, earning them the reputation of being the lovable breed that they are today.
Maltipoo dogs are a popular breed for many families looking to add a cuddly puppy to their homes. They learn to love cuddling with kids and can become comfortable with being held by all members of the family.
How often should I hold my Maltipoo dog?
So, now that you know your Maltipoo dog does like being held, how often should you be cuddling them? Generally, there are no concrete numbers on how often you should hold your Maltipoo dog except to do it whenever you can!
Maltipoo dogs are highly affectionate dogs, so you’ll often see them being sensitive to your mood changes and feelings. If you’re having a bad day, it’s likely to see your Maltipoo dog coming up to be held as they believe they can help lift your spirits.
To help your Maltipoo dog get used to cuddles, it’s recommended that you begin holding them frequently from a young age. This instills the positivity of cuddles in your Maltipoo, a habit in which they would grow into as time passes.
One of the positives of holding your Maltipoo dog from a young age is that they are less likely to shy away from your friends or family members holding them in the future.
This helps your Maltipoo brush up on its social skills, making it easier if you wish to take them to a dog park to meet other pooches during your free time.
Tired Maltipoos like to be held more
As Maltipoo dogs are always bursting with energy, it should go without saying that you should take them out for walks more often. Aside from helping them burn off the extra energy for the day, this also helps create a bond between you and your Maltipoo dog.
The end of a long day is the perfect time to hold your Maltipoo puppy. If they have been mentally and physically exercised – they are very likely to be after some cuddle time!
You may find that older Maltipoo dogs would enjoy being held a lot more. As they grow older, it may be evident that your Maltipoo will have less energy than when it was a puppy.
Hence, you’ll see your Maltipoo cozying up to you for a cuddle more often as they age. If a Maltipoo wants a cuddle, there’s almost no reason to reject their advance, so be sure to take this opportunity to hold them close to you.
Help! Why doesn’t my Maltipoo dog want to be held?
In some rare cases, you may notice your Maltipoo dog squirming away from the slightest sign of your cuddles? But why does this happen?
Albeit rare, some Maltipoo dogs may not like to be held because they’ve had negative experiences before being under your care. If this is the case, your Maltipoo dog may associate its traumatic experiences with cuddles, making them wary of human touch and shying away from being held.
These traumatic incidents may stem from different beginnings – either from a trip to the vet where it has been through rough handling or from its previous owner or breeder.
Sometimes, Maltipoo dogs may also avoid a hug from a child. While this is obviously upsetting for the child, it’s good to know that your Maltipoo dog is only avoiding them because it’s uncomfortable for your puppy.
Many adults tend to underestimate the strength that children have. When paired with their excitement to play with the Maltipoo, children can often hold your Maltipoo dog too tightly.
Whether it’s tugging on their leash too hard or merely giving rough hugs, these can all be incidents that turn would turn your Maltipoo dog away from children.
A Maltipoo that does not want to be picked up or held may
- Start barking
- Start growling
- Act out another ways such as soiling the house or not abiding by toilet training
What can I do if my Maltipoo dog doesn’t want to be held?
Here are some tips on how to resolve your Maltipoo dog’s dislike for being held:
Respect their space
It’s essential to acknowledge that your Maltipoo has feelings too and wishes to be respected. Just like a human! If your Maltipoo dog has shown an aversion to your touch, a good thing to do is respect their wishes and space.
Allow your Maltipoo to warm up to you if you’ve only just brought them home and gently coax them with pats instead of picking them up immediately. You’ll notice after a period that your Maltipoo will soon come to you for cuddles, but it’s just that it needs time.
Watch out for the kids
While Maltipoo dogs are known to have a gentle temperament, it’s never recommended to leave the children alone with your Maltipoo. This is to avoid any accidents like children stepping on your Maltipoo’s tail or feet, leading them to nip or bite your children.
Instead, this would be an excellent way to teach your children how to be gentle with your Maltipoo dog. Soon you’ll see both parties respecting the wishes of the other with a soft cuddle.
Reward your Maltipoo for cuddles
As aversions to being held may stem from a negative experience your Maltipoo has previously gone through, it may be a good idea to help replace that memory. Instead of having them think that being held means being restrained, you should try rewarding your Maltipoo each time they allow you to hold them for short bursts of time.
As they get more comfortable being held, you can then stretch the cuddle periods longer until they no longer squirm away. Rewards like getting a treat or taking a road trip can help your Maltipoo associate being held as a positive experience instead.
Check your Maltipoo’s health
Suppose your Maltipoo dog has always been a cuddly pooch but has suddenly begun to avoid your touches. In that case, this may be a sign of an underlying health issue.
Watching out for these changes in your Maltipoo can help identify if they’re feeling unwell or have been hurt somewhere, so you’ll want to keep your eyes open to help keep your Maltipoo dog happy and healthy.
Where Do Maltipoos Like to be Pet?
Maltipoo dogs will have a personal petting preference. Some loves chin scratches – others love a tummy rub! Here are the first spots you should test with your Maltipoo to find out where your individual dog likes to be pet
- Simple head and back pat
- Start with the simple pat. Pat your Maltipoo starting just behind the scruff of their neck and running down the back. Keep it short and simple. Don’t start too close the the face!
- Gentle ear and side of face scratch
- If the Maltipoo is comfortable try the under the ear gentle scratch (side of face). Look for signs of agitation but if you clearly show the dog where you are about to pet – there is rarely an issue.
- TUMMY TIME!
- If the dog presents its stomach – try some tummy rubs! Most Maltipoo puppies LOVE a tummy rub from a trusted person. Wait till they present at least the side of the tummy and gently tickle/scratch. Stay away from the underarm or other sensitive areas
- While you are there see if you can find your Maltipoos belly button! (Yep – dogs DO actually have a belly button)
- Don’t pat the legs, paws, eyes of a Maltipoo unless you are very familiar with them. Also don’t restrain or tightly cuddle a Maltipoo that does not want to be pet.
Do Maltipoos Like to be Held Conclusions
Maltipoo dogs can be a great addition if you’re looking to have a friendly and cuddly companion in your home.
Most Maltipoo dogs are highly affectionate and would love to be held as often as possible. They happen to be highly social and pack dependant – meaning they shouldn’t be left alone for extended periods.
If your Maltipoo doesn’t seem keen to be held, you should always take it slow and allow them to warm up to you instead of rushing the process.
Respecting your Maltipoo’s wishes is a great way to gain your dog’s trust, and this can be a rewarding experience for both you and your pup in the long run.
