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Today I got a hold a puppy for the first time, and although it seemed perfectly fine, I just got the feeling from holding it and a little bit of paranoia that I might have been hurting it, just by holding it the way I was, and I didn't like hold it up by its head or anything, just normally. Is this normal?
i think it's normal. little babys(human and animal) seem so fragile little things. if you have no experience, you feel extra careful with them :)
Puppies are tough little guys! (or girls, not sexist :P) and maybe it was because the puppy was struggling a little? most animals don't like to be held, it's unnatural. But you probably weren't hurting it, and it's natural to be paranoid when holding such a seemingly fragile thing.
Dogs and cats are rather physical animals who instinctively bounce right back rough play from their siblings and even mothers or other adult members of their 'family'. Mother cats will carry their kittens by the head or throat, mother dogs will step all over their pups and neither of these commonly result in injuries.
Believe me, DROPPING the puppy would be ten times more worrisome than holding it a bit snug, even if the pup would rather be off romping around than being manhandled. If in doubt, I'd be a bit more firm just to be absolutely sure I didn't accidentally drop the pupper.
Unless you're squeezing it with unnecessary force or holding it really badly (like by the front legs or tail or something o__0) there's really nothing to worry about. It's great that you're conscious about the animal's comfort and safety, though!