Our 10 week old puppy growling, snapping and biting when picking up to take outside for potty

[Kathryn Clark]

Our 10 week old Dewey growls, snaps and bites whenever I have to take him outside to potty. Unfortunately we live in San Francisco in a house full of steep slippery stairs so I have no choice in the matter and I have to pick him up to take him outside for potty breaks. We had a trainer over who  taught us to say "gotcha" and put our hand near his back at various times throughout the day and give him a treat every time to have a positive association. He also just doesn't like to be touched on his back ever. I can't wait until he's big enough to handle the stairs on his own but until then, any advice would be helpful. Having a nippy, twisty puppy while navigating stairs is no fun!

[Susan & Randy's Kate]

We rescued a puggle who didn't want to be touched at all.  He lived his first 11 weeks with his brothers and then other dogs  in a pen.  Four times a day I would sit on the floor and hand feed him using my other hand to touch and pet him.  I picked up his feet, practiced giving pills with bits of cheese and bonded.  It took 2.5 weeks before he one day came up to me and wanted to be petted.  My point is that you may have him get used to you by distracting him with his food, petting, lifting short distance on your lap and finally sitting and standing up with him making him feel secure in your arms.  I would worry that "gotcha" might have the opposite effect making the pup excitable.

 I would have your pups back checked but it may just be coming up behind him.  I know our Finn didn't like coming up behind him or reaching your hand above is head.  That takes a lot of trust.  Offering my hand then slowly petting seemed to work better.

Our Kate loves back rubs and lots of hugs.  She is a 6.5 month old labradoodle now 22 inches tall.  My granddaughter and grandson visited this weekend and Ava, 6.5 years old, was able to get Kate to sit and lay down better than us.  I think she has better eye contact.  Good luck.  He is such a cutey.  Be interesting to see how he doodles out.  Good luck.