Tickling

Question
My 6 month old standard poodle tickles very easily. If I don't pet her the right way she doesn't like it and moves away from me. What really concerns me is when her back legs are lightly touched she kicks hard. She has kicked me once and while walking through a door she kicked the wall and limped for about two steps. How can I desensitize her? She has inch long hair should I cut it short to help her get used to touch?

Answer
Hello Mandy,
Sounds like you should start doing the Dog Exam with your dog.  It helps get them used to being handled and also helps build the bond between you.  

Start with you sitting on the floor, feet out in front of you.  Get your dog to lay in your lap on her back with her head towards your stomach.  She will most likely be tense, so just rub her tummy until she relaxes some.  
Now you can start going over her.  First check over her head, ears, eyes, and mouth.  Pet her when she is good and stop for a bit.  
Next, you can look at her belly and you can move down her legs.  When you get to the toes, rub them gently.  Dogs can be ticklish and will react like we would when our ticklish spots are touched.  
When you find a spot of hers, rub it-don't scratch it-because scratching makes it more ticklish.  
Massage it until she can relax and it doesn't bother her.  

Praise her when she doesn't react to having her toes messed with.  

I hope this helps and I am sure that with a little time, your dog will accept you handling her legs and toes with ease.  
Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim