puppy soreness

Question
My puppy just got shots and he is very sore in both shoulders. my question is, should you pick the dog up a lot when he is sore? and can he also gain the habit of bitting when you try and pick him up after the soreness is gone?

Answer
Mike-

Sorry this took so long, I was unexpectedly admitted into the hospital and got behind in my questions.

The answer is no, you should not pick the puppy up very often when he's sore, since it hurts him to be lifted- just let him be since the tenderness should go away a day or so after the injection. (Or should be gone by now)

However, if he is still attempting to bite you when you pick him up, then that should not be allowed. If he is going to bite aggressively, catch his muzzle and hold his mouth shut, firmly and gently telling him "NO bite". After a few moments when he settles, let him go and praise him, offer a cookie and pet him gently. When you pick him up, make it a fun experience, make sure he sees you, knows you are going to pick him up, and that you reward him for allowing you to hold him.

Of course this all depends on how old and how large a puppy we are talking about!

I hope he fells better soon!