How should you position your arms when carrying an animal?

Positioning your arms correctly while carrying an animal is crucial for both the safety of the animal and the handler. By placing one arm under the front legs and the other arm behind the back legs, you create a secure and balanced hold that supports the animal's body. This method provides stability, minimizes the risk of dropping the animal, and helps in preventing any undue stress or injury to its limbs and spine.

This approach is particularly important for larger or heavier animals, where improper handling could lead to accidents. It also allows you to maintain control, as you can easily adjust your grip if the animal becomes restless. Additionally, this technique promotes a natural resting position for the animal, which helps it feel more secure during transport.

In contrast, carrying an animal with both arms under the body may not provide adequate support, especially for larger breeds, while the method of encircling the neck and near the tail can be uncomfortable and insecure for the animal, increasing the risk of escape or injury. Finally, positioning both arms in front of the body is impractical and could lead to loss of control. Thus, the first option is the most effective and safest way to carry an animal.