My own veterinarian does an excellent job, and is the only one I will let do my puppies. He waits until about 12 weeks of age, feeling they tolerate anesthesia better then. Pick up a puppy with one hand under his chest, the other under his rump. Never pick up a puppy by the scruff of his neck or by squeezing around his middle. Small children should sit on the floor to hold a puppy, and then only with adult supervision.
Puppies remember even accidental hurts for a long time. . . . . .
Use only a regular, nonslip leather or nylon collar. Slip, or 'choke' collars are useful for walks, but must not be left on. We've heard horror stories about dogs accidentally strangling. Harnesses encourage a dog to pull and tug rather than learning to walk nicely with you. . . . . . Try to find a good obedience trainer, one who uses motivational type methods and has studied current canine learning behavior.