Sunday, June 16, 2019

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How to Take Care of a Labrador Puppy

Posted: 16 Jun 2019 05:00 PM PDT

Labrador puppies are wonderful pets, but they do take a bit of work to care for properly. Before you even bring your puppy home, you need to get the right supplies for it. Once your puppy is with you, focus on making sure that it is fed, housed, groomed, and exercised properly. You also need to keep it healthy with proper veterinary and preventative care. With a bit of effort and care, you can raise your fun, lively, and snugly puppy into a wonderful and dedicated dog companion.[1]

EditSteps

EditBuying Supplies Before Bringing a Puppy Home

  1. Buy a collar, leash, and tags for your new puppy. When you pick up your new Lab, have these things already. Having them already will ensure that you can put tags on your puppy right away and can control its movement. This reduces the risk of it getting lost and not making it back to you.[2]
    Take Care of a Labrador Puppy Step 1 Version 3.jpg
    • Dog collars, tags, and leashes are available at all pet stores and from online retailers.
    • Your puppy's tags should include its name, your name, your phone number, and your address.
  2. Set up a bed and crate, if necessary, for your puppy. When you bring your puppy home, you should have a spot for it to sleep all set up. There should be a comfy, warm bed for it to sleep in. If you plan on crate training your Lab, put the bed in the crate so the puppy gets used to it.[3]
    Take Care of a Labrador Puppy Step 2 Version 3.jpg
    • Pick out a spot where you want the bed or crate to be permanently. Your puppy will get used to whatever spot you first put these things, so make sure that it is permanent.
    • Choose a spot that is out of the way, so that the puppy isn't underfoot. It's also important to select an area where your puppy won't feel isolated from the rest of the family. A corner of the living room is a good choice.
  3. Pick out fun and exciting toys. In order to keep your puppy busy, you want to give it a variety of items that it can play with. Toys are especially important for keeping its mind occupied when you are not around. Make sure to choose dog-safe toys that are appropriate for your puppy's age and size, and pick items that your puppy can't easily swallow. Some different types of toys you might consider include:[4]
    Take Care of a Labrador Puppy Step 3 Version 3.jpg
    • Chew toys
    • Puzzle toys
    • Squeaking toys
    • Tugging toys
    • Plush toys
  4. Buy a variety of other supplies you might need. Taking care of your Lab puppy can take a lot of miscellaneous supplies. Some items you may consider buying before you bring your puppy home include:[5]
    Take Care of a Labrador Puppy Step 4 Version 2.jpg
    • Food and water dishes
    • Baby gates to keep your puppy contained, if necessary
    • Poop bags
    • Pee pads
    • Grooming wipes
    • Surface cleaner made specifically for cleaning urine or feces

EditFeeding Your Puppy

  1. Purchase the puppy food that your puppy is already eating. When you bring a new puppy home, it's important to keep feeding it the same food that it has been eating at its previous home. Suddenly changing your puppy's food can imbalance its gut bacteria, leading to an upset stomach or other digestive issues.[6]
    Take Care of a Labrador Puppy Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    • Talk to the person or organization that you are adopting your puppy from to see what food they are feeding it. They should willingly provide that info and they may even send you home with some if you can't find any to buy.
    • If you can't find the right food in your local pet supply store, consider ordering it online. However, you would need to order it ahead of time so that you have it on hand when the puppy comes home.
  2. Transition the puppy's food gradually. If you want to feed your puppy a different food from what it has been eating, you will need to switch its food over the course of several days. Begin by combining about 25% of the new food into 75% of the old food. Feed that mix for several days. Then change the food to a 50/50 mix of old and new. After 1-2 weeks of that, do 75% of the new food and 25% of the old food for 1-2 weeks. Finally, you can give the puppy all new food.
    Take Care of a Labrador Puppy Step 6 Version 2.jpg
    • If you are content to give your puppy the food it was originally eating, it's fine to do that.
  3. Talk to your vet about what and how much to feed your puppy. Every puppy will have different nutritional needs. Because of this, it's a good idea to discuss proper nutrition with your vet. They can suggest great foods to give your puppy and how much it should be eating.[7]
    Take Care of a Labrador Puppy Step 7 Version 2.jpg
    • The right portion size depends on the size of your puppy and its metabolism.
    • Ask your vet to teach you how to body score your puppy. This will allow you to do a quick visual check to see whether your puppy is losing or gaining weight. You can then adjust your puppy's diet accordingly.
  4. Feed your puppy multiple times each day. Doing 3 or 4 feedings per day allows your puppy to get enough nutrients without overwhelming its digestive system with a huge amount of food at once. This is especially important when your puppy is under 6 months old, as they have delicate systems.[8]
    Take Care of a Labrador Puppy Step 8 Version 2.jpg
    • Don't just leave the food out all day. Take the food away after the puppy eats for about 10 or 15 minutes.
  5. Provide fresh water at all times. Lab puppies should always have access to fresh water so that they can stay adequately hydrated. Put out a dish of water and dump it out, clean the dish, and refill it daily.
    Take Care of a Labrador Puppy Step 9 Version 2.jpg
    • Some puppies are really messy with their water dishes. To prevent a mess, try putting the water dish on a tray, so that spilled water won't go right onto the floor.

EditTraining Your Puppy

  1. Begin house training your puppy right away. When you bring your puppy home, you will need to teach it to go to the bathroom outside. This is done by taking it out on a regular basis 24 hours a day until the puppy understands that it only goes to the bathroom outside.[9] During training, take your puppy outside every 20 or 30 minutes and give it a chance to relieve itself. If your puppy does go while you're outside, make sure to give it plenty of praise.
    Take Care of a Labrador Puppy Step 10 Version 2.jpg
    • As a rule of thumb, a puppy can hold its urine for the length of its age in months, plus 1 hour. So, for example, an 8-week-old puppy can generally hold its bladder for a maximum of 3 hours (including overnight).
    • When taking your puppy outside, take it to the same spot every time. Going to the same spot and having it smell like feces and urine will gradually let your puppy know that this is the right spot to go to the bathroom.[10]
  2. Start socializing your puppy as soon as possible. Your puppy needs daily interactions with people, as well as other animals. Take your puppy to public places where it can have positive interactions with strangers. Once your puppy is vaccinated, you can also take it to places where other dogs are, such as a dog park.
    Take Care of a Labrador Puppy Step 11.jpg
    • If you don't do this, your puppy will become insecure and will not like being around new people and animals. This can result in your dog biting guests or being aggressive.
  3. Begin doing basic obedience training. From the moment you bring your Lab puppy home, you can set the groundwork for training. Training is most effective when done with positive reinforcement. This means that when the puppy does something you want it to, you say a word cue to associate with the action and give the puppy a treat at the same time. This will encourage your puppy to learn and do specific actions when requested.[11]
    Take Care of a Labrador Puppy Step 12.jpg
    • For example, when taking your puppy on a walk, say the word "sit" any time your puppy naturally sits down. Give a treat right when the action happens as well. Gradually, your puppy will learn that the word is associated with the action and, if it does that action when asked, it will get a treat.
    • Training a puppy is hard work, and it requires commitment and consistency. Know what you want it to learn and how you want it to respond to your commands before you dive in, so that you don't have to switch your approach later on (and confuse it!).

EditSpending Time with Your Puppy

  1. Exercise your puppy every day. Lab puppies have a lot of energy and they need to use that energy or they get into trouble. To avoid having items in your home chewed up and to keep your Lab's body healthy, your puppy should be allowed to walk and run around for at least an hour every day. This exercise can include a variety of activities, including walks, runs, and games, such as tug-o-war.[12]
    Take Care of a Labrador Puppy Step 13.jpg
    • It's best to break this hour of activity into several sessions of play and exercise. For example, you can take your puppy for a walk in the morning and have a long play session in the evening.
    • Extensive exercise and daily playtime will help ensure that your puppy doesn't become overweight. It will also help keep the puppy happy and good natured.
  2. Spend quality time petting and snuggling with your puppy. Labs are happiest when they are with people, so make sure you can spend time with your puppy. This could be just letting it curl up in your lap or petting it while it lounges next to you. However, since Labs are such active dogs, your puppy will be extra happy if it's getting one-on-one time playing or going on adventures.[13]
    Take Care of a Labrador Puppy Step 14.jpg
    • Puppies that are not given a lot of attention can act out and misbehave. They also need to get used to spending time alone, however. Give your puppy a few hours of designated alone time each day to prevent separation anxiety.
  3. Teach your puppy tricks and games, such as fetch. The goal is to pick things that will stimulate your dog's mind at the same time as exercising its body. Labs are particularly good at playing fetch and other retrieving games. However, there are a wide variety of activities they can do, so try a bunch and see what you and your puppy like to do best.[14]
    Take Care of a Labrador Puppy Step 15.jpg
    • For example, some Labs enjoy catching a Frisbee or running through obstacle courses.

EditKeeping Your Puppy Healthy

  1. Have your new puppy looked over by a vet. When you bring a new puppy home, have it assessed by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet will look the animal over and tell you if it needs any medical care. During the exam, the vet will test its blood and feces and assess its physical condition. The vet will make sure your dog has clear, shiny eyes that are free from discharge. They will also make sure that the puppy's coat is glossy, with a little flaking skin.[15]
    Take Care of a Labrador Puppy Step 16.jpg
    • The vet may also play with your puppy a bit to ensure that it is alert and playful. A puppy that is not alert and playful may have a medical problem that is causing it to be fatigued and uncomfortable.
    • After its initial visit, take your puppy to the vet once a year to make sure that it is healthy and strong. In the yearly exam, your vet will do a thorough check-up to look for diseases and other problems that might be popping up.
  2. Ask your vet to check for illnesses common to Labs. There are a variety of conditions that Labs commonly get and it's important to assess whether your puppy has any of them. These include hip dysplasia, heart disorders, muscle weakness, exercise-induced collapse (EIC), bloat, and eye conditions. During regular checkups, make sure that your vet is on the lookout for these problems as your dog gets older so that they can be treated quickly if they arise.[16]
    Take Care of a Labrador Puppy Step 17.jpg
    • Many of these conditions will not become obvious until your dog is fully grown. During early vet checks, your vet will primarily focus on making sure your puppy's heart is healthy and that it is free from parasites and infectious diseases.
    • Some of these conditions, such as bloat, can be largely avoided with proper care. However, there are other conditions that are genetic and can only be avoided with good breeding habits, such as EIC.
  3. Begin immunizations and pest prevention as soon as possible. There are a variety of communicable illnesses that your puppy could get if it's not immunized. Your veterinarian will give your puppy its first shots when it is about 6 to 8 weeks old. This round of immunizations will be for distemper, measles, and parainfluenza. You vet will also give you medications to apply on your puppy monthly to prevent pests and parasites, such as fleas, ticks, and heartworms. Your puppy will then need several more rounds of shots and continual pest and parasite prevention as it gets older.[17]
    Take Care of a Labrador Puppy Step 18.jpg
    • Your veterinarian will let you know the proper schedule for your puppy's immunizations. Be sure to follow this schedule closely so that your puppy's health is protected.
  4. Keep your puppy's teeth and gums healthy. Start brushing your puppy's teeth when it is a small puppy so that it is used to the procedure as it grows up. Brushing from an early age will help keep your dog's teeth and gums healthy into old age.[18]
    Take Care of a Labrador Puppy Step 19.jpg
    • Use a toothbrush and toothpaste that is made specifically for dogs. These are available at most pet stores and from online retailers.

EditGrooming Your Puppy

  1. Brush your puppy's coat at least once a week. Brushing your puppy will help clean out its coat and prevent the fur from becoming knotted, and it's a time to bond with your puppy. Simply get a fine-toothed grooming comb or brush and go over the puppy's entire body with it.[19]
    Take Care of a Labrador Puppy Step 20.jpg
    • Brushing your Lab puppy often will ensure that it is used to being touched by people as it grows up. This will help make the dog more personable and will make future grooming easier.
  2. Have your puppy's nails trimmed on a regular basis. Listen to your puppy as it walks on hard surfaces. If you can hear the nails clicking on the ground a lot, it's time for a trim. You can either trim the nails yourself or have a professional groomer do it. Either way, having trimmed nails will allow your puppy to walk and run easier.[20]
    Take Care of a Labrador Puppy Step 21.jpg
    • The biggest thing to watch out for when trimming your own puppy's nails is to avoid cutting into the quick of each nail. The quick is the live center of the nail that has blood flowing through it and that can be painful for the dog if it is cut. Only cut off the very tip of each nail to avoid injuring the dog while trimming.
    • Ideally, the puppy's nails would be naturally worn down as it walks on concrete or other hard surfaces. However, this is not always what happens.
  3. Give your puppy a bath if it gets very dirty. Lab puppies don't usually need a bath on a regular schedule. However, if you notice your puppy is stinky or is physically dirty, feel free to bathe it.[21]
    Take Care of a Labrador Puppy Step 22.jpg
    • Use a soap or shampoo that is made specifically for bathing puppies. The ingredients will be specially formulated to work with a dog's skin and fur.
    • Bathing a puppy starting at a young age will help get it used to baths as it gets older. This will make bathing your dog as it gets physically bigger much easier.

EditTips

  • Many Labs like having a bit of space to themselves, so keep that in mind when picking out where they will sleep.

EditWarnings

  • Labs are not the best breed of dog for busy people, as they require a lot of time and attention to raise properly.

EditRelated wikiHows

EditReferences


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How to Buy Cookware

Posted: 16 Jun 2019 09:00 AM PDT

Confused about what types of cookware to buy to make your favorite meal? You're not alone. Different types of pots and pans are ideal for preparing specific types of meals. The materials that each pot or pan is made of has an impact on cooking certain dishes as well. Understanding some common kitchen terminology as well as what's in your existing inventory can help you identify what you need to buy to make any dish you like!

EditSteps

EditChoosing the Pieces that Best Fit Your Needs

  1. Buy a skillet if you fry a lot of foods. Skillets are not only excellent for frying, but also for scrambling eggs, as well as sautéing vegetables and meats. Buy an skillet if you're cooking for 1 or 2 people. But if you're frying for a household of 4 or more, buy a skillet.[1]
    Buy Cookware Step 1 Version 2.jpg
    • Certain types of skillets can also be used in the oven. If you're looking to roast beef or bake ham, buy a skillet.[2]
    • Consider a skillet with a riveted handle for sturdy construction.
  2. Purchase a saucepan for rice, sauces, and pasta dishes. Look for one wide enough to accommodate your whisk so that you can stir food inside comfortably. Also, find one with large handles that allow you to pick up easily with oven mitts on.[3]
    Buy Cookware Step 2 Version 2.jpg
    • The standard size is though you may want to purchase a or larger size if you prepare large quantities of sauces, soups, or other liquid foods.
  3. Obtain a stockpot for steaming and boiling food. Make sure your stockpot is sturdy and has wide enough handles to be able to lift it with your fingers protected by potholders or oven mitts. Buy an for typical household use, though if you plan to prepare a lot of pasta, stews or, soups, a to stockpot may be better.[4]
    Buy Cookware Step 3 Version 2.jpg
    • Opt on the larger side ( to ) if you plan to make dishes with large pieces of meat, such as whole chicken stew or corned beef and cabbage.[5]
    • You can buy a colander – used for straining water – as an insert if your existing stockpot doesn't have one. This will help you easily separate cooked pasta or steamed vegetables from the boiling water they were cooked in.
  4. Acquire a sauté pan for a variety of meals. Use a sauté pan for rice dishes, stir-frying vegetables, and searing meats. Find a sauté pan with a thick base to ensure your food cooks evenly, as well as a tight-fitting lid to keep heat in and food moist.[6]
    Buy Cookware Step 4 Version 2.jpg
    • The sauté pan is the most versatile of your cookware set as it can be used to prepare many types of meals.
    • Use your sauté pan to sear a cut of beef or brown chicken for extra flavor. Or use it for casseroles, chili, or curries.
  5. Buy a complete cookware set if you don't have any of the above pieces. Or, if your existing cookware is in disrepair, purchase a complete cookware set rather than buying pieces a la carte. You'll get a better price purchasing a set than the pieces individually. The pieces in a cookware set will also look uniform and be covered by the same warranty.[7]
    Buy Cookware Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    • Take stock of your existing inventory before deciding on a cookware set to avoid buying unnecessary dishes. Make a list of the pots and pans you already have. Be as detailed as possible. Note the sizes and material of the pot or pan on your list, as well as their condition.
    • While not often thought of as conventional cookware, consider using this exercise to review the state of your other kitchen applies, like your utensils, measuring tools, blender, toaster, microwave, or food processor. If any of these items are in serious disrepair or in need of an upgrade, write this down too.
  6. Buy additional items depending on your budget and storage space. Most cookware sets will have the pieces mentioned above. To expand the range of dishes you'll be able to prepare, supplement those pots and pans with other cookware items many consider indispensable.[8] These include:
    Buy Cookware Step 6.jpg
    • Dutch ovens: These pots can be used on a stovetop or in an oven and are often used to prepare soups, stews, or braised foods.
    • Baking sheets or sheet pans: Use these for foods you'll cook in batches like cookies and biscuits.
    • Glass baking pans: Bake macaroni and cheese, pasta dishes, marinated meats, and casseroles in these sturdy Pyrex pans.
    • Pie pans: Purchase standard-size () glass pie pans to prepare quiches and pies.

EditChoosing the Material of your Pots and Pans

  1. Select aluminum cookware if you need versatile pots and pans. Aluminum cookware conducts heat extraordinarily well and can be treated with aluminum oxide to prevent food from sticking. Pick this popular material if you want lightweight, nonstick pans that cool quickly and can be used on both the stovetop and in the oven itself.[9]
    Buy Cookware Step 7.jpg
    • Aluminum cookware can also be both washed in the dishwasher and the sink.
  2. Pick stainless steel cookware if you want long-lasting, inexpensive cookware. Stainless steel cookware is cheaper than cookware made from other materials and is very durable. It also works well over high heat, but often cooks unevenly and cools down slowly. Choose stainless steel if you want long-lasting cookware that will retain its luster for years despite repeated use.[10]
    Buy Cookware Step 8.jpg
    • Stainless steel cookware is also highly scratch and warp resistant.
  3. Settle on copper pots and pans for professional level food preparation. Copper cookware is used most often by chefs as it conducts heat well, allowing you more control over how your food cooks. However, it is the most expensive type of cookware and requires regular polishing. Using copper pots with acidic foods may also result in a funny after taste or discoloration.[11]
    Buy Cookware Step 9.jpg
    • Buy copper pots and pans coated in enamel to avoid any after taste or discoloration when cooking acidic foods.
  4. Choose cast iron cookware to cook foods evenly over high heat. You can use cast iron cookware in both the stove and on the stovetop. When on the stovetop, it can handle higher heats than aluminum cookware. It is also relatively inexpensive compared to aluminum and copper cookware. However, it also rusts easily, is difficult to clean and is very heavy.[12]
    Buy Cookware Step 10.jpg
    • Look for cast iron cookware with aluminum or copper cladding. Cladding is a layer of metal along the sides and base of the pot. By layering the sides and base with aluminum or copper, a cladded cast iron pot obtains the heat conductivity of those metals.[13]
    • Because cast iron cookware is vulnerable to rust, hand scouring is necessary to pots and pans made of this material. Avoid picking it if you'd rather put your cookware in a dishwasher.

EditBuying Your Cookware

  1. Make a budget for your cookware purchase. Determine how much you can afford before figuring out what you need. Take a look at your monthly budget and savings to determine how much you are willing to spend on new cookware. Write this number down on a sheet of paper.[14]
    Buy Cookware Step 11.jpg
    • The great thing about cookware is you don't need to buy it all at once. You can allocate some money out of each paycheck to buy a few pieces at a time until you have what you need.
  2. Comparison shop for the pots and pans you need. Identify the model of each piece you need, write down the price one retailer lists it at, then find the same model on the sites of 2 to 3 other retailers. Write down that price as well. Repeat until you've identified at least 2 prices for each piece you need. Then determine which combination of pieces you can afford based on how much you budgeted.[15]
    Buy Cookware Step 12.jpg
    • The websites of brick and mortar retailers are good places to start.
    • Look for deals online and in circulars. Also, consider purchasing your cookware in November during Black Friday, or in May when retailers often offer deep discounts in anticipation of the summer wedding season.
    • Visit the kitchen aisle of a well-established department store. Knowledgeable salespeople can advise you about which types of cookware fit your needs, as well as about good deals.
  3. Read the fine print about care and maintenance. Pots and pans made of different materials require different kinds of care. For example, copper cookware can be ruined by repeated cleaning in a dishwasher rather than by handwashing. Examine the details about the care of each possible purchase before you buy it and make sure you are prepared to maintain each piece appropriately. [16] Some things to keep in mind:
    Buy Cookware Step 13.jpg
    • Avoid using bleach or abrasive cleaners on stainless steel pots and pans.
    • Let non-enameled cast iron cookware cool before rinsing or washing it.
    • Handwash enameled cast iron pots and pans to keep their luster intact.
  4. Protect your investment by purchasing a warranty. Buy a limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer or the retailer at the point of purchase. This warranty will cover manufacturing defects, allowing you to replace cookware that is chipped, cracked or otherwise damaged. Be careful you're your cookware however, as your warranty will not cover damage you cause through accident or neglect.[17]
    Buy Cookware Step 14.jpg
    • Retail warranties usually cover products for a certain window after purchase. However, you can buy a limited lifetime warranty for most cookware that allows you to return damaged pots and pans directly to the manufacturer past the retail window.
    • These kinds of warranties also usually require proof of purchase, so keep your receipt and copy of your warranty in a safe place.

EditRelated wikiHows

EditReferences


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How to Hold a Pencil for Drawing

Posted: 16 Jun 2019 01:00 AM PDT

There's more than one way to hold a pencil, especially when it comes to an art as delicate as drawing. Most artists use two main grips to produce the bulk of their drawings—the tripod grip, which is the same one you'd use to hand-write a letter, and the underhand or overhand grip, which is useful for tracing long, steady lines and shading broad areas. However, you're also free to explore different variations of these grips in order to adapt your style for a given technique or situation.

EditSteps

EditUsing a Basic Tripod Grip

  1. Position the pencil between your forefinger and middle finger. Curl your hand loosely and slip the shaft of the pencil into the space where your first two fingers meet. More specifically, the pencil should rest between the pad of your forefinger and the inside edge of your middle finger. Make sure the tip of the pencil is pointed downwards.[1]
    Hold a Pencil for Drawing Step 1.jpg
    • In a standard tripod grip, the tip should extend roughly below your hand.
    • Drawing demands quite a bit of stability and precision. For this reason, it's best to use your dominant hand.[2]
  2. Brace the opposite side of the pencil with your thumb. Place the tip of your thumb at the midpoint between the tips of your fore and middle fingers, making sure that only the first knuckle of each finger is making contact with the pencil. Apply enough pressure to steady the pencil, but avoid squeezing it.[3]
    Hold a Pencil for Drawing Step 2.jpg
    • Since this is the same hand position that most people use when first learning to write, the tripod grip is also sometimes referred to as the "writing" grip.
    • Squeezing the pencil too tightly actually makes it harder to control, and can cause your lines to come out jagged and shaky.
  3. Lift your wrist off of your drawing surface. Rather than using your wrist to anchor your hand the way you would when writing, allow it to hover just above the paper. Not only will elevating your wrist help you form straighter, more fluid lines, it will also prevent you from dragging your forearm or the edge of your hand over your pencil marks and smearing them.[4]
    Hold a Pencil for Drawing Step 3.jpg
    • If you leave your wrist on the drawing surface, you're more likely to curve your lines involuntarily as you run out of room to maneuver the pencil. By simply picking up your wrist, you can avoid this common problem.[5]
    • The only time it's useful to let your wrist remain on your drawing surface is when you're filling in especially small areas that don't require you to move the tip of the pencil more than about .
  4. Use both your wrist and forearm to draw. Once it's time to put pencil to paper, get your entire lower arm involved. Move the pencil with smooth, precise strokes, starting from the elbow. Remember to keep your wrist poised above your work surface at all times.[6]
    Hold a Pencil for Drawing Step 4.jpg
    • As an alternative technique, try letting the first knuckle of your pinky finger glide along the paper as you draw. This will force you to keep your wrist up while also guiding and adding stability to your movements.
    • A basic tripod grip is best suited for making short lines, small, intricate shapes, and other fine details.[7]

EditEmploying an Underhand or Overhand Grip

  1. Pinch the pencil between the pads of your forefinger and thumb. Press your two fingers together just enough to stabilize the pencil. The underhand grip is extremely relaxed and easy, so there's no need to squeeze too tight.[8]
    Hold a Pencil for Drawing Step 5.jpg
    • The tip of the pencil can be anywhere from away from your fingers. Do what makes the most sense to you.
  2. Rest your other fingers against the shaft of the pencil. Place your remaining fingers in a row along the forefinger side of the pencil. In this position, they'll serve to offer a little extra stability. You can also drape them lightly around the shaft if you prefer a slightly more secure grip.[9]
    Hold a Pencil for Drawing Step 6.jpg
    • Another option is to leave your middle, ring, and pinky fingers completely free if you feel like they're going to get in the way.
    • If you choose to wrap your fingers, be careful not to close your hand enough to press the shaft of the pencil into your palm. This will change the angle of the tip and take some of the flexibility out of your wrist.[10]
  3. Run the tip of the pencil along the paper using your whole arm. Guide the pencil in long, loose strokes originating from the shoulder, keeping your hand and wrist at a fixed angle. The resulting lines will be much smoother than you could produce with a tighter, more focused tripod grip.[11]
    Hold a Pencil for Drawing Step 7.jpg
    • An underhand grip is ideal for tracing long, light lines and contours that span much of the paper.
  4. Turn your wrist over to switch to an overhand grip. An overhand grip is almost identical to an underhand grip except for the position of your wrist. One isn't better than the other—some artists feel that an underhand grip is the most precise, while others prefer the stability of the overhand variation.[12]
    Hold a Pencil for Drawing Step 8.jpg
    • An underhand grip is usually most comfortable if you're drawing on an easel, elevated desk, or similar upright surface. When drawing on ordinary desktop, table, or other flat surface, an overhand grip may feel more natural.
    • Keep in mind that you're not locked into a single technique. You can switch back and forth from underhand to overhand as often as you like based on what feels good and creates the desired effect for your drawing.[13]
  5. Shade broad areas with the side of your pencil. Underhand and overhand grips lend themselves well to shading, since they make it possible to put a larger portion of the pencil tip in contact with the paper. Just hold the pencil against the paper at a near-parallel angle and move it back and forth in short strokes.[14]
    Hold a Pencil for Drawing Step 9.jpg
    • Start with light pressure to add a sense of texture to blank spaces and increase the pressure or go over the same area multiple times to create gradually deepening shadows.

EditExperimenting with Less Common Grips

  1. Slide your hand back on the pencil in a tripod grip to take a brush grip. As its name suggests, the brush grip is a variation that closely resembles the way a painter holds a paintbrush. The major advantage of a brush grip is that it enables longer, lighter, easier strokes, bridging the gap between a controlled tripod grip and looser underhand and overhand grip.[15]
    Hold a Pencil for Drawing Step 10.jpg
    • With a brush or brush-style grip, your hand might be anywhere from the middle of the pencil to the very back end.
  2. Use a "loaded" overhand grip to apply more pressure while shading. Begin in a standard overhand grip, then slide your forefinger all the way up to the tip of the pencil. The weight of your finger behind the tip will provide additional leverage, which is great for shading bold, dark areas.[16]
    Hold a Pencil for Drawing Step 11.jpg
    • It's also possible to take a loaded tripod grip by angling the pencil down slightly and putting most of the emphasis on your forefinger.
  3. Try out an inverted grip for maximum visibility with complex drawings. Grasp the shaft of the pencil between your thumb and forefinger near the back end and use your other three fingers to support the front end. Unlike all of the other traditional grips, the tip will actually be pointed towards you in an inverted grip.[17]
    Hold a Pencil for Drawing Step 12.jpg
    • An inverted grip can come in handy when you're working on an especially detailed drawing and need to be able to watch what you're doing carefully.
    • Because the inverted grip doesn't offer the precision of a tripod grip or the consistency of an underhand or overhand group, it's best to only use it on occasion.

EditTips

  • Certain types of pencils make certain grips more effective, as well. For example, a hard-tipped pencil can enhance the precision of a tripod grip, while softer tips are better for shading and delicate preliminary linework.[18]
  • Don't be afraid to put your own unique spin on your grip to make drawing with a pencil more comfortable and hone your personal style.

EditReferences


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