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Dogs are known for their unique ways of communicating with their owners, and one common behavior that many dog owners experience is their pet placing a paw on them. Depending on the context and the dog's personality, this action can have various meanings. The following are a few reasons why dogs may put their paw on their owner and whether or not it is a cause for concern.
1 – Seeking Attention and Affection
Dogs habitually place a paw on their owners to seek attention and affection. This is because they are social animals and enjoy interacting with humans. When they place their paw on you, it could be a way of asking for pets, cuddles, or just to be close to you. I often experience this behavior with my dogs as well.
Having our dogs request our attention isn't a concern, but when they demand it, this can spiral out of control.
It's wonderful when our dogs seek attention or affection from us. However, demanding attention can become problematic, and Chloe Anchondo, owner of Rooted Dog Training in Ontario, California, believes this should be addressed. Demanding behavior can be confused with intense affection, leading dog owners to reward “cute” behavior and teach their dogs that it is the appropriate way to get what they want.
To start, demanding behavior can be addressed with training, exercise, and mental stimulation.
2 – Requesting Something
Dogs are highly intelligent animals that can communicate their needs through body language. For instance, if your dog places a paw on you, it could indicate that they require food, water, a walk, play, or another momentary need.
Zoe Holloway, The Dreaded Dog Trainer, reminds us that dogs will ask for something like to go outside or demand something, as discussed above—these are two different methods of communication, the latter of which could be an issue.
Dog owners can learn to read their dog's body language by observing cues like ear position, tail wagging, posture, and facial expressions. Understanding these signals can help interpret your dog's emotions, needs, and intentions accurately, enhancing communication and strengthening your bond.
Canine Body Language, a Photographic Guide is an excellent book for identifying the cues our dogs send us daily.
3 – Showing Anxiety or Insecurity
Dogs sometimes put their paws on their owners to express anxiety or insecurity. This could mean they are seeking comfort and reassurance from their trusted human companion. If you notice that your dog seems anxious or insecure in other situations, it is important to address the underlying cause and provide them with the support they need.
To address anxiety, dog owners can create a safe and predictable environment, provide mental and physical stimulation, establish a routine, offer comforting reassurance, consider professional help if needed, and use calming techniques. Building trust, consistency, and support can help alleviate anxiety and build confidence in dogs effectively.
What are You Feeling?
In most cases, when a dog places their paw on their owner, it's a sign of affection or an attempt to get attention, and there's usually no reason to worry. However, if your dog constantly paws at you, other concerning behaviors accompany the action, or is unusual for your dog, it may be worth exploring the situation further.
Dogs may be trying to communicate something about their human's health or emotions.
Lisa Tully, Animal Healing, states that it's important to pay attention to what is going on within us when our dogs are touching us. What were we thinking? One of my dogs touches me when I'm about to have an anxiety attack. The act reminds me to slow down and redirect my thoughts.
A Display of Dominance?
Some believe dogs touch their humans as a sign of dominance. Hannah Molloy, Amplified Behavior and author of What's My Dog Thinking, disagrees. According to Hannah, “Dominant dogs don’t need to assert themselves. They rarely go for physical positioning, like paws on other dogs. They just are dominant.”
Dominance theory in dog behavior has been largely debunked, and most interactions between dogs and humans are based on social bonding and communication rather than dominance hierarchy. When our dogs touch or lean into us, this is an acknowledgment that we're family and they trust us; it's not a sign that they're trying to control us.
Final Thoughts Why Dogs Paw Their Humans
Please pay attention to your dog's behavior, body language, and any other signs when they place a paw on you. This will help you determine the underlying reason behind the behavior. If you are unsure about the behavior or if it is causing you or your dog distress, it is recommended that you consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist who can provide guidance on how to manage the behavior effectively.
Very interesting read! My dog does this all the time and I’m constantly trying to figure out what he is asking. I usually get him a treat when I’ve tried everything I can think of. So maybe it’s just affection that he wants? I’ll have to try just inviting him up to sit with me.