If your dog keeps giving you a paw without a command, it's no coincidence. Today I'll share with you what this gesture means.
Dogs communicate a lot through body language. This is often done by using their paws: if your dog constantly gives you a paw without a command, or puts it on your knee, or pulls it along your leg or arm, it means that he wants to tell you something.
Why does a dog give a paw without a command?
Attracting attention
Dogs often use their paws to get your attention. If a dog puts its paw on you, you are bound to react. It doesn't matter if you pet it now or ignore it – you have paid attention to it. The dog has achieved its goal.
Maybe your four-legged friend wants to draw attention to something specific with his paw. Maybe the dog is hungry or wants to play? Every dog needs to learn to spend some time alone. But, with all that, make sure that your dog has everything he needs.
Receiving a reward
Once the dog has learned the command “give me your paw,” he understands that if he extends his paw, he will receive a reward. Now the dog can actively ask for a treat or petting by extending his paw to you.
Your dog needs to learn that he only gets a reward when he gives you his paw when you say so. Don't pay attention if your dog asks for a treat by giving you his paw.
Establishing interaction or “probing boundaries”
In interactions with other dogs, a paw gesture can be part of play, an invitation to interact, an attempt to attract attention, or, in more rare cases, a mild display of dominance (for example, when holding a certain resource).
If a dog does this to you, it is more likely to be an attempt to get attention, initiate contact, or, if the gesture is too assertive, a test of your boundaries—a kind of “probing” to see how far you can go to get what you want (such as attention, play, or a treat).
It's important to teach your dog to respect your personal space. You can achieve this through proper socialization, consistent upbringing, and training that is built on trust and mutual understanding.
A gesture of appeasement
Dogs can sense human emotions. If you are feeling stressed, tense, or angry, your dog will certainly notice. The dog will put out a paw and may try to reassure you.
What your dog is trying to tell you with his paws always depends on the specific situation. It's important that you know the real reason and respond accordingly.
