Why Does My Dog Put His Paw on Me? The Ultimate Guide to Dog Pawing

As dog owners, we experience our furry friends doing some funny things. One of these is pawing, an extremely cute form of affection or a sharp, poking pain, depending on how sharp your dog’s nails are.

This article discusses why your dog puts their paw on you and how to understand this behavior. Plus, you will learn the dos and don’ts of dog pawing and when to take your puppo to a professional.

Understanding Dog Pawing

Pawing is an attention-grabbing instinct that dogs use with other dogs, and because it works in those instances, they figure it must work on us too. Pawing usually means “feed me.” “I want out,” or “Give me attention.” It’s the universal body language of most dogs and the slickest way to grab your attention in their minds.

But that’s not all. There are other potential types of dog pawing. Your dog might want something to stop, or it may be a reaction to how you smell or a sign they’re experiencing stress or anxiety (or picking up on yours!).

Either way, it is essential to understand dog body language. Pawing, combined with other signs like posture, jaw tone, and behavior as a whole, can tell us a lot about what our dogs are feeling.

Dos and Don’ts of Dog Pawing

Do:

You should redirect your dog’s pawing behavior if it’s a problem. When your dog’s behavior is desired, you should give them positive reinforcement, whether in the form of affection or treats.

This will teach your dog to ask for attention, food, or the bathroom in the desired way, minimizing the manifestation of attention-seeking behavior in undesired forms.

Don’t:

Don’t ever punish your dog for its pawing behavior. This is your dog’s instinct, and even if this is an unwanted behavior, there are more effective ways to teach them a better-learned behavior that involves rewards with love.

Equally, don’t encourage your dog’s bad pawing behavior, as this will teach them that pawing is, in fact, the exact way to get your attention.

Training Your Dog to Stop Unwanted Pawing

The best method here is to stop rewarding your dog for unwanted pawing. Once again, it’s the supply and demand adage.

When rewards stop being handed down, your dog is encouraged to try other methods to get your attention. The trick is to give them the positive reinforcement that they crave when they get your attention in a desired way.

The method depends on the desire. If your dog asks for food, it’s different than attention. But to show your dog that this won’t work, it’s best to ignore their efforts. Turn your back to them or look away.

With consistency, this training eventually works. And voila, your dog is no longer piercing your socks and trousers with their sharp claws or being rude. If you replace the behavior with something desirable, this will be a big productive step forward.

Health Issues and Pawing

Your dog’s incessant pawing may result from them feeling stressed or anxious, which could be related to lack of exercise and playtime or other causes. In either case, it’s essential to rule out everything else first.

So, if after wearing out your pooch at the dog park, feeding them adequately, and retraining them with the love they need for positive reinforcement, they are still pawing, then it’s time to consult a professional.

Every dog is different based on nature and nurture, breed, and upbringing. And so your dog may have a unique medical issue that needs isolating and then managing. To do so, you can take them to a veterinarian and, in time, maybe a dog trainer.

Conclusion

Most of the time, pawing is harmless and simply a part of your dog’s nature, similar to bed digging and other behaviors. In the rare instance it’s related to anxiety or stress, it can be managed with patience, training, and repetition to deal with the issue.

In some cases, your vet can prescribe medication to your dog. But ensure that you consult a professional before going down this road.

Your dog licking its paws is a different issue, for instance. Either way, the better you know your dog’s behaviors and needs, the more you can enrich their lives with love and understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my dog paw at his food bowl?

There are many reasons for this. Maybe they are marking the area or getting your attention so that you will feed them.

How can I train my dog to stop jumping up and pawing at me?

You have to teach them alternate behaviors and dissuade them from unwanted behavior. You have to stop rewarding the unwanted behavior, i.e., don’t give your dog what they want from this. Eventually, they will try other methods. When this occurs, lavish them with rewards and love to show them that this is a good thing and that pawing and jumping up at you is ineffective.

Is it normal for my dog to paw at the ground before lying down?

Yes, this is their natural instinct to make their bed, mark their territory or assert their dominance. It’s an in-built tendency that is usually not an issue, aside from your furniture and dog beds!

Can a dog’s pawing behavior indicate anxiety or stress?

In rare instances, pawing can be a way for your dog to communicate their discomfort to you. But the thing is, there will usually be other symptoms that accompany anxiety or stress, such as excessive roaming or constantly wanting to be outside. Therefore, it is likely an instinct rather than a medical concern. But always rule out other possibilities, and consult a professional if necessary.

Is pawing a sign of dominance in dogs?

Pawing can be a way for your dog to assert their dominance and other things. Dogs communicate a lot through their eyes; you can read a lot from them. The dominant look will usually lack the empathy that one sees when they are seeking affection.