You are relaxing, watching TV, when suddenly, your pup puts their paw on you and looks into you eyes. You might ask yourself, why do dogs put their paw on you? What do they want? What does it mean?
Many dog owners have experienced their dogs putting their paw on them. I am sure every owner has experienced their dog pawing at least once.
For dogs, it is a natural behavior that is nothing but a way of communicating. Sadly, as our furry companions don’t have the innate speaking capability, they have to rely on other means of communication.
The sense of touch is very important for dogs and humans. If you pay attention, you will see that it is the best communication method for you two.
How do you show affection to your dog? By petting it. How does your dog relax? When it sleeps or relaxes near you. Why do they lick your feet, fingers, and face when they are excited to see you? The sense of touch is a very important communication tool for both.
Why Does My Dog Put Its Paw On Me?
My current theory is that different things might motivate your dog to put their paw on you. It is most likely their way of telling you something you are not aware of at that moment.
It is a sign of communication, and they are trying to convey a message to you. Usually, that message does not necessarily mean something bad, however – there are cases when your dog putting its paw on you is a bad thing.
I know it sounds harmless, but in some cases, it is not. But, most of the time, your dog putting its paw on you is a good thing!
You can often draw a parallel to when somebody puts their hand on your shoulder. Think about it for a second. What can it mean?
It can mean that somebody is letting you know they are there for you, it can mean that they want something from you, and it can mean some negative things.
Therefore, let’s see why do dogs put their paw on you!
Because They Seek Your Attention
One of the cutest reasons why do dogs put their paw on you is because they seek your attention. Almost every dog likes being the center of your attention, right?
Understand this: Spending time with your dog requires some kind of attention from you. When you come home from work or school, in the dog world, this means that it’s their time to shine. They want to spend time with you because they have been missing you for the past few hours.
And if you ignore them while they present you with the joy they feel after seeing you, they might feel neglected.
Just as children, they require your constant need and attention. If they are bringing you their toy, pointing to the door, bringing you the leash – that could only mean one thing.
They need your attention because they feel as if you are not paying enough of it!
However, sometimes, the attention is not merely a need for affection. They might be telling you that there is something wrong with them or you.
If a dog smells any medical issues happening in your body (yes, they can do that), or if they feel any aches in their own body, they are likely to seek attention by putting their paw on you.
Attention does not always mean a positive thing; they might be seeking attention from their pet parents for other reasons, like medical issues.
Because They Want Affection
They might have missed you while you were at work or out, dreaming about you or putting their paws on you to tell you, “Pet me; I need your affection!”.
Dogs are highly sensitive, emphatic, and emotional beings. Even if it does not seem like it, they can feel many emotions, one of which is love.
We often hug and kiss people we care about and love. Believe it or not, the same goes with dogs! They will “kiss” you and, most importantly, put their paw on you to show you that they are petting you, too.
They are returning the favor because they really enjoy scratches, and they think you will enjoy them too. Isn’t that cute?
When your dog extends its touch and returns your devotion by placing his paw on you – that’s their version of petting you. This is most often accompanied by them gazing lovingly into your eyes!
Because They Feel Anxious
Did you know that dogs can suffer from anxiety and anxious attachment disorder, too?
Dogs can express feelings like stress or worry using their paws as part of their body language. Lifting the paw with or without making a touch can be a stress response.
When a dog applies pressure or pushes with its paws, it can be a sign of trying to slow down or acquire some space. Call your dog outside the setting if you see them tense or anxious. Reward them with a treat for following along as a positive reinforcement method.
Remember to allow them space and time to get used to the new person or the event. This may involve going for a stroll with them, playing with them in the yard, or just quietly watching from a distance.
Other signs of anxiety in dogs are low tail position, flat ears, overly yawning, staying in dark corners of the room, biting their paws excessively, and wanting alone time.
Separation anxiety is a part of the anxious attachment disorder. This means that your dog is extremely stressed when you are not around. It is often the case that adopted dogs have a fear of abandonment, resulting in developing anxiety.
How To Comfort An Anxious Dog?
Most dogs react best when you shift their focus to something else.
If your dog has separation anxiety, I recommend leaving many interactive dog toys around the house, turning on the TV, and leaving your shirt or blanket nearby (something that has your scent on it) so that the dog feels more comfortable.
Another thing worth considering is getting a home camera with a built-in microphone. At certain times that you notice your dog struggling with anxiety, howling, or barking excessively, you can call them by their name or tell them simple commands to shift their focus.
When it comes to dogs that feel anxious all the time, the best way to relax them is to go on a walk with them or engage with them by making them do tricks or basic commands, offering a reward of food. They can forget that they are under stress.
Another way to ease their anxiety is to offer comfort through physical affection. This is especially true for rescue dogs. They usually have a positive reaction after getting used to the physical touch that is not violent for once.
Because They Are Up For A Treat Or A Whole Meal
If you have a dog that is more of an extrovert, they won’t really be polite when it comes to begging for more treats, or another bowl of food.
Many pet parents discover that their dog starts to show signs of restlessness around half an hour to an hour before feeding time. Your dog may use its paw to let you know they are hungry!
Since they cannot precisely tell the time but have an inbuilt sense of when the food time arrives, they can become a bit loud, nervous, or just excited when the food time is around the corner.
That can result in them pointing with their paw on the food bowl or putting their paw on you.
This is one of the cutest ways to let you know that your dog is ready for food. However, it is very important to stay consistent with your feeding routine and not change it because the dog wishes to. If they had the opportunity, most dogs would eat all the time!
Food means love when it comes to the dog world! But make sure that you follow the feeding chart as you usually do, and fill out the waiting time with lots of pets and belly rubs!
Because They Want To Go Outside
You come home late from work, are tired, and just want to lie down and do nothing. Suddenly, you feel your dog’s paw on you. Why?
Dogs put their paw on you, which can indicate that your dog wants to go outside, whether chasing a sunspot, a cat, or a squirrel or needing to relieve themselves. Before they paw you, a dog may exhibit other actions that are similar to attention-seeking.
Call your dog to come to the door, ask them to sit, and open it immediately if you observe these pre-paw behaviors.
Using this technique, your dog can learn to go outside by sitting at the door. Pawing can be replaced by courteous signaling, which you can encourage.
This is a wanted reaction, according to many professional trainers! Learning how to channel your dog’s behaviors is key.
Because They Feel What You Feel
Even if you don’t cry about things that deeply upset you. Even if you have a happy face after a day that was horrible.
Whichever methods you use to hide your feelings – they won’t work when you have a dog by your side.
Don’t be caught off-guard by your dog’s ability to read your emotions. Canines are highly sensitive and empathetic beings who can feel every single emotion of yours. They will share joy and happiness with you, as well as sadness.
Putting their paw on you while you are crying or just being sad is a way of them telling you, “I understand your emotions. I am your friend.” Could you possibly imagine anything sweeter than this?
Dogs can be sad sometimes, too. They know how it feels, so they will try to make you feel better in ways that are familiar to them. They are highly intuitive friends that will feel everything that you feel.
Also, thanks to their keen sense of smell, they can literally smell the change in your emotions, which results from hormones fluctuating differently in your body.
Many dogs are trained to be therapy dogs or emotional support dogs, thanks to their innate emotional intelligence. We should learn a lot from them, huh?
Because They Are Asserting Dominance
This is a less common way for dogs to communicate dominance over you, but it might happen. Therefore, it is important to discuss the possible meaning of dogs putting their paws on you in this manner, too.
They might put their paw on you in certain circumstances because they want to be in control of a specific situation.
It is more frequent to see this behavior in dogs who have not had the appropriate socialization or training. Their paws are trying to take control of our bodies in an effort to become the leader of the pack.
Additional indicators, including stiff body posture, direct eye contact, body blocking, or snarling, may also be present in conjunction with this behavior. Addressing this behavior with appropriate training methods is imperative to maintaining a positive relationship with your dog.
In this case, it is best to consult a behavior analyst or a veterinary medicine practitioner to help you achieve your desired outcome—a dog that does not show any signs of dominant behaviors. They can share their learned experience so there won’t be a next time.
What To Do When A Dog Puts Their Paw On You?
There are many possible reactions to this dog behavior. Every single one depends on the dog’s overall body language and the needs of the dog or your own needs that your dog might be sensing.
Let’s go over the best things to do in this case!
What Are You Waiting For? Start Petting The Dog!
Most likely, a subtle canine touch on your leg, arm, or any other body part means they crave some attention YOU should provide!
Give them verbal affirmation, call them their name, and talk to them in your regular way. Also, give them scratches, pets, and loads of belly rubs!
Their way of expressing love and affection is by physical touch. Therefore, show them love in their language of love!
They were probably missing you, or were just missing your affection. So, what are you waiting for?
Play With Them
Your dog might just be bored!
Get up, find their favorite toy, and play away! Play catch, tug of war, or go for a walk together! Your pet might just be missing some physical activity.
Just as we get bored when doing nothing, your pet can get bored, too. Playtime is one of the most important physical activities for dogs because it also mentally stimulates them. And also, your health will benefit from physical activity!
So, put on some sneakers, take the leash, and go for a walk. Visiting a playground would also be a great idea because dogs will benefit from socializing with other dogs!
Try To Assess If The Dog Is Feeling Any Discomfort
Sometimes, our dogs might be telling us some bad news when putting their paw on us.
That, mixed with a loss of appetite, no will to go outside, generally low energy, and weak limbs, might just be a sign that your dog is feeling ill!
As dogs can’t speak, they will do their best to communicate their needs with you through physical touch. Putting their paw on you can be a sign that something is wrong.
If you notice some unusual behaviors associated with any physical signs, you should get your dog checked at your local vet.
It’s Treat Time!
Dogs can occasionally develop a sweet tooth—or, better to say, a treat tooth.
Treats have a different taste than regular dog food, and because of that, dogs might become spoiled enough to put their paw on you and say something like, “Well, what are you waiting for? Where’s my treat?!”
You can, of course, give them their treat, but make sure they will do something to earn it. Try to do at least a few basic commands or the newest trick they have learned before giving them the treat.
Positive reinforcement methods are highly important in dog training. You should not get them used to having treats whenever they want because they might stop eating their regular dog food, expecting you to provide them with treats only.
What Was The Reason Your Dog Put Their Paw On You?
Why do dogs put their paw on you? Have you managed to find your answer between the lines of this article?
The touch of the paw is most likely the pup’s way of telling you that it loves you—it is the equivalent of human hugs. However, that is not the only reason why they are putting their paws on you.
“It can be used to express a range of emotions, from being excited to being fearful or even being aggressive. It could be to get attention, to show affection or to communicate that they want something,” said Aaron Rice, an animal behaviorist and expert dog trainer for the Dodo.
They might be in search of their favorite dogs food, in a need to go outside to relieve themselves, trying to assert dominance, or most likely play!
Whatever the case, adhere to your dog’s needs in order to have the most wanted outcome – a happy dog.
Read next: 10 Surprising Reasons Why Do Dogs Sleep With Their Bum Facing You
Zerina is an experienced content writer who found her passion for writing while pursuing her degree in English language and literature.
Growing up with a beloved dog as her companion, Zerina developed love for canines from a young age. Inspired by her bond with her furry friend, she decided to combine her writing skills with her love for dogs.