If you share your life with a furry companion, you may have noticed their habit of placing their paws on you. For dog lovers, any form of attention from our four-legged friends is welcomed, yet it would be wonderful if we could decipher their messages. Questions such as, “Are you hungry? Want to play fetch? Feeling a bit needy today? Should I stop munching on these chips?” often cross my mind when my pups reach out. Interestingly, there are several reasons behind this behavior.
According to The Dog Clinic, our furry friends use their paws to communicate various feelings. Author Lily Harper points out that one primary reason dogs paw at us is to seek affection. If your dogs are anything like mine, they seem to require constant attention unless they are napping and still dreaming of belly rubs. “Dogs thrive on human companionship,” Harper explains. “They’ve been bred to rely on us for everything, including fun and social interaction, so they’re not shy about showing us when they feel ignored.”
This makes total sense, especially since one of my dogs has a knack for bringing his soggiest, most disgusting toy to me, dropping it right on my laptop, and then pawing at my arm until I engage with him. It always happens when I’m trying to work, as if he’s thinking, “Mom is busy; I need her attention!”
Pawing can also indicate “I love you” or signify that your dog is feeling insecure. If you notice signs of distress, like yawning or ears pinned back, it could mean they’re anxious. “If your dog seems worried, the best approach is to remain positive and distract them from what’s bothering them,” Harper advises. Engaging them with a toy or changing the scenery can work wonders. It might also simply mean your pup is overwhelmed with affection and wants to express it. “When a dog puts their paw on you while you’re petting them, they’re extending their contact and returning your affection,” Harper adds.
For those moments when pawing becomes too much—though honestly, is there ever a bad time?—Harper suggests techniques like gently moving away to avoid reinforcing the behavior (who’s really in charge here?), ensuring they’re adequately stimulated before you settle down, and avoiding direct eye contact.
It’s heartwarming to realize they’re trying to communicate, and I, for one, will always believe my dogs are reaching out to say, “I love you. And by the way, could you put that bowl of chips down?”
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In Summary
Dogs paw at us for multiple reasons, including seeking attention, expressing love, or indicating insecurity. Understanding these gestures can enhance our bond with our furry friends.