Why Does My Dog Put His Paw on Me?

To say we’re fascinated by our dogs is an understatement. Truth is, we’re kind of obsessed. It’s as if every little thing those lovable tail-wagging creatures do, from gazing at us lovingly to sighing dramatically, from licking our faces to licking our feet and watching TV with us, is imbued with a sense of mystery and magic. So if you’ve ever “pawsed” to wonder, “Why does my dog put his paw on me?” you’re not alone. In fact, it’s one of the doggy behaviors that veterinarians and dog behavior experts get asked about the most, according to Colby Lehew, head trainer at Chicago’s Dogletics dog training facility.

Pawing is a form of communication

In its most basic form, “pawing” is a form of communication, explains Gerardo Perez-Camargo, DVM, Vice President of Research and Development at Freshpet. Or, more specifically, it’s a communication initiation, akin to you clearing your throat to signal you’re about to speak or tapping a friend on the shoulder to get their attention. But your dog could accomplish that just as easily with barking. So, when your dog chooses to put his paw on you to get your attention, he’s making a choice. The question is: Why?

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Dogs, like humans, speak with their hands

Many dogs are inclined to “speak” with their “hands,” observes Sarah Wooten, DVM, vet expert at Pumpkin Pet Insurance. The reason, according to Lehew, is that we’ve taught them to do so. When your dog hands you his paw, you’re likely to react positively. Sometimes you’ll even offer a reward (e.g., praise, physical affection, and/or food). By rewarding our dogs for communicating with their paws, we’re encouraging them to do so again. Plus, if you notice your dog tends to use one paw more than the other, it may actually be because there’s now an answer to the question: are dogs right or left handed? And again. Here are 8 sure signs your dog trusts you.

The “keep petting me” paw

When you get the “paw” while you’re already petting, tickling, or otherwise lavishing physical attention on your dog, you probably won’t even have to ask, “Why is my dog putting his paw on me?” Chances are, you’ll understand intuitively that your dog wants you to keep doing exactly what you’re doing. This is one of the most common reasons dogs will put their paws on their people, says Dr. Wooten. The exception is service dogs, which you’re not supposed to pet.