If you have a dog, you’ve definitely felt that little tap or gentle caress on your arm or leg with their paw, right? It’s one of those cute little things they do and you might wonder what the heck they are trying to tell you with their foot. When a dog puts a paw on you, it’s almost always a sign of communication and they are definitely trying to get a message across to you. That paw placement can mean a few different things so here are the top 10 reasons your furry best friend is reaching out with their foot.
They Want Attention
This is probably the most common reason they do it because a paw tap is a fast way to get you to stop whatever you are doing. Your dog quickly learns that giving you their paw gets a positive reaction so they’ll use it to prompt you for pats or a little playtime.
They Are Requesting Something
Behavior experts call this action “manding” which is basically a polite way for your dog to make a request or even a demand. They are trying to tell you they have a need like I need to go outside or It’s time for my dinner please.
They Want More Pets
Sometimes your dog just needs to refill their tank of cuddles and they will use the paw to ask for more petting. If you stop scratching them and the paw comes down on your arm again you know exactly what they are demanding.
They Are Showing Affection
Just like when people hug or hold hands putting a paw on you can be a simple canine way of saying “I love you” or “I am so glad you are here with me”. It’s a natural behavior for them to make that coat-to-skin contact to show connection.
They Are Feeling Anxious
If your dog is worried about noises, they paw you. They want comfort from you. If they are also panting or hiding their tail, it means they need you to tell them everything is all right right now.
They Are Comforting You
Your dog knows when you are sad. They are really perceptive, you know. He touches you with his paw to comfort you. He wants to give you love when you need it most right then.
They Are Hungry
If you have ever responded to a paw tap by quickly giving them a treat or their meal your dog will remember that fast. They realize that pawing at you might get a better reward than just barking for their supper so they will try it again and again.
They Need a Potty Break
Especially with younger dogs or puppies who are still learning they might use pawing to let you know they really need to go outside. If the paw doesn’t get you to move they might try putting their head on your lap next to motivate you.
They Want to Initiate Communication
Think of the paw like a verbal cue that humans use to start talking like saying “Uh” or raising your hand in a meeting. Your dog uses their foot to bridge that communication gap and let you know they have something to say right now.
They Are Trying to Hold You
The gesture is just like canine hand-holding a way for your dog to keep in contact with you while they relax. By placing their paw on your foot or lap they feel that connection with you which helps them feel safe and secure.
