Many dog owners find themselves asking what does it mean when your dog lays their paw on you? The answer to this question is not as simple as some people might think. It can depend on the type of pawing, how often it happens, and other factors that can vary from one person to another. To better understand what your pup may be trying to say, this article will go over some things that are common with dogs who lay a paw on someone else.
Joy & Love
One of the most common reasons a dog might paw someone is out of joy and love. This can often be seen when they are reunited with their owner after being apart, or when they are playing games like fetch or Frisbee. If your pup regularly paws you for no other reason than to express their affection, then it’s likely that this is the root cause. Your dog is simply trying to show how happy they are to be around you and how much joy your connection brings them.
Submission
In some cases, a dog might paw someone as an act of submission. For example, if your pup is meeting another dog for the first time they may put their paw on the other dog’s back as a way to show dominance. Similarly, if you are trying to train your dog and they are not following commands, putting their paw on you can be seen as an act of obedience. So if your pup regularly paws you for seemingly no reason, it’s worth considering whether or not they might be trying to communicate something with that gesture.
Invitation To Play
Another possibility is that your dog is simply trying to invite you to play. This can often be seen when they paw at your feet or hand as a way to get you to throw a ball or toy for them. If this seems to be the case, then it’s likely that your pup just wants some fun and companionship. Try responding to their invitation by playing with them for a while – it will undoubtedly make both of you happy!