What it means when your dog puts a paw on you

For many it is a sign of affection: You are lying on the sofa – and suddenly your dog trusts you to put his paw on your leg or arm. In fact, this gesture can mean different things. Your animal world tells you which ones they are.

Dogs communicate with one another using their body language even more than we humans do. The four-legged friends try to say something to us by looking or moving.

An example: the famous paw on the arm, leg, foot or hand. Many dog ​​owners know this behavior from their bellos. This happens particularly often when they cuddle with their pets, lie relaxed on the sofa or sit at the dining table or desk. You have probably asked yourself what is behind it.

Is it maybe a simple token of love? Not only!

Here you can find out what else could be behind it:

Your dog shows you his love
Dogs often express their feelings through body language. No wonder: “I love you” is easier to understand through a hug than through a “woof”. And in the end it is nothing more than a hug when your four-legged friend gently places a paw on your thigh or on your hand. So yeah, sometimes this behavior is really just a show of love. Awww!

Your dog wants his food
This explanation is less romantic: Your dog is hungry and wants to eat. You can recognize this, for example, when your dog often places his paw on your arm and leg at the usual feeding time. However, you shouldn’t always give in here immediately: Otherwise your dog will think he’ll always get something to eat as soon as he nudges you. By the way, it could just as well be that your dog is thirsty and you should refill his drinking bowl.

Your dog seeks your attention
Think about it: have you had fewer opportunities to look after your dog lately? Now he may ask for more attention from you. He wants you to play or otherwise spend time with him. Dogs love activity – and it is perfectly normal for them to demand it. As a responsible master or mistress, you should ensure that the needs of your four-legged friend are met.

Your dog is scared
Or maybe your dog shows you his insecurity or fear. When in doubt, look for other signals your dog could use to show you that he is not doing well. For example, he might put his ears back, shiver, or hunch up. If so, you should investigate the cause of the fear.

Has anything changed drastically in your household recently? Have you moved or has a new person moved in? Have you had an argument or have you lost patience with your Bello? All of these can be reasons why he is now looking for you. In this case, you can try to calm him down with lots of love and affection.

Your dog wants to give comfort with his paw
The other way around, your dog also feels when you are not feeling well. Are you often sad these days? Then your cute four-legged friend may simply want to express compassion with his paw. Even if you are stressed or angry, your dog will notice and will do everything to make you feel better.

Don’t forget: you are the leader of the pack!


As sweet as contacting your four-legged friend can be – sometimes it’s just annoying. For example, if he has dirty paws and you are wearing your favorite bright pants. Or you have to concentrate briefly and don’t want to be disturbed. There are therefore some tricks you can use to stop your dog from constantly shaking hands:

Ignore the paw and avoid eye contact. Change your position so that your dog can no longer reach you with his paw. If the paw then stops, you can extensively praise him.


Try to meet your dog’s needs before he claims them himself.
Be consistent in your reaction.

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