I’ve recently had a couple of requests for some insight into a very common dog behavior–one my own Shadow-Pup indulges (see picture above). That is, why does my dog paw my arm? Here are two requests…and then we’ll get into the reasons behind the behavior.

Hi Amy,
I hope this finds you and all your four legged people well and happy. I have a question. My adult Labrador, who still thinks he is a puppy, has developed a habit of coming up to me, when I am sitting. He does the love stare and then he will take his left foot and put it on my arm. I asked a groomer friend (Patte T who raised and shows Newfies) and she said it was a dominance thing. I don’t think so. I thought I could read dogs and cats pretty well but this behavior has me stumped. What do you think, oh canine guru? Thanks and God bless. Jim H, Oakland, Iowa

Shadow-Pup also does that “love stare” that Jim mentions, and then paws whatever body part happens to be handy: arm, leg, shoulder. He does this until… More on that later, read on.

 Here’s a similar request from one of my Pets Peeves newsletter subscribers (you can join the list here).

Could you talk sometime about dogs that paw at you (for attention?) Those toenails can do damage, especially to someone with fragile skin! My dog is 4 years old and I haven’t been able to get him to understand “No!” means don’t paw me! With (grand) baby on the way, this needs to get stopped. Linda C.

What Does Dog Pawing Mean

So what does all that pawing mean? There are multiple meanings, actually, and it all depends on context of a given situation. The dog (above) holding her paw aloft also shows soft eyes, open mouth, slightly averted head, and this taken together speaks to a conciliatory gesture. Raising a paw may in fact be a prelude to rolling over to show “no threat.” Dogs concerned about a given situation–perhaps raised angry voices or uncertainty in their surroundings–might raise a paw.

Pawing For Attention

In many cases, dogs paw-thump us so we’ll do their bidding. They want us to do SOMETHING. Sometimes you can ask–“Need to go outside? Hungry? Want a car ride?” Each dog knows certain words and if you ask, their behavior often will tell you.

When we can’t immediately understand what they want, we (and they) become frustrated. In those cases, pushing paws away may escalate the pawing/scratching as your dog becomes more and more insistent. Those big nails can hurt, so keeping nails trimmed can help with scratches.

Top reasons for pawing include:

• Wanting attention. Dogs relish petting, and in some cases, a paw contact could be the canine equivalent of showing us affection.
• Wanting reassurance. Our furry friends rely on us to protect them and keep them safe. When they are uncertain or fearful, they may paw us to ask for help. Perhaps a thunderstorm or fireworks frightened them, and they reach out for snuggles, reassurance, and guidance.
• Wanting to play. Dogs without a job who spend most days inside become bored. They learn quickly that pawing your arm gets you moving–it can become a game with them. Or, as in the picture below, a way to show interest in a toy or game.
• Wanting a meal or treats. Dogs may paw your arm or leg when you’re eating a meal, their way of begging (demanding!) a share. Shadow-Pup does this to ask for his bowl to be filled in the evening while we watch TV. When my husband fills the bowl, he rewards Shadow which has taught him to repeat the behavior. (Yes, dogs often train US to do their bidding!)
• Wanting to go outside/inside. Pawing behavior often becomes the default dog signal for a potty break–or that they want the opportunity for a sniff-arri walk adventure.
• Wanting to go to bed. When pet parents stay up past their regular bedtime, dogs notice and become very attuned to breaks in routine. Missing an expected event, like a bedtime, can prompt pawing reminders.

Problem Dog Pawing Behavior

If you don’t mind the pawing, there’s nothing wrong with allowing it to continue. But as Linda mentions in the opening, dog pawing becomes problematic when the human has thinner skin. That’s common with children or with older adults especially those with health challenges. Big heavy paws and claws, or even smaller ones with long nails, can leave bruises and scratches.

When dogs use paws to play rough and get their way, teach them an alternative behavior that prevents injury, but provides the same benefit. This can take a while before your dog has a “lightbulb moment” and understands. Remember that when training, mistakes are GOOD because it teaches your dog what you don’t want–so keep going. Here are some tips for limiting obnoxious pawing.

How To Stop Dog Pawing Behavior

With any behavior that seeks to get YOU to do something, giving in with petting or treats, games, or other goals rewards your dog. Each time he paws you and you give him what he wants, you’ve taught him to repeat pawing in the future. So the top tip is the most effective, but also the most difficult for YOU to accomplish.

• Ignore the pawing. When he paws you, don’t move. Don’t look at him. Don’t talk to him. Turn your head away and freeze. Then when he removes his paw, smile and make eye contact and ask what he wants. If he paws you, again FREEZE and turn away. Only reward his request when he doesn’t touch you. Be aware of something called the “extinction burst.” When you stop rewarding the pawing, often the behavior gets even worse just before it goes away. So put on long heavy sleeves to protect your arms, grit your teeth, and continue with the training.
• Teach an alternative. According to the dog training experts at DogAcademy.org, most dogs easily learn a few commands. Your dog may already know a standard “default” behavior. At our house, Shadow-Pup must “pay” for certain privileges with a “sit.” When his bowl fills with food, we ask him to “sit” first and only then does the bowl hit the floor. So, as you work on the top training tip by ignoring the pawing, replace that behavior with “sit” or another command your dog already knows well. When the pawing stops for even a moment, ask him to “sit.” When he does, then reward with the treat or play or attention he wants.
• Offer calming help. If you suspect your dog’s excessive pawing comes from fear, anxiety, or stress, talk with your vet about options to help reduce his angst. You can also provide some home care help with pheromone collars or plugin diffusers that may help.