Woof Wisdom Wednesday: Is Your Dog Left or Right Pawed?

Just like humans have a dominant hand, dogs can have a dominant paw! 🐾 Some dogs naturally prefer using one paw over the other when performing tasks like stepping forward, reaching for a treat, or even navigating obstacles. Understanding your pup’s paw preference can give you insight into their natural behaviors and tendencies.

How to Tell if Your Dog is Left or Right Pawed

Determining your dog’s dominant paw is easier than you might think! Here are a few simple tests to try at home:

The Paw Shake Test: Next time you ask your dog to shake, take note of which paw they instinctively offer first. Repeating this several times can reveal a pattern.

The Treat Puzzle Challenge: Place a treat under a cup or inside a puzzle toy and observe which paw your dog uses first to try to get it out.

The Step Forward Test: When your dog is standing still and about to move, watch closely to see which paw they lift first.

By repeating these tests over a few days, you’ll likely notice a preference emerge!

Why Does Paw Preference Matter?

While it may seem like a fun fact, identifying your dog’s dominant paw can actually be useful. Some research suggests that left-pawed dogs may be more cautious or anxious, while right-pawed dogs might be more social and outgoing. Additionally, understanding their natural movements can help in training, agility exercises, and even service dog work.

Whether your pup is a lefty or a righty, knowing their dominant paw is just one more way to understand and connect with them. Give these tests a try and let us know—what’s your dog’s preferred paw? 🐶🐾

Disclaimer: The information shared in Woof Wisdom Wednesday is a combination of insights provided by AI and the expertise of our founder, who is nationally canine certified by the Animal Behavioral College and has raised three Guiding Eyes for the Blind service dogs. Always consult your vet or a certified trainer for individual advice.