This habit could lead to limping or potential bacterial infections.

What does it mean when my dog hits me with his paw. If your dog is a fan of physical affection placing his paw on your knee or extending it while lying down could be a simple request to you to give him scratches in his favorite spots. Sometimes youll even offer a reward eg praise physical affection andor food. There are several reasons why your dog might be putting his paw on you.

Extending a paw exposes parts of the dogs chest and underarms making it easy for you to hit the hard-to-reach places. Pricked ears low tail shifting gaze tight mouth and panting can be a form of anxious behavior or a sign your dog may be in some sort of pain especially relating to their paw. Think of a child constantly whining to get a parents attention its much the same strategy.

The answer will most likely be linked to when he is doing it it is most likely he is trying to tell you something. A doggies furry touch is a warm cozy feeling. If you react by giving your dog the attention he craves you reinforce this behavior and encourage your dog to repeat it.

Your dog may exhibit this when you try to retrieve its toy or food bowl with food left on it. There are times when a dogs pawing conveys a different message other than love me and love me now For instance a contrite dog that knows that he did something naughty may decide to put a paw on your body as a means to apologize for their behavior. Since you pay attention to him once he paws you as far as hes concerned it works.

If the paw is placed on you during a petting session in an otherwise calm atmosphere Forrest says your dog could be further extending contact and reciprocating affection back Aw. If you see any other forms of unusual behavior or signs your pup is in discomfort consult your veterinarian right away. If youre reading watching TV or doing something that doesnt involve your dog and you feel a paw on your leg its because he wants attention.

Its likely the primary reason your dog is constantly pawing you is because he wants attention. What this is may be a part of instinctual behavior but it can also be a valuable tool in training and education canines. Just as possible as it is for a pup to paw you as a sign of submission is the possibility of the complete opposite.