Does Your Dog Have a Preferred Paw?

by Ronel Forbes

August 31, 2023

Humans frequently favor their left or right hand, but with dogs, things are a little more complicated. Although we and dogs may have certain similarities, our differences go beyond having more paws than thumbs.

Are dogs left- or right-pawed?

Yes, dogs do prefer utilizing one paw over the other, to give a quick answer.

Strong sex variations in canine paw preference have been shown in several investigations. Male dogs are more likely to have left paws than females, who are more likely to have right paws. The domestic cat is one of the non-human species that exhibits this sex difference.

Dogs frequently alternate between utilizing their right and left paws when carrying out various tasks, and they frequently utilize their front paws more than their back paws. A dog may use their right paw to reach for a treat, but they may use their left paw to grab your attention.

Do dogs have a paw preference?

Although it’s unknown, it might be connected to how their brains work and how they interpret information. Dogs’ predilection for certain paws may be influenced by their brain’s dominant side, which they share with humans.

The majority of research concurs that dogs have paw preferences that are much less variable than those of humans and are more evenly distributed. Researchers frequently draw attention to the possibility that adult dogs, in particular, demonstrate acquired behavior that may not reflect any innate preferences.

After receiving rewards for years for shaking with a certain paw that can be the opposite of their human parent’s dominant hand, this can happen.

How to determine whether your dog has left or right paws?

You don’t need to go that far to determine your pet’s preference, but studies like the Kong test have systematically evaluated dogs and their predilection toward left or right body movements.

The simplest method to tell whether your dog prefers paws is to watch them in action. Observe them as they go about various activities like playing fetch or figuring out a toy puzzle.

Male dogs may have a tendency to lift one leg when going potty, although this behavior may just be a deliberate choice to mark a certain location at that time.

Initial Evaluation

In what is known as the First-step test, you could see a pattern in how dogs begin to move after sitting or standing. These kinds of observations, according to researchers, are more significant than those influenced by a dog’s appetite or level of interest in a treat.

Finding out which paw your dog prefers can be a fun way to learn more about their distinct personality and behavior, but don’t be concerned if they don’t seem to have a preference – many animals don’t.

Please read: WHEN YOU HIT AN ANIMAL ON THE ROAD

Conclusion

Yes, dogs can have a favorite paw. Simply put, it’s not as obvious as human-hand dominance. Pay attention to which paw your dog uses the next time you see them execute a trick or reach for a toy. They might be showcasing their ambidextrous abilities in this manner.

Give them a high-five for us in any case, just for being a dog.

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