What Does It Mean When Your Dog Lifts a Paw?
Dogs talk with their bodies. It can happen so fast that we miss subtle nuances, and then we wonder why they behave a certain way. To understand our pups better, it is important to pay attention to body language such as dog paw lifts – one expression often ignored except by hunters like the image below of a bird dog in which your pup will lift his paw up and position his ears forward at prey while putting out its tail for an extra boost of excitement or high drive rather than anxiety
Now for the Good Stuff about Louis Vuitton Replicas Dogs talk with their bodies. It can happen so fast that we might not notice subtleties until later on when trying to figure out what caused them to act this specific way–and sometimes all
If you’ve ever been around a dog that seems to be nervous or fearful, then it may have exhibited the signs of not just human body language but also canine body language. Dogs experience anxiety and stress in their own way which includes paw lifts as well as other subtle changes like stiff muscles and trembling paws. The Dog Decoder app by Lili Chin uses illustrations from her book “Doggie Drawings: 60 Poses & Scenarios for Your Appetizing Canine Companion!”
It can sometimes be difficult to tell when your dog is feeling anxious, but you’ll notice subtle changes in its body language. Dogs often lift a paw during times of stress or anxiety; so if they also have ears pinned back against the head and are looking away from you, it might mean that he’s nervous about something. It may take a while before we’re able to read our pups like an open book–but with time and attention paid towards them, reading these signs becomes easier over time!
In fact, I have a mantra all of my clients use when they are with their dogs whether it be in training or just hanging out. They ask themselves “What does my dog need now?” This helps them become more aware and what their pup is saying to them which can result in better-trained pups who enjoy being around you even more! Try this yourself next time your furry friend needs something from you- especially if that thing turns into an important moment like fetching the ball for playtime.
2. Sometimes, a dog lifts a paw in anticipation
Paw lifts are often an expression of anticipation, fitting in with the example above. Diamond has high hopes that this turkey is for him- his ears and eyes alert, head raised to sniff it out from far away as he trots over towards it on all fours; tail held fully erect. The paw lift shows just how excited and ready he becomes when a potential meal comes into view.
3. The fearful paw tuck
Dogs also may tuck a paw to convey fear. When they’re doing this while lying down, it’s typically seen as an act of relaxation, but not always – like in the photo above. Diamond is hiding under the table and doesn’t want to interact with that boy at all; notice how he has tucked his left front paw away from him? That means he’s scared or might bite eventually if things don’t stop soon. If either that kid gets any closer (or worse yet…the parents!), then diamond could be seriously hurt!
Bottom line: Keep an eye on your dog’s paws
Don’t let your dog lift its paw without a good reason. It could be an early sign of stress, which can lead to frustration if the undesired behavior follows or even bite out in fear and self-defense.
As you make your way down the sidewalk, notice a nearby dog. Do they look visibly distressed? Is their tail tucked between his legs and looking away from people or other pets on either side of him? If yes to any of these questions, it may be that he is feeling anxious about something but doesn’t know how to communicate this in words. The good news is with some training time spent on teaching them our language as humans can understand things like “I’m scared!” then we’ll have better insight into what’s going through their head when there are stressful situations happening around them instead of just being left guessing if everything will turn out alright after all
If you want to learn more about your dog, download the Dog Decoder smartphone app. There is also plenty of book and DVD options for learning how to decode their behavior in order to tackle unwanted behaviors or understand what they’re trying to tell us.
