For many dog moms and dads, there’s nothing quite as cute as when their pup gives them a friendly paw. Perhaps this is why so many pet parents teach their dogs the paw trick. After the “sit” command, it’s one of the most popular things dogs learn, and understandably, it is adorable.
But, you know what they say, sometimes, you can get too much of a good thing, and teaching “paw” to your pup could lead to a few challenges. Some dogs get so excited about the attention they receive that they start using their paws for everything.
What starts out as a fun, cute trick to make people ooh and aah can turn into an annoying habit if you’re not careful. But this doesn’t mean you should skip the whole paw trick or that you shouldn’t have taught it to your pup. However, it is a good idea to learn the unintended negative consequences of “paw” and how to dial things back a bit if your dog takes it a little too far.
The Downsides of Teaching “Paw” to Your Dog
Using positive reinforcement when training your dog is a highly recommended practice, but can it become too much? In the case of teaching your dog to give you their paw, pups put two and two together very quickly. As a result, what you intend to be a cute trick could lead to a few undesirable consequences.
Your Dog Uses Their Paw to Get Attention
When teaching your dog the paw trick, every time they give you their paw, you likely shower them with treats and praise. This response is understandable since it’s part of the positive reinforcement training so often touted when it comes to teaching pets.
However, with this particular trick, your dog quickly realizes that putting their paw on a person gets them plenty of attention. From your pup’s perspective, if they put their paw on someone, they’ll get something in return, so why not try it more often?
Your dog might start to paw at you, your kids, house guests, and strangers, tapping an arm here, smacking a leg there. In your dog’s mind, they’re not being mischievous or bad, they’re just repeating a behavior that seemed to get them plenty of goodies.
Excitement Brings Your Dog’s Behavior to a Whole New Level
Dogs instinctively use their paws when they’re excited. They also might lift a paw when they need something or feel anxious or unsure about a situation. If you teach your dog to give you their paw, and they now associate the action with treats or praise, excitement can exaggerate their behavior.
Your dog may get so carried away that they start paddling their paws as if they’re entering into a canine boxing competition. If stressed, your dog might paw at you eagerly because they assume it will win your attention and reassurance.
Your Dog Uses Their Paw to Get What They Want
A paw lift already acts as a request signal. Now, your dog decides that their paw is such a powerful tool for getting attention, why not use it to get everything else they want. Consequently, their attention-seeking behavior can become more demanding.
Instead of simply raising their paw to send the signal, they make contact. They smack, swat, and whack you and anyone else around them when they're hungry, thirsty, need to go to the bathroom, or want cuddles.
Your dog starts pawing at you for everything, whether it’s attention, a toy, extra belly rubs, or they want to get under the blanket with you. Furthermore, if you give your dog what they’re asking for in these moments, it reinforces the behavior.
Your dog keeps doing it more and more, no longer waiting for you to give the cue. Now, it’s no longer a cute trick they do on demand. It’s a learned behavior that they wield like a powerful weapon to make their doggy dreams come true. And if you don’t respond right away, they might even paw at you harder. Ouch!
Do You Need to Correct Your Dog’s Paw Behavior?
At first, you may not think too much about your dog’s extra pawing. It starts out pretty cute, and it might not seem to be a big deal. However, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs that the “paw” trick has gotten out of hand and needs some adjustments.
- Your dog paws without being asked.
- The pawing gets more aggressive and pushy. (All the more reason to keep your dog’s nails trimmed!)
- Your dog paws at everyone and anyone, not just you.
- If you ignore your pup, they continue to paw at you, perhaps increasing the intensity.
- Your dog paws at people when greeting them.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to start correcting the behavior before the habits become more ingrained.
Don’t Ignore the Problem
Don’t assume your dog will simply outgrow the behavior or stop doing it if you ignore them. As long as their pawing works sometimes, they’re going to keep doing it.
Even telling them to stop or pushing them away can reinforce the behavior because it’s still giving them attention, even if it is negative. Therefore, you can’t ignore the problem, you need to fix it.
Four Steps to Fix Your Pup’s Aggressive Pawing
The main goal is to teach your dog that giving you their paw only works when you ask for it. If you’re struggling to correct the behavior, you could seek a professional to help you out. Your vet or a fellow trusted pet parent could offer trainer recommendations, or you could check the Association for Professional Dog Training (APDT).
However, give these steps a try first.
1. Only Reward the Behavior When It’s on Cue
If your dog paws without the cue, simply stay still and quiet. Don’t respond in any way. Wait for your dog to stop.
Once your dog stops and is calm, then you can ask for “paw.” When they do it after the cue, reward them with praise or a treat.
You’re focusing on teaching your pup that “paw” works only when someone asks.
2. Reward Calm Behavior
Remember, dogs repeat behaviors that get them rewards, so use this to your advantage. Teach your dog that remaining calm can also get them attention.
Whenever your dog is near you and stays calm, reward them with a treat or a friendly pat. You’re teaching your pup that calm behavior is more desirable than pawing.
3. Teach Your Dog a Different Behavior
Instead of teaching your dog paw, consider replacing it with another action. You could teach them to lie down, sit, or touch your hand with their nose. If your pup needs attention, teach them to do one of these actions instead of pawing.
4. Make Sure to Practice With Guests
It’s a great start to go through these tips with your pup to correct their unwanted pawing behavior. However, guests and strangers can often undo some of your efforts because dogs get excited when new people enter the picture.
Before guests arrive, give your dog a chance to calm down. If you’re expecting company or planning to take your dog on an outing, take them on a walk first or play with them for a while to help them expend some energy.
When guests enter, ask your dog to sit first, and if they remain calm, then the guests can greet them. Let your guests know that if your dog starts pawing they should just step back and ignore it until your dog stops. You’re teaching your dog that greetings are ones that get them attention.
Turn Your Dog’s Unintended Behavior Into a More “Pawsitive” Experience
Don’t stress about your dog’s pawing antics. They’re not being rude, they’ve just learned that pawing is a good way to get what they want. Your pup doesn’t think about “paw” as a special performance or trick. Instead, they see it as a way to get good things.
Changing how you respond is the first step to fixing the unwanted behavior. Be clear with your cues and boundaries, making sure your dog knows exactly what you want and when you want it.
Patience and consistency are vital no matter what tricks you’re teaching your pet. Let your dog know that they only get rewarded for “paw” if they do it when you ask. With repetition, your pup will catch on that they should only offer you their paw when you give the cue.
Check out the Neater Pets blog for more helpful tips on training your dog and to discover more useful pet parenting insights.