Just like humans favour one hand over the other, dogs can show a preference for one paw, and it’s more common than you might think.
Scientists have found that many dogs consistently lead with either their left or right paw when performing everyday actions like stepping forward, reaching for a toy, or shaking hands.
Some studies even suggest pawedness could be linked to personality traits and how dogs handle stress.
Whether your pup’s a lefty or a righty, it’s one of the many quirky details that make them uniquely themselves.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from online sources.
Always consult a qualified veterinarian or animal behaviourist for guidance on your pet’s health or behaviour.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only.
Most Dogs Show A Clear Paw Preference
Research has found that about 74% of dogs display a clear preference for one paw over the other.
This means your dog likely has a dominant paw they use for most activities.
Unlike cats, who show stronger side preferences, dogs tend to be more balanced in their distribution.
The remaining 26% of dogs are ambidextrous, meaning they use both paws equally without favouring one side.
Scientists study pawedness by observing dogs during everyday tasks like reaching for treats or toys.
Your dog’s paw preference stays fairly consistent throughout their life, making it a stable personality trait worth discovering.
Try The Paw Shake Test At Home
One simple way to discover your dog’s paw preference is through the shake test.
Teach your dog to shake hands and carefully watch which paw they offer first.
Repeat this exercise multiple times over several days to get accurate results.
Most dogs will consistently offer the same paw if they have a clear preference.
Keep a small notebook to track which paw your dog uses each time.
After ten or fifteen attempts, you’ll start seeing a pattern emerge.
This test works best when your dog is calm and focused, so pick a quiet time without distractions for the most reliable observations.
The Food Retrieval Method Reveals Preferences
Place a tasty treat inside a toy that requires your dog to use their paws to get the food out.
Watch carefully to see which paw they use to hold, tap, or manipulate the toy.
This test reveals natural preferences because your dog focuses on the reward rather than following commands.
Kong toys or puzzle feeders work wonderfully for this experiment.
Your dog’s instinct takes over as they work to reach the treat inside.
Record your observations over multiple sessions to confirm the pattern.
Some dogs may switch paws occasionally, but most will show a dominant paw preference when challenged with this engaging task.
Male Dogs May Favour Their Left Paw
Studies suggest an interesting connection between sex and paw preference in dogs.
Male dogs appear more likely to be left-pawed, while female dogs tend to favour their right paw.
This pattern mirrors some findings in human handedness research, though the reasons remain unclear.
Scientists believe hormones might play a role in determining paw preference during development.
The difference isn’t absolute, meaning you’ll still find right-pawed males and left-pawed females.
However, the statistical trend is noticeable across large groups of dogs.
Check your own dog’s preference and see if they follow this fascinating pattern based on their sex.
Observe The First Step Your Dog Takes
Pay attention to which paw your dog uses when they start walking from a sitting or standing position.
This first-stepping test offers valuable clues about paw dominance.
Dogs with a clear preference will consistently lead with the same paw when beginning to move.
Try this test at different times throughout the day to gather enough data.
Call your dog to you from various distances and watch that initial movement carefully.
You might notice your dog always steps forward with their preferred paw first.
This method works particularly well because it captures natural, unconscious behaviour rather than trained responses to commands.
Ambidextrous Dogs May Be More Sensitive
Dogs without a clear paw preference might be more sensitive to loud noises like thunder or fireworks.
Research indicates that ambidextrous dogs tend to show stronger reactions to startling sounds compared to dogs with established paw preferences.
This connection between pawedness and temperament surprises many dog owners.
If your dog uses both paws equally, they may need extra comfort during storms or celebrations with loud noises.
Understanding this link helps you prepare better strategies to calm your pet.
Consider creating a safe, quiet space where your dog can retreat when frightened.
This knowledge allows you to be more responsive to your dog’s emotional needs.
Right-Pawed Dogs Are Slightly More Common
Among dogs that show a clear preference, slightly more are right-pawed than left-pawed.
This pattern resembles humans, where roughly 90% of people are right-handed.
However, the distribution in dogs is much more balanced than in people.
The slight majority favouring the right paw appears across different breeds and sizes.
Scientists continue studying why this preference exists and what advantages it might provide.
Your dog’s paw preference doesn’t affect their intelligence or trainability in any meaningful way.
Whether your dog is a righty, lefty, or uses both paws equally, they’re perfectly normal and capable of learning new skills and tricks.
Understanding Pawedness Strengthens Your Bond
Discovering your dog’s paw preference helps you understand their unique personality better.
This knowledge can improve training effectiveness because you’ll recognize how your dog naturally approaches tasks.
Some trainers adjust their methods based on a dog’s dominant paw, positioning treats or toys accordingly.
Paying attention to these small details shows you’re truly invested in understanding your companion.
Your dog will appreciate the extra observation and attention during these fun experiments.
These activities also provide mental stimulation and strengthen the trust between you.
Learning about pawedness transforms ordinary playtime into opportunities for deeper connection and insight into your dog’s individual nature.
