It’s cute to look at and we suspect it has meaning – for the dog – but what exactly does a dog lifting his paw signify? Maybe the following will answer a few of those ponderings. Keep reading to see if you agree with these findings and whether your pooch tends to do the same.
An Anxious Paw Lift
It’s the paw lifts by non-hunting dogs that can be a sign of anxiety, stress, and/or fear.A Paw Lift In Anticipation
via Dog Decoder illustration by Lili Chin.
Paw lifts also can be an expression of anticipation. Ears and eyes alert, head and sniffer up and ready, tail out, and a paw lifted combine to signal anticipation.
Fearful Paw Tuck
via Dogster
Dogs also may tuck a paw to convey fear. Typically, when a dog tucks a paw while lying down, it’s a sign of relaxation, but not always.
Ah, so there is meaning behind that little paw lift after all. Not just cuteness, right? It makes sense. Our dog obviously lifts his paw because he is anticipating his walk. He really enjoys them, even in the snow — which is very new for him.
Watch your dog, take in his body language, watch new behaviors, and you may just discover that he really is trying to tell you something! Learn more about your dog's paw and body language on Dogster.
Featured Image via Dog Decoder illustration by Lili Chin / Dogster
