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Why does a dog give you his her paw to you2007-11-25 2:55:30

dog behavoiur

Answers:

It's a show of dominance. In nature, a dog in a pack would show dominance by physically looming over the other with his leg and paw. When your dog puts his leg on you, he's trying to assert some dominance.

Training your dog to give you his paw is another matter. If you use positive enforcement with affection and treats, then getting this affection is the reason he'd give you his paw.

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they want to see if you have learned to shake hands yet

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im not really sure, but usually you have to teach them to do that and dogs are very good learners. one of my friend's dogs doesn't stop trying to "shake paws" though. its wierd

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The dog was probably trained to give the paw to the person like shaking hands.

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Well it is because they have been taught to shake hands by their owner. It could also be that they can sense you are feeling sad or something and give you a paw.

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Dogs dont do this on their own. It is a learned behavior often taught by the owners as a cute trick to show to their friends. The dog is often told to shake and then is rewarded a treat, they then associate the trick with the treat and will begin to shake paws with anyone and everyone in hopes to get a treat. Most guests find it annoying and it can also lead to other bad habits such as jumping on guests. Its a cute trick but can cause quite a nuisance, I suggest not teaching your dog this.

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Because it's been trained to do it or at least has learnt to do it in the hope of a reward.