Do Dogs Have a Dominant Paw? Understanding Paw Preference

Just as people have a dominant hand, many dogs also exhibit a preference for using one paw more than the other. This natural tendency is called "paw dominance" or "paw preference," and understanding it offers fascinating insights into canine behaviour and their unique personalities.

Do Dogs Exhibit Paw Preference?

Studies have confirmed that many dogs show a clear paw preference. A notable UK study from 2021 involving nearly 18,000 dogs found that a majority have a dominant paw, with findings showing 61% of female dogs and 56% of male dogs were right-pawed. Interestingly, the tendency to favour a paw is stronger in older dogs compared to younger pups. However, not all dogs display this preference consistently; some may use both paws equally, making them ambidextrous in a way. Dog breeds like the Border collie often show strong lateralisation in their movements, which can include paw preference.

How Can You Tell If Your Dog Has a Dominant Paw?

There are behavioural methods to assess your dog's paw preference at home. Two of the most recognised tests are:

1. The Kong Test: Give your dog a Kong toy filled with a treat paste or food. Observe which paw your dog uses to hold the Kong steady while trying to retrieve the food. This paw is often considered their dominant one.
2. The First-Stepping Test: Watch which paw your dog uses when they first step forward to walk. This test is considered highly reliable and often reveals a dog’s natural paw preference.
3. Paw Shake Preferences: If your dog offers their paw for a shake, note if they preferentially lift the right or left paw.

If your dog consistently uses one paw during these activities, it likely indicates a dominant paw. However, remember that some dogs do not have a strong preference, especially if they have been neutered, as this can decrease the expression of paw dominance.

Are There Advantages to Having a Dominant Paw?

Unlike humans, where right or left-handedness can present day-to-day advantages or challenges, dogs' paws do not offer significant survival or practical advantages in our domestic environment. They don't use tools in the same complex way people do, and their motor skills and limb use are adapted for walking and running rather than fine manipulation.

That said, a dominant paw can help your dog perform tasks more effectively, such as manipulating toys, stabilising objects, or responding quickly with a preferred side during training or games.

Does Gender or Neutering Affect Paw Preference?

Research suggests a hormonal influence on paw preference. For example, females are often right-pawed while males show a higher tendency for left-paw dominance. Neutering appears to reduce the strength of paw preference, possibly because it affects hormonal balance, which in turn impacts lateralised behaviour.

Responsible Pet Ownership: Observing and Supporting Your Dog's Preferences

Understanding your dog’s dominant paw is more about appreciating their individuality than changing their behaviour. You can support your pet by:

• Customising play and training to their preferred side to reduce frustration.
• Watching their gait and behaviour carefully for signs of injury or discomfort in their dominant limb.
• Respecting that some dogs are ambidextrous and may switch paws fluidly.

All dogs deserve compassionate care and enrichment that takes their natural tendencies into account. Whether your dog is left-pawed, right-pawed, or ambidextrous, their enjoyment and wellbeing come first.

Summary and Next Steps

Many dogs do have a dominant paw, but there is individual variation. Tests like the Kong test, first-stepping observation, and paw shakes can help you identify your dog’s preference. While no major advantages exist for paw dominance in daily life, recognising your dog's side preference can aid in understanding their personality and optimising training or play.

For further reading, explore reputable sources on dog behaviour and care to deepen your understanding. Observing your dog’s natural movements enriches your bond and helps you be an empathetic, attentive owner.