Skip to content
Is Your Dog Left-Pawed or Right-Pawed? Here’s How to Find Out!

Is Your Dog Left-Pawed or Right-Pawed? Here’s How to Find Out!

Ever noticed your dog always stepping forward with the same paw or using one paw more than the other when playing? Just like humans are left- or right-handed, dogs have a dominant paw too!

How to Test Your Dog’s Paw Preference

It’s simple—hand them a toy, a treat, or even place a sticky note on their nose (gently, of course). Watch which paw they use first to bat at it. Try this a few times, and you’ll see a pattern. Some dogs rely more on their left, others on their right, and some use both equally.

Even the way they turn while chasing their tail or which paw they lift when reaching for a treat could hint at their natural preference.

Why Does This Matter?

Knowing your dog’s dominant paw can actually be useful!
Training: If your dog prefers one paw, you can use that to make learning tricks easier.
Agility & Play: Dogs naturally turn and move in ways that feel comfortable to them—understanding this can help in activities like fetch, agility training, or games.
Health Awareness: A sudden change in paw preference could signal discomfort or injury, so it’s good to pay attention.

The Bottom Line

Whether they favor their left, right, or both, it’s just another little quirk that makes your dog unique. Try the test and let us know what you find!

Previous article Street dog etiquette: What pet parents can learn from community caregivers
Next article Nail Trimming Without the Struggle: How to Help Pets Stay Calm
.