Many times, puppies raise a paw or seek physical contact through this simple gesture, but there are many meanings behind it. It can range from an obvious expression of affection to a search for reassurance when they feel anxious.

That’s why Bright Side wants to explain 6 possible signs a dog may be giving you every time they touch you with a paw.

How to interpret canine body language

Our furry friends take great pleasure in our company, that’s nothing new. So when we are busy and can’t really pay much attention to them but they still want our undivided attention, they find different ways to let us know they’re not too happy. Of course, one of those ways is by placing a paw on us. This may go together with other common behaviors, such as barking, searching for toys, climbing on furniture, etc.

However, if we see that the dog becomes too demanding or that their attention-seeking behavior escalates to new levels that are no longer healthy, something else might be going on. This might indicate that the dog is bored, which means that they have a lot of pent-up energy and do not have the necessary mental stimulation to occupy themselves with.

6. Hunger

Another common message dogs try to convey with this gesture is a very important one: they are hungry. Normally, a dog knows when it is time to eat, so they may ask for food in many different ways. Sometimes, some dogs whine a bit to get your attention, and other times, they put their paw on you. It all depends on what you react better to.

Do you know of any similar behaviors in dogs? Tell us what your dog normally does when they touch you with a paw.