Is Your Dog Right or Left Pawed? Fun Ways to Test and Train Ambidexterity
Have you ever noticed your dog favoring one paw over the other when reaching for treats or shaking hands? Just like humans, dogs can show a preference for one side, making them “right-pawed” or “left-pawed.” Determining your dog’s dominant paw isn’t only fascinating—it can also provide insights into their personality and even be used to develop training exercises that enhance their coordination.
At A Peaceful Pack, we love sharing ways to better understand and bond with your dog, and testing for paw preference is a fun and engaging activity. In this post, we’ll explore how dogs use their paws, how to test for paw dominance, and even some playful training techniques to boost ambidexterity in your pup.
Why Do Dogs Have Dominant Paws?
Research has shown that many animals, including dogs, exhibit a preference for one side of their body over the other. In dogs, this “lateralization” is thought to be connected to their brain structure, where each side of the brain controls the opposite side of the body. Studies reveal that around 50% of dogs show a clear preference for either the right or left paw, while the remaining 50% tend to be ambidextrous.
Understanding your dog’s paw preference can offer insights into their personality. Some studies suggest that left-pawed dogs may be more reactive to unfamiliar situations, while right-pawed dogs might be more social and relaxed. While it’s not a strict rule, these tendencies provide interesting observations that can help you get to know your dog even better.
Fun Tests to Determine Your Dog’s Dominant Paw
Testing for paw preference can be both simple and enjoyable. Here are a few fun, easy ways to identify whether your dog is right- or left-pawed. Be sure to repeat each test multiple times to get the most accurate results, as dogs may switch paws occasionally.
1. The Paw Shake Test
One of the easiest ways to test for paw dominance is with the classic “shake” command.
How to Do It:
Ask your dog to “shake” and observe which paw they offer first.
Repeat the test several times over a few days to see if they consistently use the same paw.
What to Look For: If your dog tends to offer the same paw each time, there’s a good chance that’s their dominant paw. If they switch between paws, they may be ambidextrous.
2. The Treat Under the Cup Test
This test taps into your dog’s problem-solving skills and can reveal a clear paw preference.
How to Do It:
Place a treat under a small cup or bowl, leaving it visible so your dog knows it’s there.
Watch to see which paw your dog uses to tip the cup and retrieve the treat.
Repeat the test a few times, noting any consistent paw use.
What to Look For: Dogs typically use their dominant paw to manipulate objects. If your dog always pushes or tips the cup with the same paw, you’ve likely found their preference.
3. The Stair Test
Dogs often lead with their dominant paw when navigating steps. The stair test is subtle but can be a reliable indicator of paw preference.
How to Do It:
Observe your dog as they go up and down a flight of stairs.
Note which paw they use first when taking the initial step.
What to Look For: If your dog consistently leads with one paw, that’s a good sign of dominance. This test is especially helpful if your dog is a bit shy about shaking hands or manipulating objects.
4. The Toy Reach Test
This test works well for toy-motivated dogs and can be a playful way to observe their paw use.
How to Do It:
Place a favorite toy just out of reach of your dog.
Watch which paw they use to try and pull the toy closer.
What to Look For: If your dog consistently reaches with the same paw, you’ve found their preferred side. For dogs that switch between paws, you might have an ambidextrous pup!
Training Techniques to Encourage Ambidexterity
Training your dog to use both paws equally can help enhance their coordination, increase mental stimulation, and create a more balanced physical workout. Here are a few exercises to encourage ambidextrous skills in your pup.
1. Alternating Paw Shake
Once you’ve identified your dog’s preferred paw, you can teach them to shake with the opposite paw. This exercise encourages your dog to become comfortable using both sides.
How to Do It:
Start by offering your hand to their non-dominant side while saying “other paw” or a similar cue.
If they lift their dominant paw, gently guide them to lift the other paw, rewarding them with a treat.
Repeat the exercise consistently until they start offering the non-dominant paw on cue.
Why It Helps: Alternating paws builds balance and mental flexibility, while also providing a great bonding activity.
2. High-Five with Both Paws
Teaching a high-five with each paw gives your dog an easy and fun way to practice using both sides.
How to Do It:
Hold your hand out for a high-five and encourage your dog to tap it with their dominant paw first.
After a few repetitions, switch to the non-dominant paw, using a cue like “other high-five.”
Reward each successful high-five to reinforce the behavior.
Why It Helps: High-fiving with both paws strengthens your dog’s ambidexterity while offering a fun trick to show off!
3. Spin and Reverse Spin
Teaching your dog to spin in both directions not only promotes ambidexterity but also helps with coordination and flexibility.
How to Do It:
Start by guiding your dog in a circle with a treat, encouraging them to spin in their natural direction.
Once they’re comfortable, guide them to spin in the opposite direction with a cue like “reverse spin.”
Reward them each time they successfully follow your lead.
Why It Helps: This exercise engages your dog’s body evenly, supporting balanced physical development and reducing the risk of muscle imbalances.
4. Left and Right Paw Touches
This exercise teaches your dog to touch specific objects or targets with each paw, helping them build muscle memory and paw control.
How to Do It:
Place two targets (such as small mats or pieces of tape) on the floor, one for each paw.
Ask your dog to “touch” with their left paw on the left target and “touch” with their right paw on the right target, rewarding each time they succeed.
Practice consistently to help them become familiar with using each paw independently.
Why It Helps: This exercise improves body awareness, coordination, and teaches your dog to think about each paw as a separate tool.
How Understanding Paw Preference Can Benefit Training
Knowing your dog’s paw preference can add a valuable layer to training. Dogs with strong preferences may need a bit more encouragement to use their non-dominant side, but doing so can improve overall coordination and help prevent imbalances in strength or flexibility.
For example, if your dog is highly active and frequently performs tricks or agility exercises, building ambidexterity can help them avoid favoring one side, which supports joint health and reduces the risk of injury. Plus, incorporating paw exercises is a great way to keep their training sessions fresh and mentally stimulating.
Conclusion: Embracing Your Dog’s Unique Skills and Preferences
Finding out whether your dog is right- or left-pawed is a fun way to connect with them on a deeper level. By observing their paw preference and encouraging the use of both sides, you’re not only learning more about your dog’s natural tendencies but also enhancing their mental and physical skills.
At A Peaceful Pack, we believe in enriching the lives of dogs through thoughtful, fun training that helps them reach their full potential. Whether you’re exploring paw preference or teaching new tricks, remember that training is a journey that strengthens your bond with your dog, one playful session at a time. If you’re interested in learning more about engaging activities or need guidance on creating a balanced training plan, reach out—we’re here to support you and your dog every step of the way!
References
Branson, N. J., & Rogers, L. J. (2006). "Relationship between paw preference strength and noise phobia in Canis familiaris." Journal of Comparative Psychology, 120(3), 176-183.
Wells, D. L. (2003). "Lateralized behaviour in the domestic dog, Canis familiaris." Behavioural Processes, 61(1-2), 27-35.
American Kennel Club. (2021). “Is Your Dog Left or Right Pawed?” Retrieved from: https://www.akc.org
Berns, G. S., Brooks, A. M., & Spivak, M. (2013). "Scent of the familiar: An fMRI study of canine brain responses to familiar and unfamiliar human and dog odors." Behavioural Processes, 110, 37-43.
Coren, S. (2006). How Dogs Think: Understanding the Canine Mind. Free Press.
Siniscalchi, M., Bertino, D., & Quaranta, A. (2014). "Laterality and performance in agility tasks in dogs (Canis familiaris)." Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 9(3), 160-164.
Hare, B., & Woods, V. (2013). The Genius of Dogs: How Dogs Are Smarter Than You Think. Penguin Books.
Serpell, J. A. (1995). The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behaviour, and Interactions with People. Cambridge University Press.
Comments