Is Your Dog Left-Pawed or Right-Pawed? Discover Their Dominant Paw!

Did you know that dogs can be “paw-preferent”—just like humans are right- or left-handed?
Studies show that nearly 50% of dogs have a dominant paw, meaning they tend to favor one front paw over the other when doing tasks.

Let’s find out which paw your dog prefers—and what it could say about their personality!

What Determines Paw Preference in Dogs?

Just like in humans, paw preference is believed to be linked to brain hemisphere dominance.
Some research even suggests that paw preference could be associated with certain behavior traits:

• Left-pawed dogs may be more sensitive or reactive

• Right-pawed dogs may appear more confident and emotionally balanced

It’s not a hard rule, but it’s a fascinating way to learn more about your pup!

How to Test Your Dog’s Dominant Paw

Want to find out which paw your dog prefers? Try these fun and simple methods:

1. Give your dog a treat ball or puzzle toy, and watch which paw they use to hold or swipe at it.

2. Ask your dog to shake paws several times—note which paw they offer first.

3. Keep track over a week and tally the results (aim for at least 10 interactions).

Whichever paw shows up more often? That’s probably your pup’s dominant one!

Lefty or Righty? Share Your Findings!

Now that you know how to test it, observe your dog and tell us—is your furry friend left-pawed or right-pawed?
Share your results in the comments or post a photo of your dog in action with their dominant paw!

Let’s see which side wins—Team Left Paw or Team Right Paw?