Encouraging Alternative Behaviors
Ask for a command instead when your dog paws. Dogs often paw as a means to get attention or food. If your dog is pawing, a good way to prevent is to encourage them to engage in other behaviors to gain attention. If your dog knows any tricks or commands, have your dog engage in these behaviors when it paws. For example, your dog may paw when it wants attention. Each time you see your dog pawing, say, "Sit!" Do not reward your dog with attention until it sits. This way, your dog will learn to sit quietly and wait for attention instead of pawing.
Teach your dog to "shake" instead of paw. Pawing can also be converted into a trick. If a dog associates the pawing behavior with the command, "Shake," it will eventually learn only to paw when it hears that command. Hold your hand in front of your dog and say "Shake." Wait for your dog to paw at your hand and then reward it with a treat and praise. Repeat this several times a day until your dog understands to paw when it hears, "Shake." After your dog learns the "shake" command, only reward your dog with attention or food when it paws in response to the command. Eventually, your dog will learn pawing is only appropriate when you ask it to shake.
Be consistent. Whichever behavior you choose to encourage, be consistent. Dogs learn best with consistent training over time. Make sure to only reward your dog with treats or praise when it engages in the behavior you want instead of pawing. If you notice pawing at any other times, ignore the behavior and do not reward your dog. Most dogs paw because they want attention or food. If you engage with them while they're pawing, they will continue the behavior. For example, if you want your dog to sit when it wants food instead of pawing, do not feed your dog until it sits. If your dog is pawing, patiently command your dog to sit and only give it food when it obeys.
Providing Positive and Negative Reinforcement
Ignore pawing. Dogs respond to any kind of attention, even negative attention. If your dog is pawing, the best way to discourage the behavior is simply ignoring it. When your dog paws you, freeze completely and avoid making eye contact with the dog. Do not engage with the dog until the behavior stops. When you initially start ignoring your dog, it will probably paw you harder to try to get your attention. Be patient and do not engage with the behavior. Engaging with pawing after your dog becomes more aggressive encourages your dog to paw. Ignoring bad behavior is much more effective than scolding your dog, as scolding is seen as a form of attention. If ignoring your dog isn’t working or is getting annoying or painful, trying getting up and moving away from your dog to avoid them and not reward their pawing.
Manage pawing during playtime. It's natural for dogs to paw during playtime to an extent. However, unwanted and aggressive pawing should be discouraged. If your dog paws you during play, stop playing with your dog for 10 to 30 seconds. Continue playing once your dog has calmed down and their paws are on the floor. Then, resume playing. If you consistently halt playing in response to pawing, your dog will eventually learn not to paw. Also, keep toys low to the ground when playing with your dog. This will prevent your dog from having to paw to get its toys.
Reward only pawing that occurs on cue. Remember, consistency is key to cut back on any unwanted behavior. Only engage with your dog's pawing when it comes in response to a specific command, like, "Shake." Responding to any other type of pawing will encourage unwanted pawing.
Make sure others know not to encourage pawing. Many people accidentally reinforce pawing without realizing it. Guests, friends, and relatives may be naturally inclined to pet a dog that's pawing them for attention. If you have new people over, politely let them know you're working on discouraging your dog's pawing. Most people will be receptive when you explain that you’re trying to break your dog of an annoying habit. Ask them to refrain from engaging with your dog if it starts pawing.
Keeping Your Dog Calm
Make sure your dog gets regular feedings and bathroom breaks. Dogs thrive on a schedule. Sometimes dogs paw or exhibit other types of unwanted behavior in order to communicate their basic needs to you, such as needing to go outside or be fed. Take your dog out and feed it consistently and frequently in order to keep it calm and minimize pawing.
Make sure your dog gets enough exercise. Oftentimes, dogs will become nervous and seek out attention if they're not getting enough exercise. This can cause attention-seeking behavior such as pawing. If your dog is pawing a lot, try upping its exercise routine. Play with your dog more often and take it for daily walks. Talk to your vet about how much exercise is safe for your dog, especially if your dog is a senior or if it has underlying health problems.
Play retrieving games. Retrieving games are great for dogs with anxiety as they keep your dog focused and active. If your dog has pawing issues, play games like fetch to keep your dog calm. If your dog paws you during a game, pause the game until the pawing stops.
Provide your dog with space to relax. Dogs that have anxiety issues may not feel like they have space to relax in your home. If your dog is pawing and displaying other nervous behaviors, such as pacing or barking, evaluate your home. Make sure your dog has their own bed and easy access to food and water. Make sure your dog has access to rooms where you hang out frequently, such as the living room, as dogs that feel isolated may engage in attention seeking behaviors.
Consider taking an obedience class if problems persist. If pawing does not stop with increased exercise, play, and comfort, find obedience classes in your area. Very nervous dogs that are prone to behavioral issues can benefit from professional training. You can find training programs online or ask your vet for a recommendation. Trainers can also help you work through other unwanted behaviors with your dog, such as jumping.
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