Scientists from the University of Bari Aldo Moro in Italy developed a novel method to analyze dogs’ paw preferences, linking these tendencies to behavioral traits and brain lateralization. The study suggests that a dog's dominant paw is more than just a quirky habit—it may offer clues to their personality and cognitive processing.
- About 80% of dogs show consistent paw preference.
- Strong paw dominance correlates with greater emotional resilience.
- The study introduces a new multi-task test to assess paw preference.
What happened
An international research team led by the University of Bari Aldo Moro carried out experiments with nearly 50 dogs to determine which paw they favor and how this relates to brain and behavior. They developed the Doginburgh Inventory, a set of tests evaluating paw use in manipulation tasks, such as retrieving treats, and movement tasks, like stepping off surfaces and descending stairs.
This multi-test approach went beyond earlier research that relied on just one measure. By categorizing dogs into strong left, weak left, ambilateral, weak right, and strong right preferences, researchers painted a more detailed picture of canine paw dominance. They found no overall population bias for left or right paw preference but noted males tend to favor their left paw more frequently.
Why it feels good
Understanding a dog’s paw preference offers a fascinating glimpse into the brain’s lateralization—how one hemisphere may dominate in processing and behavior. Researchers found that dogs with strong paw dominance tend to be emotionally stable and confident, while those without a clear preference showed increased anxiety behaviors.
This connection helps pet owners, trainers, and veterinarians better comprehend canine emotional health and could potentially improve training and welfare. The research also raises intriguing possibilities about connections between a dog’s paw preference and its owner’s handedness, hinting at deeper bonds between pets and caregivers.
What to enjoy or watch next
Future research aims to explore how age, breed, and owner handedness influence paw preference. Comparing dog and owner lateralization might unlock new insights into how pets understand and interact with humans, enhancing training methods and communication.
Dog lovers can try observing their own pet’s paw use during play or routines to see if they notice a dominant side. For those interested, following updates from the University of Bari Aldo Moro’s research and similar studies can deepen your appreciation of canine cognition and behavior.