Paw preference in dogs is just like a human’s hand preference.
Humans are either right handed, left handed, or ambidextrous. Dogs are also right pawed, left pawed, or ambidextrous. Paw preference is based on what paw a dog uses to complete daily tasks. Many researchers have tested paw preference by the “Kong test”. The researchers observe which paw the dog uses to stabilize the Kong, or if the dog uses both paws simultaneously. Scientists have recorded that a dog’s paw preference could have an effect on their behavior. If a dog is right pawed it can be associated with lower arousal and calmer responses to strangers. If a dog is left pawed, it was recorded that they were more aggressive toward strangers than right pawed or ambilateral dogs.
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After a dog is spayed or neutered, some paw preferences disappear. This information suggests that hormones have a role in a dog’s paw preference. If a dog is ambidextrous to begin with then they will exhibit no paw preference or no difference in paw preference. Some studies have shown that dogs that are ambidextrous are more likely to react to loud noises like fireworks and thunderstorms. The paw preference over the right or left side gives the dog an advantage. Whichever side the dog grows more dominant on gives them advantages in their natural environment. This can be an advantage because the side they are most dominant on will help the dog to respond more quickly to a dangerous situation.
Some studies that scientists and researchers have done are proving that a dog’s paw preference is based on their brain organization. Some research shows that many animals including birds, frogs, monkeys, and dogs all have similar organized brains. A dog’s brain organization doesn’t just have to do with paw preference, it can also affect a dog’s tail wagging.
Movements of a dog are biased to the right or left depending upon