We dogs do not have digits so we can’t hold things. We walk one our paws and scratch ourselves with them. And we also communicate with our paws – mostly the two front ones.
When I was little, I used to paw at Mummy in the mornings to wake her up and let her know it’s time for my breakfast.
Or when she’s been at her computer for a loooooong time, I would go and sit next to her, put my face on her lap. She’ll see me and say – hello! And when she still continues sitting, I would paw at her. Then I would get her attention. She would say – ok! ok! I know! You want to go out? Or play?
One of the first tricks I learnt was to put my front right or left paw out when someone says “paw!” – and I always get the treat along with an “awwww” response or “clever girl!” – and then I also do “high fives’. Sometimes Mummy teases me – she would hold the treat in front of me and I would have to reach out my paw to pull her hand towards me to get the treat in her hands.
Aside from bones, our paws are at times overused as symbols or a short hand for dogs. I guess I’m guilty of it too since I use paw ratings for dog friendly places. But I’m a dog and it’s my prerogative.
May’s comment: I remember when Darcy learnt to paw, her first trick. I was thrilled that she has her first trick down but it also never fails to impress anyone when she paws! Maybe it’s because there is something so endearing when they do give you their paw. I’m glad she reminds me when I’ve been at the computer too long and you find this pooch coming from lying under the table for hours to get you to go out and remind you there’s a world out there.
One Response
I think dog paws are such a gift…if they can’t lick you, they put their paws on you…my Quincy uses his just like hands to hold anything I give him and in the mornings he climbs up on my chest and puts them on my face to let me know it is time to wake up!
So all dogs use them however they feel they are most useful to get attention or treats! Tippy sits up like a bear and waves them in the air! I guess it is their PAWREGOTIVE! ;-))