Quick Answer
When a dog puts his paw on you and licks you, it is generally a sign of affection, submission, and bonding. The paw on you shows that the dog trusts you and sees you as a member of its pack. The licking reinforces that bond through grooming behavior. However, the exact meaning can vary based on context.
Why Do Dogs Put Their Paw on You?
Dogs put their paw on humans for several key reasons:
Pack Bonding
Dogs are pack animals, so they view their human families as their “pack.” Putting a paw on you is a way for your dog to affirm your bond and show that you are a member of the pack. It signals trust, companionship, and connection.
Affection
When dogs put a paw on you, it is often a sign of affection. They want to be close to you and get your attention. It is similar to hugging in humans. A paw on you reinforces the loving bond between a dog and its owner.
Dominance
In some cases, a paw on you can be a weak sign of dominance, especially if combined with behaviors like jumping up. However, this is rare. Most of the time, it is simply a gesture of affection and attachment.
Grooming Initiation
Dogs put their paw on other dogs and lick them as a way to initiate grooming. When your dog does this to you, it shows that it views you as a member of the pack and wants to groom you too. The licking reinforces this.
Excitement
When dogs get very excited, they may paw at you as an outlet for their energy. So this behavior may happen alongside jumping, barking, and tail wagging.
Attention-Seeking
If your dog wants food, to play, or to be petted, they may paw you to get your attention. It is a way to let you know about their needs.
Submission
Dogs display submissive behaviors like rolling over, avoiding eye contact, and putting a paw on you when they want to show you are the “top dog.” It apologizes for misbehaving and shows you are in charge.
Why Do Dogs Lick People?
When dogs lick you after putting their paw on you, they are continuing the bonding, affection, and grooming behaviors. Here is why dogs lick more broadly:
Grooming
Licking serves a practical purpose in the pack – cleaning and grooming one another. So licks are a way for your dog to include you in the pack’s grooming rituals.
Affection
Licking releases pleasurable endorphins in dogs. So licks are often a sign of affection, just like hugs for humans. They feel good and release chemicals that reinforce the bond.
Sampling Information
Dogs’ sense of taste and smell is excellent. So they lick people to gather information – about where you’ve been, what you’ve eaten, etc. It is a way to learn more about you.
Boredom
Dogs may lick you simply because they are bored and looking for some stimulation. It can be a mild obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Stress
Some dogs lick when they are nervous, fearful, stressed, or uneasy. It can be a self-soothing mechanism. So if licking seems excessive, look for what is causing anxiety.
Seeking Attention
Licks get humans’ attention quickly. Dogs may have learned that licking works to get you to pet them, feed them, play with them, etc. It is a way to interact with you.
Medical Issue
Excessive licking in dogs can indicate a health problem like allergies, pain, or gastrointestinal issues. It can be compulsive behavior. So if it seems abnormal, get your vet’s advice.
What Does It Mean When a Puppy Puts Its Paw on You?
When a puppy puts its paw on you, it has most of the same meanings as an adult dog. However, there are some unique explanations to consider for puppies:
Exploring
Puppies put their paws on things to explore the world around them. As they learn about their environment, they will touch anything within reach – including you. It is instinctual curiosity.
Playing
Puppies often paw at you when they want to play. It is an invitation to play-wrestle as they would with littermates. So it signals they want to have fun with you.
Separation Anxiety
Since puppies have just left their littermates, they can experience separation anxiety. Pawing you relieves anxiety and keeps the bond with you strong. It is a sign they need reassurance.
Testing Limits
As they grow, puppies will test boundaries with owners. A paw on you might be their way of seeing how much they can get away with. Set rules firmly but gently in response.
Attention Needs
Puppies need lots of attention. When deprived, they may paw you to say “notice me!” Make sure their needs for play, petting, training, etc are met.
Food Motivation
Puppies learn quickly that putting a paw on owners often leads to food. It is a natural way to ask for meals or treats. Just be sure not to reinforce it if unwanted.
What Does It Mean When Your Dog Puts Their Paw on Your Arm?
When a dog specifically places its paw on your arm, it retains the usual bonding meanings. However, the arm location can also signify:
Stopping an Action
Dogs may paw your arm to stop you from moving, walking away, or ending playtime and petting. They want you to stay put and keep interacting.
Claiming Attention
You often use your hands to pet, groom, and play with your dog. The pawing draws your hand and arm back to providing the dog that enjoyable attention.
Offering the Paw
Dogs learn to “shake” by placing their paw in your hand. So an arm paw might be an attempt to shake, either out of habit or in hope of a treat.
Touching Skin
Your hands and arms are the most accessible area of exposed human skin and give dogs a strong scent. Pawing them allows more intimate bonding.
Alleviating Boredom
The motion of lifting their paw up to your arm provides dogs some physical and mental stimulation when bored. It occupies them briefly.
What Does It Mean When a Dog Touches You With Their Paw?
Some more specific interpretations of what it means when dogs touch you with their paw include:
Paw on Chest
Dogs often do this to either stop you from leaving or claim your attention for affection, food, play, etc. It is a direct and intimate way to get what they want.
Paw on Leg
This usually aims to keep you near the dog or get you to continue interacting. It is a sweet, affectionate gesture, especially if accompanied by puppy-dog eyes!
Paw on Lap
Lap pawing shows a desire to be close to you. Your dog likely wants attention, petting, treats, etc. It puts them in easy reach of what they want!
Paw on Foot
By slowing your movement, a paw on the foot keeps you physically near. It also emotionally says “don’t leave me” and “pay attention to me.”
Paw Swipe
This is often an invitation to play by playing “tag.” Swiping a paw lightly touches you and then draws you into chasing the dog in fun.
Pawing Hand
Usually this seeks petting, treats, or play objects like toys or fetch items. It directly draws your hand into providing something the dog desires.
Jumping Up
When combined with jumping up, pawing reinforces the dog’s attempt to be nearer to your face. But this can also represent over-excitement, so discourage it.
Common Dog Behaviors Related to Paw Contact
Some other dog behaviors often accompany or lead into paw touching:
Nudging
A precursor to pawing, nudging you with their nose first gently focuses you on the dog before they initiate paw contact.
Staring at You
Intense stares aim to capture your attention before the dog paws you, letting you know they want something from you.
Approaching Closely
Coming near is a necessity for them to put their paw on you and a sign of desire for affection or attention.
Wagging Tail
Tail wagging displays excitement, anticipation, and affiliation. Both pawing and wagging say your dog is happy to be with you.
Whining
If the pawing does not work, dogs may whine to more actively communicate an unmet need for attention, play, treats, etc.
Barking
Barking can precede pawing as an attention-getting device, then the paw makes the specific request or demand clearer.
Licking
Licking and pawing go hand-in-hand as affection and grooming gestures to bring you into the pack bond.
Conclusion
In summary, when your dog puts a paw on you and licks you, it most often conveys affection, bonding, attention-seeking, and inclusion in the “pack.” Both behaviors signal trust, loyalty, and attachment between you and your dog. It shows your dog sees you as a close companion and family member. In puppies, it can also represent curiosity, anxiety, and boundary-testing. While individual dogs have unique quirks, interpreting pawing and licking as interspecies friendship is generally the safest bet! Through these behaviors, dogs communicate “I love and care about you.”