Dogs sometimes put their paw on you when you're petting them, and they do this for a purpose. It turns out, they're not trying to tell you to stop, as they're conveying a different message12:35, 28 Jun 2026Updated 12:35, 28 Jun 2026Even though dogs and humans don't necessarily share a language, we often learn what the other is trying to tell us through body language and repeating words and commands. But that doesn't mean we always know what the other is trying to communicate.‌No matter if you think you're an expert on a dog's body language or you're just trying to learn, there might be some behaviours that take you by surprise. While these behaviours are typically normal dog instincts, such as wagging their tail or moving their ears, they can also be their way of trying to express an underlying need, emotion or health issue.‌To demonstrate some of these behaviours, one owner has created a TikTok for his dog called Smuckers the Pitbull. While they often share adorable videos of the pitbull, the man also takes the opportunity to explain certain dog behaviours, such as why they sometimes put their paws on humans who pet them.‌In the video, Smuckers is seen being petted under his chin by his human owner. As he leans into the hand, the pup goes on to lift one of his paws to rest it on the man's arm while being petted.The man behind the video goes on to explain: "Did you know that if your dog paws you while petting them, that's their way of petting you back"Content cannot be displayed without consent‌He went on to say: "Laying their paw on you is a sign that they love you and trust you."Why do dogs put paws on humans?Dog pawing begins as an instinctive behaviour in puppies. And as they age, dogs learn pawing is a useful communication tool because pawing usually results in pet parents tending to their dog, according to PetMD.They went on to explain that dogs usually figure out that if they want something, such as food, attention or access to somewhere, pawing on their humans is a proven way of getting it. Because pawing is a natural behaviour from birth, and puppies will paw at their mothers for milk, dogs will use this communication tool when they need to.‌Additionally, their humans will typically respond to pawing.But, because not all pawing is a request for attention, it’s important to be aware of what else your dog is doing. Their body language can give you important information about their emotions and what they’re trying to accomplish by pawing at you.One reason could be that they're trying to get your attention to let you know that they need to go outside to go to the bathroom. This is then often combined with standing by the front door, waiting to be let out.Article continues belowMany pet parents will also notice that their pup often becomes restless about 30 minutes before mealtime. When their stomach starts to rumble, your dog may use their paw to alert you that they’re hungry.But dogs may also use their paws as part of a bigger cluster of body language indicators to communicate emotions like stress or anxiety. If your dog is showing stressful pawing, remove them from the situation.But, they might also put their paw on you simply to show their love for you. Just like us humans, dogs can experience love and often show it through pawing, such as if they rest a paw on your arm while you’re petting them.