Are you a dog owner and wondering why do dogs stomp their feet? Stomping their feet is one of the most common behaviours that dogs typically show.
But, it isnt something you need to be worried about. I used to believe that my dog is being aggressive. My study of the canine behaviour made me understand the reality behind it. Well, it is a sort of body language that thet dogs use to communicate their feelings.
If you are trying to interpret the reasons why your dog stomps its feet, this post is the right one for you. Let us find why dogs stomp their front feet and what do they communicate with this behaviour.
Dogs typically stomp their feet to communicate an urgent wish or demand. They may also stomp their feet when they are frustrated and annoyed. If you ask it not to do something that it wants to, the dog will invariably stompt its feet. Imagine you stop your dog from venturing out and it will stomp its front feet as a mark of protest.
Why do Dogs Stomp Their Feet?
There are several reasons for a dog to stomp their feet. The dog may want o communicate something to you through its stomping on its front feet. In fact, I had my dog stomping its front feet right on my leg or even lap. Come to think of it – anyone can take it to be aggression, but it isnt. It is a sort of protest or may be a demand for something.
Well, I decided to go into the canine psychology to understand the behaviour. And what I found indeed opened my eyes to the world of dog’s emotions.
Excitement
Dogs tend to stomp on their feet when they are excited. I have always found my dog stomping on its feet on seeing me after a long time. I found him doing that spwecifically if I return home after a few days of absence. The excitement can also be on seeing the owner feeding them or bringing them toys. If your dog is stomping in excitement, you would find other signs such as wagging the tail ferociously or jumping up to your height.
Annoyance or displeasure
Dogs also stomp on their feet when they are told not to do something that they are keen on. I once told my dog not to venture out. And he was stomping on his feet all over the room.
They use their feet as a way of expressing their annoyance. If the dog is feeling annoyed and wants to express its displeasure through stomping, it may accompany this behaviour with a slow howl.
Anxiety
Dogs would stomp their feet when they are anxious about something. Some of the reasons that may trigger this stomping behaviour can include a loud noises, presence of strangers and other triggers that may make your dog uncomfortable. If you think your dog is stomping its feet due to anxiety or stress, it is important to reassure it that everything is alright.
Pain
Your dogs may also stomp feet when they are in pain. If you notice the pawing is accompanied by the signs of discomforts, it may be high time you took your dog to the vet.
In essence, you should be able to assess the right reasons for the dogs to stomp on their feet. Based on the exact situations at the time, it should rather be easy to find what causes the dog to stomp on their feet.
Stomping vs Pawing – Difference in the Dog Behaviour
Dog stomping front paw and pawing are two different behavior that your dog may show. Stomping is way that dog uses to communicate its excitement and displasure as the case may be. However, pawing is a way to strike a bond with the owners. While pawing and stomping may look similar, they are entirely different. I had to go through a lot of training myself to underatand the subtle difference between pawing and stomping.
When a dog stomps, it lifts it front paws and brings it to the ground really hard. This is generally accompanied by a stomping sound. Dogs typically stomp when they are frustrated or anxious. Pawing, on the other hand, involves touching someone or something and is used as a way to show affection or getting attention.
When do dogs stomp?
Stomping behaviour is a sign of frustration or anxiety. Dogs indulge in stomping when they are not allowed to do something and when they are annoyed with something. This is a common behaviour in domesticated dogs when they do not get the attention that they are looking for. When your dog is stomping, it will also accompany the behaviour with vocal signs such as barking and whining.
When do dogs paw?
Pawing is a body language used to show affection or an attempt to get attention. Imagine you are petting your dog and it paws you. it simply means the dog is seeking more affection from you or is trying to reciproacate the feelings it has for you. Some dogs may also paw at you when they want food or when they want to go out.
Do Dogs Stomp their Feet to Show Affection?
Yes, dogs also use stomping their feet to show affection. This is a more common way to show affection or excitement when when they see their owner after a considerably long time. Imagine returning to your home after around a week of absence. The dog will invariably stop its feet and welcome you in excitement. It would also jump on you and bite your feet or hands lightly.
However, the most common sign of stomping their feet is annoyance and frustration. While excitement can be one of the reasons, dogs typically use pawing to express affection than stomping. In any case, it will be based on the bonding you share with your dog to understand the exact reasons that the dog decides to stomp on its feet.
What Does It Mean If My Dog Steps on Me?
Your dog stepping on you can have several meanings. I known I am shocking you with that statement – but, your dog may step on your feet to express its dominance over you. For the dog, its family is a pack and that is exactly why your dog will put its paw on your feet as a way to establish itself as the leader of the pack.
Some other experts claim that the dog just does it to express its affection to you. But many other dog trainers state that dogs want to test your dominance on you. Since your dog cannot be taller than you (or any humans for that matter), it wants to try other ways to establish its dominance over you. It is your dog’s way to indicate that it is the leader of the house. Now, whether you accept it or not is another matter!
The Concluding Thoughts
Next time you see your dog stomping its feet, you know what it is trying to communicate to you. If yes, we are glad that we have been of help to let you come a step closer to your dog. They do not know how to communicate verbally, body language is their only way to showcase and communicate their emotions. If you can understand your dog and its body language better, you are one step closer to become the perfect pet lover.
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