Our dogs can be the simplest and the most complicated animals! They do things that make them seem like simple creatures: sleep, eat, and play! However, there are some things that they do that we owners don’t always understand. One second, they can be goofy and run around with a toy, the next, they could be laying in the grass with their paws crossed like a very poised and fancy dog.<\/p>\n
We don’t always question these things, but sometimes, you might find yourself thinking strange questions like, “Why do dogs cross their paws?”<\/p>\n
Some of those reasons include crossing paws because it’s comfortable, the dog is copying their owner, or could be showing signs of submission. Dogs might also cross their paws because they feel safe and content without any serious or significant meaning besides it feeling comfortable.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n These are just a few reasons why dogs might fold their paws. Let’s take a closer look into these reasons along with some other reasons as well!<\/p>\n\n Dogs are a lot more similar to humans than we think! They might do things for the same reasons humans do.<\/p>\n Dogs might cross their paws because it’s comfortable for them.<\/p>\n Just like humans, dogs don’t like to be in the same position for a long time. It starts to become a little uncomfortable! Your dog might be lying down on the ground with their front legs extended in front of them but start to notice their legs get a little sore just like when a person is sitting in a chair for too long or lying in bed in the same position for a while.<\/p>\n You might notice your dog crossing their legs when lying for a long period of time. Whether they are sunbathing on the porch, cooling off on the tile floor, or just relaxing on a comfy couch near you, dogs can cross their paws without even realizing it!<\/p>\n Sometimes, dogs cross their paws without any specific reason. However, dog breeds might have a correlation with the act of crossing paws!<\/p>\n Some dogs might cross their paws because of the build of their breed.<\/p>\n Some dogs have longer legs than others and might make it easier to cross their legs than dogs with shorter legs. Dogs like labrador retrievers, poodles, and border collies have a build that is more suitable to cross paws as opposed to dog breeds like corgis, dachshunds, and French bulldogs.<\/p>\n This, however, does not mean that dogs with shorter legs are not able to do so! You might find your pug or mini schnauzer crossing their paws and there is no need to worry if you see them in that position! They are just not as likely to do so!<\/p>\n When people cross their legs, they might be doing so because they feel comfortable in the setting they are in or the people they are with. Dogs might do the same!<\/p>\n Dogs might cross their paws because they feel safe and content at the moment.<\/p>\n Crossing one’s legs isn’t the best position to be in when in danger. Even when a person is alert, having one’s legs crossed prevents a person from running immediately when a threat shows up. The same situation can be applied to dogs!<\/p>\n Dogs will not usually cross their paws when they feel the need to be alert and ready for action. This means, if your dog is crossing their paws, they do not feel threatened or in danger. Instead, they may feel safe with you, the people, or the animals around them.<\/p>\n How do you know if your dog feels safe?<\/p>\n Signs that your dog is staying alert include having perked-up ears, looking around as if watching out for something, and hiding. If your dog is doing any of these, they probably do not feel safe and will most likely not cross their paws in that situation.<\/p>\n Dogs are very smart creatures that can learn very quickly. Training is a crucial part of being a dog owner!<\/p>\n Dogs might cross their paws because they are trained to do so- even if you weren’t the one to train them.<\/p>\n Dogs always try to please us! Positive reinforcement<\/a> is something that is given in exchange for a certain action. It is a method of using rewards to enhance a wanted action. For example, when an owner wants to train their pup to sit on command, the sitting is the wanted action and a treat is the reward.<\/p>\n By giving the dog a treat after they sit after the owner says, “Sit,” they are being rewarded for sitting. Eventually, the pup will sit when told because they expect a treat afterward. Even after they know the command, it is important to give a reward every once in a while to reinforce the behavior.<\/p>\n Sometimes, dogs will do their trick even when not told to because they expect a reward such as a treat or even just attention will make them happy. A dog might cross their paws because they know it is a command and want a reward.<\/p>\n Depending on the situation, a dog might feel the need to show that they do not want to be threatening.<\/p>\n Dogs might cross their paws because they are showing signs of submission in the same ways that they may roll on their back or avoid direct eye contact<\/a>.<\/p>\n When being with other dogs, a dog might want to show that they are not threatening or are feeling comfortable enough to be in a vulnerable position. As mentioned above in the reason of feeling safe and content, having crossed legs is not the best position to be in case of danger. Therefore, a dog might show that they are being submissive and not want to fight by being in a submission position.<\/p>\n There are other signs that a dog might be showing submission as well. Making themselves look smaller,\u00a0<\/a>flattening their ears, and exposing their stomach are other signs of submission.<\/p>\n Dogs are so much more similar to human children than we often think! People call their dogs fur babies for a reason!<\/p>\n A dog might cross their paws because they are copying their owner. It’s also not the only behavior that dogs will copy and some breeds that are known for their smile<\/a> may be mimicking their owners too.<\/p>\nReason 1: It’s Comfortable For Dogs<\/h2>\n
Reason 2: Some Dog Breeds Tend To Cross Their Paws More Than Others<\/h2>\n
Reason 3: They Feel Safe And Content<\/h2>\n
Reason 4: They Are Trained To Cross Their Paws<\/h2>\n
Reason 5: They Are Showing Signs Of Submission<\/h2>\n
Reason 6: They Are Copying Their Owner<\/h2>\n