Dogs look adorable when they cross their paws. It’s an elegant pose, also known as “polite paws.” We are amused by how human and elegant it looks, but why do dogs cross their paws?
Dogs cross their paws for many reasons: because it’s comfortable (just like it is for us), when being submissive, if trained (even inadvertently) to cross them, if a dog is one of several breeds that innately do it, when feeling safe and happy, because they imitate us, for attention, if they want something and female dogs may cross their paws to attract males.
It’s A Comfortable Position
Your pooch may cross her paws because it takes the pressure off of her elbows. We are comfortable with crossed limbs, and they are also. However, only dogs with long-ish legs feel comfy in the polite paws position. A pooch with short legs can’t cross her paws as easily, and it wouldn’t be cosy for them.
They Are Showing Submission
Crossing paws makes dogs look smaller and unintimidating. Other submissive behaviours include avoiding eye contact. When reading a dog’s body language, we have to observe his entire body to evaluate what they are feeling.
Inadvertently Taught Behavior
If you walked into a room and saw your pup lying down with his paws crossed, you may have gushed about how cute he looked or ran into the other room to fetch a treat for him. Sometimes dogs learn to cross their paws when humans encourage them–even inadvertently–with positive conditioning.
We anthropomorphize our dogs when we dress them in clothes, speak for them or assume that they think the way we do and enjoy what we like. Crossed paws appeal to us because it’s another indication that they are just little (sometimes big) people covered in fur.
It’s A Breed Characteristic
Did you know that Labs, Border Collies and Poodles somehow innately know how to pose with “polite paws?” It might be due to their body types or because they are among the most intelligent dog breeds. Big breeds with long legs tend to cross their paws as well. Dogs with short legs–like Dachshunds, Corgis and Pomeranians–find crossing their paws more challenging and uncomfortable, so you won’t see them hamming it up with polite paws.
We know that all dogs are beautiful and intelligent, and most can be taught to cross their paws. All you need is a little time, praise and perhaps some treats. Here’s a video that shows you how.
Crossed Paws Mean Spot is Happy & Feeling Safe
In the wild, animals usually need to be in a fight or flight position. If a predator approaches quickly, the “prey” needs to be able to run away or engage in battle. The crossed paws position means your pooch is comfortable and doesn’t anticipate suddenly having to flee.
Imitating Humans
Charles Darwin himself observed that dogs imitate people. He speculated that dogs imitate humans in an effort to adapt to their environment. Humans sometimes pick up mannerisms, expressions and similar habits from others. Canines are clever creatures, so it makes sense that they would observe and replicate behaviours. The phrase “monkey see, monkey do” comes to mind. Everyone imitates others.
Like a cat who hops because she grew up with rabbits, dogs copy human mannerisms.
For Attention
Dogs have many cute and beguiling ways to make sure that we pay attention to them, play with them and give them lots of love. Crossed paws are a very effective way to lure the human over. We can’t resist when they do something ridiculously cute, and human-like behaviours are certifiably adorable.
Because They Want Something
Another theory is that your poochie wants something like a treat or toy if he’s in a polite paws pose. It’s probably quite effective. My reaction would be “so cute,” followed by taking a quick photo for Instagram and then rewarding my dog with a treat for amusing me, providing me with such an adorable picture to share and reminding me of how much I adore her and all dogs.
Female Dogs Cross Their Paws to Attract Males
One source says that female dogs cross their paws to get the attention of male dogs. It sounds like it would work if male dogs find crossed paws as adorable as humans do.
Conclusion
Paw crossing is a charming habit that some canines learn from us. They are aware that we find it irresistible and sometimes do it just for attention and praise, probably hoping we’ll find it worthy of a treat.
Polite paws indicate that a dog is content, comfortable and submissive. Some breeds are more likely to do it because of their body type and leg length. You can teach your dog to cross her paws if she hasn’t imitated you doing it.
