Dog paw preference may reveal stress sensitivity

A new study from the University of Bari in Italy suggests that a dog’s preferred paw could help identify stress-sensitive or thunderstorm-fearing dogs, potentially improving their welfare.

Researchers developed a new scale to measure motor laterality in dogs, assessing both the direction (left, right, or none) and strength of paw preference. The study involved four tasks: two manipulation tests (using a paw to retrieve food or toys) and two movement tests (observing which paw a dog places first when stepping off a platform).

“Until now, studies have mainly categorized dogs as left-, right-, or ambilateral,” said Sevim Isparta, a researcher involved in the study. “But our scale allows us to gauge the strength of their laterality, dividing them into five categories: strongly left, weakly left, ambilateral, weakly right, and strongly right.”

Findings indicate that ambilateral dogs—those with no strong paw preference—are more prone to fear of thunderstorms. The researchers hope the scale will be used by trainers, veterinarians, and breeders to detect stress-sensitive dogs earlier.

“Just like in humans, using the dominant side leads to greater success,” Isparta added. “Training programs should adapt to a dog’s paw, eye, or ear preferences—all behavioral asymmetries.”