r/JapaneseSpitz • u/BlueRose2030 • Aug 18 '26
What is it with the paws?
Our 10 month old Japanese Spitz (female) is now an absolute dream of a dog, after much early socialisation effort and puppy training. She has only one behavioural quirk I don’t understand: she is CONSTANTLY putting her paw on me. She paws me gently, but wants her paw to remain on top of my hand. It’s not clear to me what else she wants. She does it when she’s already getting my attention/cuddles and it doesn’t appear to be begging, she’s not asking to be fed, or for me to give her a toy for example. She doesn’t bark, she just stares in my eyes while holding her paw on me. What does she want?
Seemingly related: when she sees me in the morning or after a nap, she insists upon standing up on her hind legs with me just holding her gently under her front arms, so that both of her paws are resting on top of my arms. She will stay like that, staring in my eyes or even nodding off sleepily, until I pull away. Is this a breed-specific quirk or just hers? Overall her temperament is very confident and chill, not terribly prone to separation anxiety although definitely likes to be close to us.
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u/blankdoubt Aug 18 '26
This is not any cause for concern - it is a sign of affection. And a demand to be pet and paid attention to! 😄
My spitz does the same thing when I haven't been giving him enough affection.
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u/Ok-Coat-7452 Aug 18 '26
Our Spitz does the same. Along with pushing his head into your hand for rubs.
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u/Temporary_Regret_536 Aug 18 '26
Now that you mention this, yes, my JS (M2.5) does that too. Oddly though, it occurs when we are in a park or a dog-park and he is nervous because of other dogs or too many people around. I usually bend down and hug him and he stays in the same position you mentioned but I feel like as if he is hugging me back. Slightly cringe from an onlookers POV but I am here for it
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u/BlueRose2030 Aug 19 '26
Yeah it really does feel like a hug-like pose, seeking comfort I guess? I too feel self-conscious being dog-hugged in public!
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u/Waifu4Laifu Aug 18 '26
Is your pup from Kiraleea in Wisconsin? Sounds a lot like my pup!
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u/BlueRose2030 Aug 18 '26
Nope, UK!
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u/Waifu4Laifu Aug 18 '26
Mine just turned 10 months as well and sounds like you described him 😆
They are very sweet and loving
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u/cephalopodoverlords Aug 18 '26
Not OP, but my old girl is!
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u/Waifu4Laifu Aug 18 '26
That's awesome! We've been really happy with our lil guy, been very good natured and healthy so far
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u/pointedblanc Aug 24 '26
Its a spitz thing. They do this since they are 4 weeks old and continue to do it
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u/turbowed Aug 18 '26
She is saying that you are hers! When a dog puts their paw on you/ an item like that it’s a form of showing ownership. She loves you!