The Signs You’re Not Showing Your Dog Enough Affection

He keeps pawing at you Pawing at you is your dog’s way of asking for attention or initiating play. Think of it like a friendly tap on the shoulder from a particularly enthusiastic friend. “While this most often means that your dog wants your attention and affection, it could [also] be a sign that your dog is anxious or looking to you for comfort,” says Dr. Nelson. How can you tell the difference? A lot of it boils down to past interactions between the two of you. Dogs generally learn through trial and error, so if your pup has learned that you pay attention to him when he paws, he will continue to do it since it gave him what he wanted. You’ll also want to pay close attention to your pup’s body language. Dogs communicate with their whole bodies, and that should be taken into account when determining their moods. A timid or anxious dog would more than likely have a tucked tail, ears back, and a stiff body; he may also be panting, drooling, averting eye contact, pacing, and moving away from whatever stimulus is affecting him. A relaxed and comfortable dog will have relaxed, forward-facing ears; a calm and relaxed tail; and a calm body posture. Either way, giving your dog affection at this time can help. You’ll either be fulfilling his need for snuggles or lulling him into a very real sense of security. This is how dogs get you to fall madly and deeply in love with them, by the way.