You read that right, dogs and cats can also be left-handed or right-handed. Have you ever thought about that? It's true that over time they tend to adapt based on how their handler guides them, but this information is much more relevant than it seems.
Yes, just like humans, pets also have clear lateral preferences, and knowing this small detail (whether they are left or right-handed) can help you understand some of their behaviors a little better and improve certain aspects of their learning and behavior.
Shall we start from the beginning? What does it mean for a dog to be left or right-handed? Laterality refers to a pet's preference for one side of the body over the other, and it's pretty straightforward! You can observe it very easily in their daily behavior by paying attention to certain gestures. Which ones? For example, which paw they use to shake hands or to jump, or which paw they usually lean on. If a dog is left-handed, they will always prefer to use their left paw, while if they are right-handed, they will prefer to use their right paw.
Recently, several studies have revealed that there is a relationship between this factor (left or right-handed) and the dog's character, aggressiveness, or even intelligence. It turns out that dogs, like humans, also have a brain divided into two symmetrical hemispheres, each performing different functions. It seems that although the details have not been fully explored (since some studies are slightly contradictory), it appears that the left side manages their positive and active emotions, while the right side manages the negative ones and responses to external stimuli.
And how can you discover if your pet is left or right-handed? You can make some small observations at home, for example, notice which paw they use to shake hands with you; or when you play fetch, pay attention to which paw they use to push the ball towards you or try to take it from you (they will use the one they have more strength in). Another idea they will love! Hide food in one of your hands and make a fist, see which paw they use to try to get the food from your hand. Looking for another test to find out? A tip for “rebellious” pets that don't use their paws much: if you have stairs at home, which paw do they use first when going down the stairs for a walk? And which paw do they use to push off when climbing onto the sofa?
In the end, they are left-handed if they use their left paw more and right-handed if they use their right paw more :)
Remember that each dog is unique (and we love that!) and can have different preferences, so it’s important to respect their individuality and adapt their training and activities accordingly. The most important thing is to know that learning about your dog’s laterality can be a fun and enriching experience for both of you. Go for it!
