Why Does My Great Pyrenees Paw at Me? 9 Common Reasons Why!

While the Great Pyrenees is an affectionate breed, I’ve often wondered why they paw at me all the time.

A Great Pyrenees may paw at you as a sign that they want your love, they want to play, are looking for a treat, or want food or water. Other reasons include showing you empathy, being submissive, feeling anxious,  needing to pee or poop, or experiencing pain.

We will explore the nine common reasons why Great Pyrenees paw at their owners and discuss how best to interpret these actions.

They’re Saying Hello and Want Your Love

One of the most significant reasons why Great Pyrenees paw at you is because they want your attention. They may think of you as their pack leader and be trying to get closer to you. Or, they may simply just enjoy being around you and want to show their affection.

If the dog is pawing at you for attention, the best way to correct the behavior is to give them some attention. Pet them, talk to them, and let them know that you love them. This will reinforce the behavior and make sure your dog knows that they are getting what they want by pawing at you.

They Want to Play

Another common reason why a Great Pyrenees paw at you is that they want to play. This is especially common in puppies and young dogs. They may not know any other way to get your attention besides pawing at you.

If your dog is pawing at you to play, the best thing to do is to engage in some playtime with them. This will teach them that the best way to get your attention is by playing and not pawing at you.

They’re Looking for A Treat

Many times, Great Pyrenees paw at you because they’re looking for a treat. They may have seen you eating something and want some for themselves. Or, they may be begging for their dinner. 

If the dog is pawing at you for a treat, the best thing to do is to give them one. This, of course, is only when they are well-behaved.

This will reinforce the behavior and ensure they know they’re getting what they want. You should also try and keep some treats with you to reward your dog for good behavior.

They Want Food or Water

Another common reason why a Great Pyrenees paw at you is that they’re hungry or thirsty. Your dog is trying to communicate that its bowl is empty or that they want some water. 

If your Great Pyrenees dog is pawing at you for food or water, it might be time to give them a small treat or drink.

Treats should be given in moderation to ensure a healthy weight is maintained. Ensuring appropriate nutrition and water levels will also help prevent your dog from becoming dehydrated or malnourished.

They Are Showing You Empathy:

Great Pyrenees

Some experts believe that the Great Pyrenees paw at you because they are trying to show you empathy. They may sense that you’re sad or upset and be trying to comfort you. It’s also possible that they are trying to tell you that they understand what you’re feeling. 

If your dog is pawing at you because they want to show you empathy, the best thing to do is to pet them and thank them for its understanding. This will reinforce the behavior and let your dog know they are doing well. It may also help to comfort you.

They Are Being Submissive:

A Great Pyrenees may also paw at you as a sign of submission. They may be trying to show you that they are not a threat and that they respect your authority. 

If your dog is pawing at you as a sign of submission, the best thing to do is to ignore them. This will reinforce the behavior and let your dog know they are not getting the desired reaction.

This will also let them know that they are not in charge and that you are the boss.

Don’t miss – The Ultimate Great Pyrenees Guide – All Questions Answered!

They Need to Pee or Poop

Another common reason why a Great Pyrenees paw at you is that they need to use the bathroom. Your dog is probably trying to communicate to you that they need to go outside or their potty area needs to be cleaned. 

In this case, the ideal thing is to take them outside or to the potty area. This will reinforce the behavior and make sure your dog knows that they’re getting what they want. It will also help to prevent them from having an accident in the house.

They Are Feeling Anxious or Scared

Your Great Pyrenees paw at you when they are feeling anxious or scared. This may be due to loud noise, a stranger, or something else that is making them afraid. 

The suitable thing to do is to comfort them. Pet them, talk to them, and let them know that you love them. This will reinforce the behavior, remind your dog they are appreciated and provide them with a level of comfort.

They Are Experiencing Pain

One of the less common reasons why a Great Pyrenees paw at you is because they are experiencing pain. This could be due to an injury, arthritis, or another health issue. This will also cause them to whine or cry. 

The best option is to take them to the vet. This will reinforce the behavior and ensure your dog gets the medical attention they need.

There are other ways your dog shows that they are in pain, and this is just one of them. As a pet owner, you should be familiar with different types of communication techniques. 

Why Do Dogs Paw at Your Face?

There are many reasons why dogs paw at your face. They may be trying to get your attention, show you empathy, or be submissive. However, the most likely reason is that they want a treat!

So, the next time your dog paws at you, have a treat ready to give them.

Pawing is also one way that dogs communicate with humans. If your Great Pyrenees dog is pawing at you for a specific reason, such as needing to go outside or being scared, it’s important to pay attention and respond accordingly.

However, if your dog is pawing at you for no reason, it’s best to ignore them. 

Why Does My Dog Place His Paw on My Chest?

There are a few different reasons why you may experience your Great Pyrenees paw on your chest. A common reason is that they want to be petted. They may see you as their leader and be trying to show you respect by putting their paw on you. 

Another reason is that he is anxious or scared. This could be due to loud noise, a stranger, or something else that is making them afraid. 

If this is what your dog is doing, the greatest thing to do is to soothe them. Give your dog a hug, tell him that you love him, and reassure him that it’s okay. This will promote the behavior and ensure that your dog understands that they’ll receive what they want by pawing at you if they do it enough times.