Once you understand why your dog is pawing at you, it’s time to address the behavior. Here are some effective ways to handle dogs that dig at your feet:

1. Ignore the Behavior

If your dog is digging at your feet purely for attention, the best way to break the habit is to ignore it completely. Any reaction—whether laughing, talking, or pushing their paws away—can reinforce the behavior. Instead, try the following:

• Keep your feet still and avoid eye contact.
• Do not speak to your dog or acknowledge their digging.
• As soon as they stop, reward them with calm praise or a treat.

Consistency is key here. If you ignore them sometimes but react at other times, your dog will continue trying to get your attention.

2. Redirect Their Energy

If boredom is the root cause, provide your dog with alternative ways to stay engaged:

• Offer interactive toys, such as puzzle feeders or chew toys.
• Increase their daily exercise routine with longer walks or play sessions.
• Try activities like agility training, fetch, or nose work to keep their mind stimulated.

3. Teach an Alternative Behavior

Training your dog to exhibit a different behavior when they want attention can be an effective solution. Here’s how:

• Train your dog to sit or lie down when they want something.
• Use positive reinforcement by rewarding them when they perform the desired behavior.
• Be consistent so they learn that sitting or lying down earns them attention, while pawing at your feet does not.

4. Set Clear Boundaries

If your dog is frequently at your feet, establish boundaries:

• Use a designated “settle” area where they can relax when you need space.
• Reinforce “place” or “stay” commands to encourage them to remain in a certain spot.
• If they persistently dig, stand up, and move away without giving them attention.

5. Address Underlying Anxiety

Dogs that dig at your feet out of anxiety or stress may need additional support:

• Establish a calm environment with predictable routines.
• Use calming aids, such as anxiety wraps, pheromone diffusers, or soft music.
• If necessary, consult a veterinarian or animal behaviorist for additional solutions.

Bonus: Keep Their Nails Trimmed

If your dog has long nails, their digging behavior can be more uncomfortable or even painful for you. Regular nail trimming can reduce the intensity of their scratching.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your dog’s behavior is excessive, persistent, or accompanied by signs of distress, consult a professional dog trainer or veterinarian. They can help determine whether there are deeper behavioral or medical issues at play.

What NOT to Do

Avoid reinforcing your dog’s foot-digging behavior by giving in, punishing, or reacting aggressively, as these can worsen the issue.

When dealing with this behavior, avoid the following mistakes:

🐶 Giving in to the Behavior – If you immediately pet or engage with your dog when they dig at your feet, they’ll continue doing it.

🐶 Yelling or Punishing Your Dog – This can create fear and anxiety, worsening the problem.

🐶 Pushing Their Paws Away Aggressively – Some dogs interpret this as play, reinforcing the behavior.