Laterality in dogs, similar to that of people, influences their emotional balance, their behavior and their ability to adapt to different situations.
MADRID, Oct. 16. (EUROPA PRESS).- Knowing if a dog es southpaw o right It may seem like a simple curiosity, but knowing it helps to better understand its behavior and its way of relating to its environment. Just like people, dogs They also have one predominant leg and, according to Royal Canine Society of Spain (RSCE)this preference is directly linked to their character, their learning capacity and the way they manage emotions.
On social networks, this topic aroused great interest thanks to videos in which educators and specialized stores show simple methods to find out the dominant leg of each animal. Beyond the anecdote, the truth is that three out of four dogs They present a clear preference, a phenomenon known as canine motor lateralization, which the RSCE analyzed in different investigations and informative campaigns.
This laterality responds to a specific neurological basis. Each hemisphere of the brain controls the opposite side of the body and is specialized for different functions. The left hemisphere, which governs the right paw, is associated with calm, routines and logical ability, while the right, related to the left paw, is more linked to intuition, sensitivity and reaction to new stimuli or stressful situations.
Sensitive left-handers, decisive right-handers
According to the Royal Canine Society, left-handed dogs, whose right hemisphere is dominant, tend to be more emotional and sensitive to changes in their environment. They usually show a more intense response to loud noises, storms or fireworks, but they also stand out for their empathy and emotional connection with their owners. On the other hand, right-handed dogs are characterized by being more confident and decisive, especially in familiar environments, and by maintaining better concentration on repetitive tasks.
It is no coincidence that many of the dogs selected for assistance, therapy or guide work are right-handed. Their emotional balance and self-control allow them to function effectively in contexts that require stability and prolonged concentration. On the contrary, left-handers, with their more emotional profile, can excel in activities that require intuition or quick response.
The three tests to discover it
The RSCE proposed several simple methods to find out which is a dog’s dominant paw. One of the most reliable is to offer him an interactive toy, such as a food-stuffed Kong, and observe which paw he holds or stabilizes it with as he reaches for the contents. Another way is to pay attention to which front leg moves first when getting up from a lying position or when climbing a step. You can also leave a treat under a piece of furniture and write down which one you try to reach for it with.
For the result to be conclusive, the organization recommended repeating each test at least 50 times and considering the leg used dominant on two out of three occasions. The results usually remain stable over time, demonstrating that it is not a simple momentary preference, but rather a permanent neurological trait.
Beyond curiosity
The president of the Royal Canine Society of Spain, José Miguel Doval, stressed that “knowing if your dog is right- or left-handed is not to label it, but to better understand how it relates to the world.”
In his opinion, identifying this characteristic makes it possible to better adapt the training routines, games and activities of each animal, thus strengthening its well-being and its bond with the owner. “A left-handed person may need more positive reinforcement, while a right-handed person enjoys exercises such as the agility or obedience,” he noted.
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