There are several reasons why a dog may put their paws on a person’s shoulders. Understanding the underlying causes of this behavior can help dog owners better address their dog’s needs and behavior.

One reason a dog may put their paws on a person’s shoulders is to seek attention or affection. Dogs are social animals and crave attention and interaction with their owners. Putting their paws on a person’s shoulders may be a way for a dog to get their owner’s attention and potentially receive petting or other forms of affection.

Another reason a dog may put their paws on a person’s shoulders is to assert dominance or establish a hierarchy. Dogs are pack animals and may engage in behaviors such as putting their paws on a person’s shoulders to establish their place in the pack or to assert their dominance over other members of the pack.

A dog may also put their paws on a person’s shoulders out of excitement or as a form of greeting. Dogs may use body language, such as putting their paws on a person’s shoulders, to express their enthusiasm and joy when interacting with their owners or other people.

It is also possible that a dog may put their paws on a person’s shoulders as a learned behavior. If a dog has consistently been rewarded for putting their paws on a person’s shoulders, they may continue to do so in the hopes of receiving a reward.

In conclusion, there are several reasons why a dog may put their paws on a person’s shoulders, including seeking attention or affection, asserting dominance or establishing a hierarchy, expressing excitement or as a greeting, or as a learned behavior. Understanding the underlying causes of this behavior can help dog owners better address their dog’s needs and behavior.