Dogs tend to have a lateralization or handedness. So says Keith Richter, D.V.M. in an article in the September, 2012 issue of Dog Fancy magazine.
"One clue to your dog's right or left dominance may be found in her mouth," Richter explains. The dominant side is often the preferred chewing side, and is likely to be cleaner than the other side. And fortunately for Dog Fancy's readers, there's an article entitled "Better Toothbrushing" on page 18 of the same issue
The article cites a 2010 study by the University of Sydney on the differential handedness in various breeds of dogs. The study found no statistically significant results for any particular breed of dog. Richter tells us, however, that male dogs are more likely to be left-dominant than females.
The Sydney researchers recommend a way that dog owners can test their pets at home. They suggest filling a dog toy with food, handing it (using both hands, no doubt) to your pet, and noting which paw they use to hold the toy as they try to extract the food from it.
Thank you, I am doing a science project for school about paw dominance. I am at the researching stage. Your site is helping me dearly.
ReplyDelete