My name is Connor. I am conducting a science experiment in my sixth
grade class. I am testing to see if dogs have a right or left paw
preference. I was hoping that some of you readers could help me out by
testing your dog. To do this you need to follow these simple
instructions.

1. Stand directly in front of your dog.
2. Place your hand (which ever one you normally use. You can alternate
hands if you want) in the front and center of your dog. Make sure your
hand is equal distance from the left and right front paw.
3. Give the command that will prompt your dog to shake your hand.
4. Record which paw the dog uses to shake your hand.
5. Repeat this two times for a total of three times.
6. Please e-mail me the following information:

a. The results of each of the three tests.
b. The gender of the dog
c. Indicate whether the dog is spayed or neutered.

My email address is:


A sample e-mail might look like this:
test 1: right
test 2: left
test 3: left
female/spayed

Please send only one result for each dog you own.

Please note that if you have taught your dog to have a paw preference
(such as giving its right paw when you hold out your left) do not
participate in the experiment. I am testing for instincts not learned
behavior.

Thank you. I really appreciate the help. I will post results, if
interested.