Why Do Golden Retrievers Like to Hold Hands? (12 REASONS)

If you’re here, chances are your golden retriever has tried to hold your hand, leaving you wondering what could be behind this behavior and why do they like to hold hands.

Golden retrievers like to hold hands mainly because of their social nature, but there are many other reasons for this behavior. It can be a way of showing affection, bonding, satisfying curiosity, communicating, following a habit, or even indicating pain.

Keep reading to uncover the reasons behind this hand-holding behavior, tips on how to train your golden retriever to stop, and much more!

Table of Contents

Reasons Why Golden Retrievers Like to Hold Hands?

Here are the reasons behind their hand-holding gesture.

1. Affection and Bonding

Dogs, including golden retrievers, are susceptible to human touch and emotional signals.

They have learned to recognize and react to our physical expressions of affection, like hand-holding, by showing their gestures of love in return.

Therefore, when your golden retriever holds your hands, it can be a way to express their affection towards you.

This act also strengthens the bond between you and your pet.

2. You are Considered the Alpha

Dogs often see humans as the alpha figure, so when your golden retriever places their paw in your hand, it’s often viewed as an act of submission.

They simply recognize you as the leader and acknowledge your authority over them.

3. Seeking Attention

All dogs naturally crave their owner’s attention, and giving their paw is an instinctual behavior your golden retriever uses to capture yours.

Just as humans might tap someone on the shoulder to get their attention, your golden retriever intuitively knows that placing their paw on your hand can communicate the same message.

When they do this, they might be asking for pets, playtime, cuddles, or simply wanting to engage with you. This gesture is their way of signaling a desire for interaction.

4. Learned Behavior

If you’ve previously encouraged your golden retriever to hold your hand through training or positive reinforcement, like giving treats, praise, or attention, they may continue this behavior throughout their lives.

This is because they associate it with positive outcomes and see it as a way to receive more affection or rewards.

5. Emotional Support

Golden retrievers are sensitive to their owners’ emotions.

If they sense that their pet parent is sad or stressed, they may attempt to provide emotional support and comfort by offering physical contact through hand-holding.

It’s their way of showing that they are there for you during tough times.

6. Seeking Comfort

One of the most common reasons your golden retriever might want to hold your hand is that they seek comfort from you, especially in unfamiliar or stressful situations.

You will notice that your dog will reach out for your hand when they are anxious or scared during thunderstorms or fireworks.

Holding onto you can also be a calming behavior for your golden retriever, providing them a sense of protection from the perceived danger.

7. Communication

Dogs are masters of non-verbal communication, often using body language to express their needs.

When your golden retriever places a paw on you, it could be their way of telling you they need something – whether it’s to go outside, play, get a toy, have a treat, want a meal, or simply enjoy some companionship.

Golden retrievers are naturally pack animals, and their desire to hold their owner’s hand stems from their social instincts. In a pack, staying close promotes a sense of safety and connection.

When your golden retriever holds your hand, they’re trying to recreate that bond with you as their human family, reinforcing their sense of belonging and togetherness.

9. Curiosity

Golden retrievers are naturally curious animals, and they might hold your hand simply out of interest in what you’re doing or to explore their surroundings.

This curiosity often drives them to engage in explorative behaviors, including physical interaction like wanting to touch and connect with you.

10. They Want to Play

Golden retrievers are playful and energetic dogs. Holding hands can be part of their playful behavior, encouraging you to engage in games or activities. It’s their way of initiating fun and interaction with you.

11. Routine and Habit

If holding hands has become a regular part of your interactions, your dog may develop it as a habit.

Dogs are creatures of habit and thrive on routine, so they might associate this behavior with positive experiences like affection or playtime, making it an enjoyable habit they naturally continue.

12. Pain

Dogs, including golden retrievers, often seek physical comfort when they are in pain. Holding your hand can be a way for them to feel secure and calm.

This instinctive behavior stems from their desire for companionship and support during distressing times.

Just as humans might reach for a loved one when in pain, dogs instinctively seek comfort from their owners.

Therefore, your dog may offer you their paw when they’re feeling discomfort, attempting to bring this to your attention.

How to Train Your Golden Retriever Not to Hold Your Hand?

If your golden retriever is holding your hand too often, you can manage this behavior to prevent it from becoming a nuisance. Here are some steps you can take to address this behavior.

1. Redirect the Behavior

Whenever your golden retriever tries to hold your hand, redirect their attention to a toy, chew, or another activity. This gives them a constructive outlet for their energy.

2. Teach Commands

Teach your dog commands like “off” or “down” to signal that pawing is not appropriate at the moment. Remember to reward them when they comply.

3. Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Ensure your golden retriever gets enough physical activity and mental stimulation every day. A tired dog is less likely to seek excessive attention through unwanted behaviors such as handholding.

4. Set Boundaries

Establish clear rules about when holding hands is acceptable. Consistency is key to helping your dog understand when it’s okay and when it’s not.

5. Spend Time Apart

Make sure to spend some time apart occasionally to prevent either of you from becoming too dependent on the other. This will help you both stay independent while keeping your strong bond.

6. Reward Calm Behavior

Whenever your golden retriever is calm and not pawing at you, reward them with treats or verbal praise. This reinforces the behavior you want to see.

7. Provide Scheduled Interaction

Schedule a specific time for play and interaction, so your golden retriever knows when to expect your attention.

8. Seek Professional Help

If your golden retriever starts displaying obsessive or compulsive behavior that’s hard to manage, consider consulting a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it normal for dogs to hold their owner’s hand?

Yes, it is normal for dogs to hold their owner’s hand. They naturally hold their owner’s hand to connect and find comfort. Some dogs may naturally be more inclined to hold hands, while others may not exhibit this behavior as much.

2. Is holding hands exclusive to golden retrievers?

Holding hands is not just for golden retrievers – many breeds, like labrador retrievers, cavalier king charles spaniels, and boxers, exhibit this behavior. However, golden retrievers are more prone to this behavior because of their affectionate nature.

3. Is it normal for golden retrievers to hold hands?

Yes, it is normal for golden retrievers to hold hands. They are known for their friendly and loving nature. Hence, this behavior is a positive sign of affection and bonding with their pet parent.

4. Are there any potential drawbacks to allowing my golden retriever to hold hands?

Your golden retriever may become overly reliant on physical contact and may feel anxious or upset when they’re not able to hold hands or be close to you.

Conclusion

Holding hands is a behavior firmly rooted in the golden retriever’s social nature as this is their way of communicating and bonding with their owners. By understanding the reason behind their behavior, you can respond better to their needs.

There are several ways to lessen your golden retriever’s excessive hand-holding while still keeping a loving and affectionate bond. But if this behavior gets obsessive or compulsive, consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.

We recommend reading this article next:

Why Do Golden Retrievers Paw at You? (9 Surprising Reasons!)