This Newly Rescued Pup is All in on the Hand-and-Paw Stacking Game

Not all social media challenges make you want to turn off your phone. The hand and paw stacking game is one cute, funny pet trend that is well worth following. Our feeds are filled with heartwarming posts of pet owners playing the game with their dogs, or sometimes cats. In this sweet post from @pubity, pet parents stack their hands to see if their new puppy will play along. This precious rescue pup gives it some real thought before committing. However, once he makes his decision, he’s all in.

What Is the Hand and Paw Stacking Game?

The hand and paw stacking game is basically the same as the “hand-stacking game” or the “hands in” challenge. Many of us have played the hand-stacking game as children. Players take turns placing a hand on top of another player’s hand. The player whose hand is on the bottom pulls it out and places it on top, and so on. For hands-in, each person puts a hand on the stack in the center to symbolize teamwork.

When playing with their pooches, owners alternate stacking their hands with their dog’s paws. In the hands-in variation, everyone puts one hand, or paw, on the stack. When the dog places a paw on the stack, the humans show that they’re happy with the dog’s behavior. However, do the animals really understand what is going on?

Canine Body Language

Dogs primarily communicate using body language. At first, the pup in the post above looks a little unsure about what is happening. His ears are pulled back as he carefully watches his owners for cues telling him what they want him to do. When a dog’s ears are flattened, this can be a signal that they are feeling anxious. It can also be a submissive posture. As a rescue puppy, either could be true, since he is probably still learning what to expect from his new humans.

However, when the puppy figures out what to do, he slaps his paw on the pile, leans down, and perks up his ears. These gestures suggest the pup is feeling more confident and ready to play. It’s also important to pay attention to signs such as tail wagging and body posture. These signals can help you interpret what your dog’s overall behavior is saying. Being sensitive to your dog’s emotions is particularly important if you have a rescue pup who may still be scared and stressed. The puppy above probably doesn’t understand the rules of the game, but it’s clear he’s paying close attention to his new family.

Why Doesn’t My Dog Play Along?

If your dog doesn’t play the game, it doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t want to play with you. If your pup doesn’t mind having their paws handled, it’s more likely that they don’t know what you want them to do. Watch your dog’s body language to gauge their interest and try different strategies, like praise and treats, to encourage them to play.

A dog who already knows how to shake or give high fives is more likely to conclude their human is looking for a similar response. Some dogs are also more easily trained to copy their owners’ behaviors. Most pups want to please their humans, but they might need a little help learning how to do it. Fortunately, it looks like the lucky rescue puppy shown above is already ahead of the game.