Dogs walk on your right side mostly because they pick up on the fact that your right side is your dominant side.
However, if your dominant side is your left, you may notice that your dog prefers to walk on that side. Another reason your dog likes to walk on your right side is instinct, as they are asserting dominance.
Alpha dogs love pulling their owners from the right side to show you they think they are in charge. If you believe your dog is trying to assert dominance, you should try to walk or run with him on your left side.
Walking your dog on the left side of your body helps them understand that you are the alpha while freeing up your right hand for other things.
Why Does My Dog Walk On My Right Side?
While walking on your right side could be your dog’s way of asserting dominance, it could also mean that he simply prefers the right side because he knows you are a right-handed person. Most dog owners tend to hold a leash in their right hand, so your pup notices and gets used to this.
Your dog walking on your right side is likely just a habit he picked up over time since he probably has been walking that way since he was a puppy. While you might find it problematic that your dog chooses to only walk on your right side, this action has some benefits.
Keeps Away From Traffic
Dogs are intelligent animals and often notice when they are too close to busy roads. Many dogs walk on your right side because they know they are further away from traffic. Many owners keep their dog on their right side to ensure their pup is closer to the sidewalk than the road.
Your Dog Will Not Trip You
It is good to pick a side for your pup to walk on, either right or left. If he is confused about which side to walk on, he might step back and forth as he doesn’t know which side you prefer. If your dog gets used to one side, he will typically always walk on that side and not trip you accidentally.
Better Control
If you are right-handed, walking your dog on your right side will give you better control over his movements. If your right side is your dominant side, it will be easier for you to control the leash and direct your dog during his walk. Walking him on your left side could be more difficult when trying to control his movement.
Final Thoughts
Typically, dogs walk on your right side because it is either a learned behavior, they are disobedient, or they think they are the alpha. If your dog believes he is the leader of the pack, you can try to set new rules and boundaries to assert your dominance.
While it can be good for your dog to walk on both sides, it often confuses you and your pup. Overall, walking your dog on the right side allows you to have better control, stay away from traffic, and help you not to trip over the leash.
