You sit down to work and feel a paw on your arm. It might be a request for attention, food, a toilet break, or comfort. One gesture cannot tell you which. Look at the time, what happened just before, and your dog's whole body. A dog who paws while panting and pacing may need something different from one who brings a toy and bounces toward you.
First check practical needs: water, a chance to go out, discomfort, and whether a routine has been missed. If pawing suddenly increases, seems compulsive, or comes with other health changes, ask your veterinarian for advice. Do not ignore a dog who might be telling you they need to toilet or feel unwell.
Teach a way to ask that works for both of you
If your dog paws for play or attention and their needs are met, reward a gentler alternative. Invite them to sit near you, rest their head on a mat, or bring a toy, then offer attention. Make time for short play or sniffing breaks before frustration builds. If you always give dinner at the first paw tap, the dog may learn that tapping is the fastest way to start dinner, keep meal timing predictable and reward calm behavior before pawing starts.
Do not push your dog away angrily. If the pawing is persistent, step back and ask what outcome it has produced for them in the past and what they may need now. A clear answer starts with observation, not with a punishment for asking. Once you have checked what your dog needs, the everyday dog-training habits guide can help you reward a gentler way to ask for attention.
Sources: American Kennel Club: Why does my dog put their paw on me?. Dogs Trust: Why dogs get scared or frustrated and how to help.