Dog raises paw.

[Jessika]

Maybe it was leaning on you or standing on your feet that was the dominance thing

[K9soul]

I kind of think people are a bit quick to judge a specific behavior as dominant behavior in all situations when it actually depends upon the individual dog and situation. You could make the generalized statement "a dog growling at you is dominant or threatening" but some dogs just "talk" through growls. Tommy is quite a growly talker, the happier and more excited he is the more vocal and growly he is.

When I give him scritchies in some areas, he leans against me. Because it feels good! He's leaning towards what feels good is all. He loves to be in physical contact with people and have some part of him touching them.

Anyway about the paw thing, all my dogs have "offered me" their paws, especially when they are getting attention and scratches. I always get a paw offering along with kisses, to me I see it as their way of reaching out, or offering me something.

I just personally believe there isn't one set explanation for any specific behavior a dog may do. It should be taken on an individual basis, as dogs are individuals

[lizbud]

My Maggie does that to Smokey when she wants whatever toy/chew
that he has. With the paw & a whine, she always gets her way
with Smokey.