The Top 10 Submissive Dog Behaviors to Be Aware Of
You've probably heard that a dog is being subservient, but do you understand what that means? Dogs exhibit a variety of submissive behaviors. Canine communication manifests itself in these actions. Submissive behavior is frequently a dog's way of demonstrating that he is kind and accessible. What Causes Some Dogs to Be Submissive? Many individuals are confused about the difference between submissive and dominant behaviourin dogs. The adjectives "submissive" and "dominant" are fairly broad and should not be interpreted too narrowly. Many behaviorists and trainers avoid using these terminology because they are linked to outdated and incorrect beliefs about canine hierarchy and "pack mentality." 1 Highlighted Video How to Teach Your Dog to Pretend to Be Dead Dogs' submission and dominance are generalized actions rather than personality qualities. These actions are examples of body language communication. The behavior displayed is about the dog's relationship with the other person or animal. Dominance cannot exist without submission; in a dog-human interaction, one partner is dominant only when the dog willingly submits.
It's also crucial to realize that submission isn't the polar opposite of violence. Fear is the most common cause of aggressive behavior, which has little to do with dominance.
Submissive behavior is a dog's way of developing or strengthening a relationship with a certain human or animal. In a different partnership, the same dog could be the dominant one. In many
interactions, certain dogs tend to be on the same side, but this does not mean you have a "dominant dog" or a "submissive dog." When your dog is submissive to you, he is normally attempting to show you respect and affection. It could also indicate that he has faith in you and is comfortable being vulnerable in your presence. "Just because he sees you as the dominant member of the relationship doesn't mean you have to change your behavior." Download Training your dog Ebook
Dogs with Submissive Behaviors
Certain dog actions are commonly referred to as submissive. The majority of these actions are similar to appeasement gestures and fun.
Submissive Urination Excitement urination is another name for submissive urination. This is a common tendency in pups, but it can also happen in adult dogs. Submissive or excitement urination differs from improper peeing in that it occurs when someone or something stands over the dog. This can be done to demonstrate respect for another person, but it can also be done out of fear or insecurity. Many puppies outgrow these bad habits on their own. By strengthening your dog's confidence, you can help to prevent submissive urinating. Scolding or punishing your dog for submissive or excited urinating will just exacerbate the problem.
Exposing the Abdomen When approached by a person or animal, many dogs reveal their bellies or roll onto their side or back. This is usually a show of submission, but it could also be a request for belly rubs or an invitation to play. Look for other indicators of submission or playfulness if a dog has exposed his abdomen to you. If you are unfamiliar with the dog, be nice and move slowly so as not to intimidate it. Start lightly rubbing his belly if you wish to rub his belly. If the dog appears nervous or uneasy, come to a halt.
Averting Gaze Direct eye contact can be dangerous to dogs, especially when they are in a bond with another dog. The dog is demonstrating that he is not attempting to challenge or threaten the other party by averting his gaze and looking away. Our dogs may stare at us for a variety of reasons, but this should not be seen as a sign of dominance. Download Training your dog Ebook Ears pushed back or flattened Although every dog is different, most dogs keep their ears slightly erect when they are at peace or comfortable. Although it may be difficult to see in floppy-eared dogs, the position of the ear base may provide clues. This is an intentional communication when a dog holds his ears back or flattens them. It could indicate that the dog is worried or afraid. It can also be an act of submission. Looking at the eyes and overall body language is the greatest approach to figure this out.
Tail Lowered Another sign of submission is when a dog's tail is wagging low or somewhat tucked. It could also indicate that the dog is afraid or nervous. Body Posture Has Been Reduced
When a dog lowers his body, he may be attempting to look smaller and less dangerous. Although this stance is frequently a reaction to a frightening scenario, it may be unrelated to fear. It's possible that the dog is merely attempting to show submission to the other person or animal. Licking the Muzzle of Another Dog One technique for a dog to show respect is to gently lick the muzzle of another dog. It can also be used to help another dog settle down in a stressful circumstance. Muzzle licking can happen when two dogs meet for the first time or when they have known each other for a long time. Unless the dogs cease getting along, this behavior is typical and does not necessitate human intervention. Licking of the Lips Lip licking is a typical appeasement action that conveys a soothing, non-threatening message. It's occasionally done to show humans or other animals that you're willing to submit to them. It usually happens when the dog is scared or afraid. Grinning or Smiling Some dogs show their teeth when they smile or grin. This may appear to be an aggressive threat at first glance. Grinning with exposed teeth should not be confused with bared teeth, which can be a warning sign of violence. When a dog smiles or grins with the rest of his body relaxed or submissive, he is not attempting to intimidate. This is referred to as a subservient grin. In most cases, the action is supposed to convey friendliness and approachability. Download Training your dog Ebook
What to Do If Your Dog Is Behaving In A Submissive Manner Remember that a submissive dog is attempting to demonstrate that he is not a threat. Submissive behaviors might occur before a game or in response to a perceived threat. You must consider the complete circumstances in order to better interpret the conduct. Let's pretend you're taking your dog to a dog park. Your dog lowers his stance and looks aside after the dogs meet and sniff each other's rear ends. This is most likely your dog's method of letting you know that all he wants to do is play. It's possible that a play bow will follow. These actions are being displayed by your dog to give a tranquil, playful message to the other dog. This is a positive indicator, indicating that the dogs are getting along (so far). Keep an eye on the dogs' behavior in case the dynamics alter.
When a dog behaves in a subservient manner toward you, he may be demonstrating his respect for you and placing you in a position of authority. To assert "dominance," there is no need to act differently. In fact, this could make the dog fearful and lead to self-defensive aggressiveness. To reinforce the habit, it's best to have a confident but calm demeanor. This shows the dog that you are trustworthy.
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