Submissive behavior in dogs: Submissive behavior in dogs is a natural part of their social structure and communication. It’s a way for dogs to show deference, avoid conflict, and maintain harmony within their social groups. Submissive behavior can manifest in various ways, including lowering the body, tucking the tail, avoiding eye contact, licking, rolling over, or urinating when greeting others.
In the context of a dog’s relationship with its owner, submissive behavior can be displayed to convey respect, trust, and a desire to avoid confrontation.
For instance, a dog might display submissive behavior when meeting a new person or dog, especially if they perceive them as dominant or threatening. This behavior helps to diffuse tension and prevent aggression. (Submissive behavior in dogs)
It’s essential for dog owners to recognize and understand submissive behavior in their pets. Responding positively to these displays by offering reassurance, using gentle body language, and avoiding actions that might intimidate the dog can help build trust and strengthen the bond between the dog and its owner.
However, if submissive behavior is excessive or interferes with the dog’s quality of life, it’s crucial to seek guidance from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to address any underlying issues.
Submissive behavior in dogs
1. What is Submissive?
Dogs will communicate with you in many different ways, just like humans do. They will vocalize their needs and they will also employ body language to get their point across. It is especially important to understand submissive behavior.
Your dog will use submissive behavior as a way to communicate with you that they are not a threat and are looking for some reassurance from you as their pack leader. By recognizing the reasoning behind your dog acting submissive and giving the reassurance they are seeking, you will strengthen the bond between you.
There are several ways your dog will show submissive behavior. Those include rolling over and exposing their stomach, submissive urination or piddling, flattening their ears against their head, submissive grin or toothy smile, tucked tail and low, fast wagging of the tail, avoiding eye contact and licking another dog’s muzzle. Some reasons your dog may start acting submissive include: (Submissive behavior in dogs)
Fear of strangers
Anxiety
Aggression
Abuse
Age
2. The Root of the Behavior
Submissiveness is an instinctual behavior that goes back to how dogs are pack animals and their wolf ancestry. There is always an alpha dog or the leader of the pack. There is also the lowest ranking dog and everything in between.
When a dog is submitting to you, it is a sign of respect and also means that he trusts you and respects you. This does not mean that he will not defend you and be a good watchdog. It just means that your dog knows you are the leader and he trusts that you will take care of him and offer him protection as well.
Some dogs also show submissive behavior when they feel threatened or are scared. This can be triggered by many things such as other aggressive dogs, lightning storms, or even being abused.
Read more: 10 Submissive Dog Behaviors to Know
3. Encouraging the Behavior
If your dog is overly submissive, there are several things you can do to get him to open up and show a little more dominance. First of all, you should socialize your dogs as much as possible. Let him meet other dogs at dog parks or within your neighborhood.
You may have to take this a little slow if he is overly fearsome. Never push your dog into meeting other dogs. In your home, create a space that is your dog’s personal space. This could be a bed in the corner, a cage with a bed, or whatever area he can retreat to when he is overstimulated or needs space. Let this be a place that feels safe to your dog. (Submissive behavior in dogs)
4. Why Submissive Occurs in Dogs
Fear
Your dog may begin showing submissive behavior when they are confronted with strangers or in a strange setting. It is common for dogs to be leery of people they do not know and toy breed dogs are especially more submissive with strangers. Your dog may need extra help overcoming their uncertainty of strange people. Socialization at a young age will help them become more confident as mature dogs.
Anxiety
Dogs that feel anxiety from different environmental factors will act submissively, especially when they are in need of reassurance. Many dogs suffer from anxiety attacks during storms or when separated from their owner. These dogs will act submissively and be unable to cope with things that are going on within their environment. (Submissive behavior in dogs)
Aggression
Some dogs that encounter aggressive people or other dogs will act submissively. Dogs that are not dominant will bow their head, tuck their tail and avoid direct eye contact with the dominant person or dog. Dogs that are acting submissive will be extremely susceptible to the tones in your voice and will react accordingly to the depth of emotion you convey when you speak or give commands.
Abuse
Dogs that have suffered from physical and/or emotional abuse will act submissive. Your dog will avoid certain people or situations that remind them of the abuse they suffered. These dogs will try to hide from situations or they may whimper and lie down and shake.
If your dog is acting submissive because of past abuse, they may pick one person who is their safe person and stay close to them. This gives them a sense of security and the reassurance they are seeking. (Submissive behavior in dogs)
Age
As dogs age, you may notice they begin acting more and more submissive. This is because an aging dog is unable to properly defend themselves; therefore, their social status begins to change. These dogs will need extra reassurance from their owners as they age and become more frail and submissive.
5. How can you prevent submissive behavior?
Preventing submissive behavior in dogs involves creating a supportive and positive environment that helps the dog feel secure and confident. One of the most important ways to prevent submissive behavior is through socialization and training.
Exposing the dog to a variety of people, animals, and environments from a young age can help them become more confident and well-adjusted.
Positive reinforcement training techniques, such as rewarding desired behaviors with treats and praise, can also help build the dog’s confidence and reinforce positive interactions. (Submissive behavior in dogs)
Consistent and gentle leadership is also crucial in preventing submissive behavior. Dogs thrive in environments where they feel safe and secure, with clear boundaries and expectations.
Providing consistent guidance and leadership helps the dog feel more confident and less likely to display submissive behaviors. However, it’s important to avoid harsh or punitive training methods, as these can increase the dog’s anxiety and lead to more submissive behavior.
Additionally, creating a calm and positive atmosphere at home can help prevent submissive behavior in dogs. Avoiding stressful or confrontational situations and providing plenty of opportunities for exercise, mental stimulation, and affection can help keep the dog happy and relaxed.
By creating a supportive environment and providing consistent training and leadership, dog owners can help prevent submissive behavior and promote a healthy, confident, and well-adjusted pet (Submissive behavior in dogs)
Read more: Submissive in Dogs
6. What to do if your Dog is Submissive
If your dog is submissive, it’s important to understand that they may display behaviors such as cowering, tucking their tail between their legs, avoiding eye contact, or rolling over onto their back.
Submissive behavior in dogs often stems from fear or anxiety, and it’s essential to address these underlying emotions to help your dog feel more confident and secure.
First and foremost, it’s crucial to create a safe and supportive environment for your dog. Avoid using punishment or harsh training methods, as this can exacerbate your dog’s fear and anxiety. Instead, focus on building trust and confidence through positive reinforcement techniques.
Use praise, treats, and gentle encouragement to reward your dog for confident behavior. (Submissive behavior in dogs)
Socialization is also key to helping your submissive dog feel more comfortable in various situations. Expose them to new people, animals, and environments in a gradual and controlled manner, always ensuring that they feel safe and supported. Positive experiences with new situations will help build your dog’s confidence and reduce their submissive behaviors over time.
Additionally, providing your dog with plenty of physical and mental stimulation can help boost their confidence and reduce anxiety. Regular exercise, interactive play, and training sessions can all help keep your dog’s mind engaged and their body active. A tired and fulfilled dog is less likely to exhibit submissive behaviors. (Submissive behavior in dogs)
Finally, if your dog’s submissive behavior is severe or persistent, consider seeking the guidance of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. These experts can help you develop a customized training plan to address your dog’s specific needs and build their confidence in a safe and supportive way. With patience, understanding, and positive reinforcement, you can help your submissive dog become a happier, more confident member of your family.
7. Prevention of Submissive
Preventing submissive urination in dogs requires understanding and patience. Submissive urination is a natural behavior in puppies and young dogs, but it can become a problem if it continues into adulthood. One of the most crucial aspects of prevention is to avoid situations that trigger submissive urination. (Submissive behavior in dogs)
Firstly, it’s essential to avoid punishment-based training methods. Punishing a dog for submissive urination will only make the problem worse by increasing their anxiety and fear. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement techniques to build your dog’s confidence and self-esteem.
Secondly, work on building your dog’s confidence through training and socialization. Positive, reward-based training methods can help your dog feel more secure and less anxious in various situations.
Lastly, manage greetings appropriately. When you come home, avoid exciting your dog too much. Instead, greet them calmly and wait until they have settled down before giving them attention. Additionally, teach visitors to ignore your dog initially and allow them to approach on their terms. (Submissive behavior in dogs)
By implementing these preventive measures and using positive reinforcement techniques, you can help your dog overcome submissive urination and build their confidence and self-assurance. Remember to be patient and consistent, and seek professional help if needed. (Submissive behavior in dogs)
8. Causes
Submissive behavior has a lot of causes, from fear or strangers to fear of getting into trouble. Fear of strangers is quite common in dogs. Small breed dogs tend to be shy and might exhibit submissive behavior as a result.
He will start shaking to show the fear he has when he is around something unfamiliar. They will run behind you or hide behind or under something.Aggressiveness with people or other animals might also cause him to act submissively.
If the dog is afraid of a tone that you or somebody else uses, he might tuck his tail in between his legs, bow his head and maybe even start whimpering. Dominant animals assert their privilege by growling or baring their teeth to your dog.
This might cause your dog to run and not look in the eye of the other animal.If the dog is abused verbally or physically, it might lead to submissive behavior. The dog might not want to be around certain things or people and might hide run away or just whimper to get away from them. (Submissive behavior in dogs)
The 9 Signs of Submissive Behavior in Dogs
Submissive Urination
Submissive urination is a common behavior in dogs, especially puppies and young dogs. When feeling anxious or intimidated, dogs may urinate as a way to display submission and avoid confrontation. This behavior can persist into adulthood if not addressed properly.
It’s essential to avoid scolding or punishing your dog for submissive urination, as this can exacerbate the problem. Instead, focus on building your dog’s confidence through positive reinforcement training techniques and creating a calm and supportive environment.
Cowering or Trembling
Cowering or trembling is another sign of submissive behavior in dogs. When feeling threatened or fearful, dogs may cower or tremble as a way to make themselves appear smaller and less threatening.
This behavior is often accompanied by other signs of anxiety, such as avoiding eye contact and tucking their tail between their legs. It’s important to reassure your dog and create a safe and comfortable environment to help them feel more secure and confident.
Avoid situations that trigger your dog’s fear and work on building their confidence through positive reinforcement training. (Submissive behavior in dogs)
Avoiding Eye Contact
When dogs feel submissive, they often avoid making direct eye contact with people or other dogs. This behavior is a way for them to communicate deference and avoid confrontations.
Dogs may look away, avert their gaze, or even close their eyes to signal their submissive intentions. Avoiding eye contact can also be a sign of fear or anxiety in dogs. By looking away, dogs are attempting to diffuse tension and avoid potential conflict.
Understanding this behavior is crucial for effective communication with your dog. When your dog avoids eye contact, it’s essential to respect their signals and avoid imposing further stress. Instead, create a calm and supportive environment to help your dog feel safe and secure.
Building trust and confidence through positive reinforcement training can also help reduce submissive behaviors over time. If your dog frequently displays submissive behaviors, especially in specific situations, consider seeking guidance from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to address underlying issues and improve your dog’s overall well-being. (Submissive behavior in dogs)
Rolling Over on Their Back
When a dog rolls over onto their back and exposes their belly, it’s a clear sign of submission. By exposing their vulnerable underside, dogs are communicating that they are not a threat and are willing to submit to the other dog or person.
This behavior is deeply ingrained in canine social behavior and is often used to diffuse potential conflicts. It’s essential for dog owners to recognize this behavior and respond appropriately to maintain trust and a positive relationship with their pet.
Understanding this behavior is crucial for effective communication with your dog. When your dog rolls over onto their back, it’s important to respect their signals and avoid imposing further stress. Instead, offer gentle reassurance and avoid any actions that might make your dog feel uncomfortable or threatened.
By creating a calm and supportive environment, you can help your dog feel safe and secure, reducing the likelihood of submissive behaviors in the future.
If your dog frequently displays submissive behaviors, especially in specific situations, consider seeking guidance from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to address underlying issues and improve your dog’s overall well-being. (Submissive behavior in dogs)
Tail Tucking
Tail tucking is one of the most recognizable signs of submissive behavior in dogs. When a dog tucks its tail between its hind legs, it’s a clear indication of fear, anxiety, or a desire to avoid confrontation.
By pressing the tail tightly against the belly, the dog is attempting to make itself appear smaller and less threatening. This behavior is often seen in situations where the dog feels intimidated or overwhelmed, such as when meeting new people or dogs, or when faced with a dominant or aggressive individual.
Understanding tail tucking in dogs is crucial for dog owners, as it provides valuable insight into their pet’s emotional state. When a dog tucks its tail, it’s important to approach the situation with sensitivity and care, as forcing the dog into further interaction could exacerbate its fear or anxiety.
Instead, it’s best to give the dog space and time to relax, using gentle reassurance and positive reinforcement to help build trust and confidence. If tail tucking becomes a frequent behavior or is accompanied by other signs of anxiety or aggression, it’s advisable to seek guidance from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to address any underlying issues. (Submissive behavior in dogs)
Lowering the Body
When a dog lowers its body closer to the ground, it’s a clear sign of submissive behavior. This action is often accompanied by other submissive gestures such as tucking the tail, avoiding eye contact, and pulling the ears back.
By lowering its body, the dog is trying to appear smaller and less threatening, signaling to other dogs or people that it poses no threat. This behavior is commonly seen when a dog is approached by a more dominant individual, or in situations where the dog feels anxious or fearful.
Understanding when a dog is displaying submissive behavior is essential for dog owners, as it allows them to respond appropriately and support their pet in stressful situations.
When a dog lowers its body, it’s important for owners to avoid actions or behaviors that might further intimidate or frighten the dog. Instead, offering reassurance, using gentle body language, and giving the dog space can help to alleviate its anxiety and build trust.
If the dog’s submissive behavior becomes excessive or interferes with its quality of life, it may be necessary to seek guidance from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to address any underlying issues.
Ears Held Back
When a dog holds its ears back flat against its head or pulls them back slightly, it’s often a sign of submissive behavior. This gesture is an attempt by the dog to appear smaller and less threatening to others, whether they are other dogs, people, or perceived threats.
By pulling back its ears, the dog is signaling that it poses no threat and is trying to avoid conflict or confrontation. This behavior is commonly seen when a dog is approached by a more dominant individual or in situations where the dog feels anxious or fearful.
Understanding when a dog displays submissive behavior, such as holding its ears back, is essential for dog owners. Recognizing this behavior allows owners to respond appropriately and provide support to their pet in stressful situations.
When a dog holds its ears back, it’s important for owners to avoid actions or behaviors that might further intimidate or frighten the dog. Instead, offering reassurance, using gentle body language, and giving the dog space can help alleviate its anxiety and build trust.
If the dog’s submissive behavior persists or becomes excessive, seeking guidance from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist may be necessary to address any underlying issues. (Submissive behavior in dogs)
Urination
When a dog urinates when greeting someone, it’s often a sign of submissive behavior. This behavior is particularly common in puppies and young dogs, but it can occur in dogs of any age.
Urination during greetings is a way for the dog to show deference and submission to the person they are greeting. It’s a display of submissiveness meant to convey that the dog poses no threat and is seeking acceptance.
While this behavior can be frustrating for dog owners, it’s important to respond with patience and understanding, as scolding the dog can increase their anxiety and exacerbate the behavior.
For many dogs, urinating during greetings is a reflexive response to excitement and anxiety. The act of urinating is the dog’s way of expressing submissiveness and deference to the person they are greeting.
In most cases, this behavior diminishes as the dog matures and gains confidence. However, for some dogs, it may persist into adulthood, especially if they have a particularly submissive temperament or if they have been scolded for this behavior in the past.
To address submissive urination in dogs, it’s important for owners to remain calm and avoid reacting negatively when their dog urinates during greetings.
Instead, they should offer reassurance and encouragement to help the dog feel more confident and secure. Gradually exposing the dog to new people and situations in a positive and controlled manner can also help build their confidence over time.
If the behavior persists or becomes a significant problem, consulting with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist may be necessary to develop a tailored training plan to address the issue effectively. (Submissive behavior in dogs)
Freezing or Immobility
When a dog freezes or becomes immobile in response to a perceived threat or dominance from another dog or person, it’s a clear sign of submissive behavior.
This behavior is an attempt by the dog to avoid conflict and appease the perceived threat. By becoming very still, almost frozen, the dog is trying to make itself appear less threatening and avoid escalating the situation. It’s a survival instinct aimed at diffusing tension and preventing aggression.
Read more: Why Does My Dog Drool at The Dog Park
Exposed Belly
Dogs that frequently roll over to expose their bellies are also exhibiting a sign of submissiveness. As one of the more vulnerable areas of the body, this action indicates that your pet wants to appear as unthreatening as possible.
It’s important to note, though, that rolling over can be an indicator of playfulness as well. So you’ll want to observe your pet for other behaviors, such as tail movement and ear position, to help you determine whether your current case is one or the other. (Submissive behavior in dogs)
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding submissive behavior in dogs is essential for building a strong and healthy bond with your pet. Recognizing the signs of submissive behavior and responding appropriately with patience, reassurance, and positive reinforcement can help your dog feel more secure and confident in various social situations.
Punishing or scolding a dog for displaying submissive behavior can increase their anxiety and worsen the behavior, so it’s important to focus on creating a supportive and positive environment to help your dog feel safe and comfortable.
By providing consistent training, socialization, and gentle leadership, you can help prevent excessive submissive behavior and promote a confident and well-adjusted dog. If your dog’s submissive behavior is persistent or interferes with their quality of life, seeking guidance from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist can provide valuable support and assistance in addressing the underlying issues.
With patience, understanding, and positive reinforcement, you can help your dog overcome submissive behavior and thrive in various social situations.
FAQ
- What is submissive behavior in dogs?
Submissive behavior in dogs is a natural part of their social structure and communication. It includes actions such as tucking the tail, avoiding eye contact, lowering the body, licking, rolling over, or urinating when greeting others.
- Why do dogs display submissive behavior?
Dogs display submissive behavior as a way to show deference, avoid conflict, and maintain harmony within their social groups. It’s a way for them to communicate to others that they pose no threat and are seeking acceptance.
- Is submissive behavior normal in dogs?
Yes, submissive behavior is normal in dogs and is a common part of their social interactions. However, excessive or persistent submissive behavior may indicate underlying anxiety or fear and should be addressed.
- What are the signs of submissive behavior in dogs?
Common signs of submissive behavior in dogs include tail tucking, avoiding eye contact, lowering the body, pulling the ears back, licking, rolling over, displaying a submissive grin, urinating when greeting, and freezing or immobility in response to a perceived threat.
- How can I tell if my dog is displaying submissive behavior?
You can tell if your dog is displaying submissive behavior by observing their body language and actions. Look for signs such as tail tucking, avoiding eye contact, pulling the ears back, and urinating when greeting others.
- Is submissive behavior different from fear in dogs?
Submissive behavior is often associated with fear, but they are not the same thing. Submissive behavior is a way for dogs to communicate deference and avoid conflict, while fear is an emotional response to a perceived threat or danger.
- How can I help my dog overcome submissive behavior?
To help your dog overcome submissive behavior, provide positive reinforcement training, socialization, and create a supportive and positive environment. Avoid punishing or scolding your dog for displaying submissive behavior, as this can increase their anxiety.
- Should I punish my dog for displaying submissive behavior?
No, punishing your dog for displaying submissive behavior can increase their anxiety and worsen the behavior. Instead, focus on providing positive reinforcement, training, and creating a supportive environment to help your dog feel more confident and secure.
- Can submissive behavior be a sign of an underlying medical issue?
While submissive behavior is usually a normal part of a dog’s social interactions, excessive or persistent submissive behavior could be a sign of an underlying medical issue, such as anxiety or fear. If you are concerned about your dog’s behavior, consult with a veterinarian.
- Is submissive behavior more common in certain breeds?
– Submissive behavior can occur in dogs of any breed, but it may be more common in breeds that are more sensitive or prone to anxiety. However, every dog is an individual, and their behavior is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, socialization, and training.
- How can I prevent submissive behavior in my dog?
– To prevent submissive behavior in your dog, provide positive reinforcement training, socialization, and create a supportive and positive environment. Avoid punishing or scolding your dog for displaying submissive behavior, as this can increase their anxiety.
- What should I do if my dog displays submissive behavior when meeting new people or dogs?
– If your dog displays submissive behavior when meeting new people or dogs, give them space and time to adjust. Encourage positive interactions with treats, praise, and gentle encouragement, and avoid forcing them into situations that make them uncomfortable.
- Can submissive behavior be a sign of aggression in dogs?
– Submissive behavior is the opposite of aggression and is a way for dogs to avoid conflict and appease others. However, submissive behavior can sometimes be misinterpreted as aggression, especially if the dog is displaying other signs of fear or anxiety.
- Is submissive behavior more common in puppies?
– Yes, submissive behavior is more common in puppies, as they are still learning how to interact with other dogs and people. However, with proper socialization and training, most puppies outgrow submissive behaviors as they mature.
- When should I seek help for my dog’s submissive behavior?
– If your dog’s submissive behavior is excessive, persistent, or interferes with their quality of life, it’s a good idea to seek help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can help you identify the underlying cause of your dog’s behavior and develop a plan to address it effectively.
