Submissive Dogs

Submissive Dogs

Submissive dog behaviour is not necessarily the same as having a submissive dog. Just as a dog can display dominant dog behaviour and not necessarily be a dominant dog. All dogs, even dominant ones have the ability to display submissive dog behaviour, it’s often just a question of what, when and where and whether it is desirable or not.

Signs of Submissive dog Behaviour

If we have a look at the way truly submissive dogs behave, we can get a clearer picture of what submissive dog behaviour looks like. Submissive dogs use this type of behaviour to avoid confrontation, and can and often do continue to use it even when there is no confrontation. This often happens with dogs that have been abused.

A very submissive dog will try to appear small by whatever means it can. This will involve cowering and crouching close to the ground with their ears flattened to their head, their tail between their legs to hide their scent glands and their identity. Many will roll onto their backs, exposing the vulnerable stomach area, with their eyes wide and protruding.

Truly Submissive dogs can demonstrate any or all of the following behaviour traits.

Licking its lips
Tail between the legs
Rolling on his back
Offering a Paw
Hugging the ground
Jumping Up
Licking people, on the face if it can
Passing urine
Nudging the owner with his nose

Submissive behaviour used in play is a different thing, and one submissive dog behaviour that may be instantly recognisable is that of the ‘play bow’ where the dog drops to the floor, front paws outstretched, front end down and rear end up in the air. This type of stance begins way back in childhood and never leaves some dogs.

The same thing goes for when our dogs roll over and want their tummies scratching. Now, it’s a play thing.

When interacting with submissive dogs, it’s important not to inadvertently encourage the submissive dog behaviour. If your dog is slithering along the floor as you come in the front door, don’t rush to them and shower them with hugs and kisses because they must be upset about something. Completely ignore the behaviour until it has passed. Then give your dog attention.

It is often the case that submissive dogs have had some bad treatment in the past that has caused them to be fearful show these extreme submissive dog behaviours. When met with the same behaviours day after day, it would be easy for an owner to become cross and possible shout at the dog.

This, I’m afraid will only make things worse. As with all unwanted dog behaviours, the bad must be ignored and the good praised.

It’s important to avoid confrontation with your submissive dogs. Avoid direct eye contact and avoid patting them on the top of the head; a friendly rub under the chin is much better. When you want to interact with him or her, go down to their level and avoid towering over them.

Lots of owners of submissive dogs have had great success in building their dog’s confidence by use of agility training. It seems that a combination of the distraction of the activity, the fun element of the speed, and the constant praise that follows all tasks successfully completed all help build good feelings in the dog.

Submissive dogs can be some rather complex characters, and will always have tendencies to be that way. However with the right advice from dog training experts, it is possible to make significant improvements. Secrets to Dog Training might be worth a look. It’s a complete A-Z for any responsible dog owner that’s packed with endless dog training, behaviour and health information. You can read a review of it here. There is also a free report exposing some of the current dog training myths available from here. You can also get a free 6 day mini course on dog training delivered straight to your email inbox from here. So loads more information to get the most out and do the best for your best dog friend! Enjoy!