Submissive Dog Behaviors to Look Out For
The natural order of dogs involves a hierarchy; We’ve all heard of alphas and betas. Though you see the ranking less in domesticated pets, it still exists within their code. Here are some submissive behaviors you should look out for in your dog.
Belly Up
Dogs are very protective creatures by nature. They protect their owners, their friends, and most importantly themselves. Most dogs won’t show their underbelly to others because it’s a direct shot to their organs. Suppose you notice your dog interacting with others in a way that directly exposes their bellies, like lying down or rolling over. In that case, they are signaling that the other dog is an alpha.
Avoiding Eye Contact
Things like eye contact and bearing your teeth are normal to us but are considered threatening in the animal world. Suppose you notice that your pet averts his gaze in the presence of other dogs. In that case, he is exhibiting submissive behavior.
Tail Tucking
Likewise, tucking their tails under their bodies is an easy sign of submission. It shows that your pet acts defensively and might be anxious around the other animal.
Flat Ears
Most dog ears stay perked up, so it’s very obvious when they flatten their ears. In the case of floppy-eared friends, look at the position of their ears. If you notice them tucked back or actively flattened, then they are signaling worriedness and fear to other animals.
Cowering
This is possibly the most apparent sign of submission because your dog is making themselves as small as possible. The smaller they are, the less attention they attract from the alpha. That, in turn, means safety and self-preservation.
It’s essential to pay attention to your pet’s body language because it can signal a variety of behavior disorders. While some might be based on instinct, they could also be signs of general anxiety or depression. Consult your vet if you suspect your dog may be suffering from a disorder. You could also browse some of our training to find a suitable behavioral class for you.