Canines, in their innate inclination to establish a social hierarchy, often manifest submissive conduct towards their human counterparts. This expressive gesture can be construed as an emblem of deference and acknowledgement towards the owner’s authoritative position, a prevailing trait observed among our loyal canine companions.
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Dogs, renowned for their unwavering loyalty and innate sociability, frequently exhibit submissive tendencies towards their human companions. This display of deference can be interpreted as an emblematic gesture of profound respect and acknowledgement of the owner’s commanding presence. Indeed, owing to their intrinsic predisposition to establish a hierarchical structure within their social circle, canines seamlessly perceive their owners as the unequivocal leaders of their familial pack in a domestic milieu.
The exhibition of submissive conduct among canines can take on diverse forms, encompassing the inclining of their heads, the pressing of their ears against their craniums, the withdrawal of their tails, or even the act of turning their bodies over onto their dorsal side. These gestures serve as clear indications of a dog’s readiness to yield and display obeisance towards their human counterpart. It is crucial to emphasize that submissive behavior is generally devoid of aggression and ought not to be mistaken for fear or apprehension.
According to noted psychologist and dog expert Stanley Coren, Ph.D., “A dog that exhibits submissive behavior toward humans expresses a form of dog etiquette by saying, ‘You’re the boss. I’m just doing it.”
To shed further light on the topic, here are some interesting facts about submissive behavior in dogs:
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Instinctual Hierarchy: Dogs are descendants of wolves and have retained their pack mentality. Within a pack, each member has a specific rank, and submissive behavior helps maintain order and harmony.
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Learned Behavior: Submissive behavior in dogs is also influenced by their early experiences and socialization. Puppies that receive proper training and positive reinforcement from an early age are more likely to exhibit appropriate submissive behavior.
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Breed Variations: Different dog breeds may display submissive behavior to varying degrees. Some breeds, such as the Labrador Retriever, tend to be more outgoing and less inclined to show submissive gestures, while others, like the Golden Retriever, may exhibit more submissive traits.
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Contextual Cues: Submissive behavior can be influenced by the specific context or situation. Dogs may display greater submission when meeting new people, encountering other animals, or in unfamiliar environments.
In conclusion, a dog’s submissive behavior towards its owner is a reflection of their inherent social nature and their recognition of the owner’s authority. It signifies respect and a desire to maintain a harmonious relationship. Understanding and acknowledging this behavior can foster a stronger bond between humans and their canine companions.
Table: Examples of Submissive Behavior in Dogs
| Submissive Behavior | Description |
|---|---|
| Lowering Head | Dog lowers its head towards the ground as a sign of submission and respect. |
| Flattened Ears | The dog’s ears are pressed tightly against its head, indicating submissiveness. |
| Tucking Tail | The dog tucks its tail between its legs to show deference and non-threatening behavior. |
| Rolling Over | Dog voluntarily rolls onto its back, exposing its vulnerable belly, to demonstrate submission. |
| Avoiding Eye Contact | Dogs may avoid direct eye contact as a submissive gesture, expressing their non-threatening intentions. |
See related video
This video addresses the issue of submissive back flips when dogs are touched. The trainer demonstrates the use of negative punishment, withdrawing attention whenever the dog flips over until the dog sits back up or stands. By reinforcing the idea that attention is only given in the desired position, the trainer aims to redirect the dog’s behavior and reinforce sitting instead of flipping over. The trainer prefers using attention as reinforcement rather than treats, as it is a natural form of reinforcement. Through consistent practice, the goal is for the dog to stay in the desired position and receive attention for it.
Additional responses to your query
These behaviors are forms of canine communication. Many times, submissive behavior is a dog’s way of showing he is friendly and approachable.The Spruce PetsAug 5, 202110 Submissive Dog Behaviors to Know – The Spruce PetsYour dog wants to feel that you are strong enough to care for him, and when he feels that, he will begin to treat you like an alpha dog—that means not …Dog Breed InfoThe Submissive Dog – Dog Breed Info
A dog displaying submissive behavior is trying to send the message that he is not a threat. This message may be intended for humans, other dogs, or other animals. Sometimes the dog is trying to play and wants the other party to know this. Or, a dog may feel uncertain about the intentions of the other party. Some reasons your dog may start acting submissive include fear of strangers, anxiety, aggression, abuse, and age. Dogs exhibit signs of submissive behavior when they are in situations that make them feel afraid or threatened.
In general, a dog displaying submissive behavior is trying to send the message that he is not a threat. This message may be intended for humans, other dogs, or other animals. Sometimes the dog is trying to play and wants the other party to know this. Or, a dog may feel uncertain about the intentions of the other party.
Some reasons your dog may start acting submissive include: Fear of strangers Anxiety Aggression Abuse Age
Dogs exhibit signs of submissive behavior when they are in situations that make them feel afraid or threatened. Some canines have a fear of strangers and will be docile around people or animals they don’t know. Smaller breeds are typically shyer around strangers and may shake around people they are not familiar with.
There is a misconception in people’s minds that if a dog is showing submissive behavior then he is probably showing respect to them but on a contrary, dogs tend to become submissive when they are feeling scared of something.
More interesting questions on the issue
What to do if your dog is submissive? The response is: More Ideas on Working With a Submissive Dog
- Do not reach down and pet your dog as soon as you come into the room.
- Do not stare at your dog.
- Do not scold your dog if she dribbles on the carpet.
- Do not reach over your dog and pat her on top of the head.
- Do not hug your dog.
Also question is, Is it good for your dog to be submissive? In reply to that: This may be easier said than done with some dogs – yet it is incredibly important. Your dog needs to be submissive not only to you as his master or mistress, but also to younger children. This is imperative for the safety of all family members and to avoid the development of problem behaviours.
In this manner, What causes submissive behavior?
Hudson said while a person with a submissive personality may have just been born with "an easy going temperament," they could have also developed this trait as a result of their environmental upbringing, "such as being the middle child and not having as much of a voice as their siblings or growing up in an abusive
Is it bad if a dog feels submissive?
Answer to this: In general, a dog displaying submissive behavior is trying to send the message that he is not a threat. This message may be intended for humans, other dogs, or other animals. Sometimes the dog is trying to play and wants the other party to know this. Or, a dog may feel uncertain about the intentions of the other party.
Keeping this in view, Why is my dog submissive? Dogs exhibit submissive behavior to tell humans or other dogs that they are not a threat. For dogs, interpreting this behavior and the message that goes with it is intuitive. For humans, this isn’t always the case. We put together this handy list to help you identify and understand the signs that your dog is being submissive. 1. Lying Belly Up
What should I do if my dog is submissive? Response will be: The type of submissive behavior your dog exhibits, and the specific triggers that result in that submission, will determine the course of action you should take to help them cope. For example, a dog with a fear of certain places or situations needs a reward-based approach to cope.
One may also ask, What does a submissive dog say to a high-ranking dog?
Response: The more submissive dog will often say hello to a more dominant, higher-ranking dog by lowering her head, avoiding direct eye contact and licking the dog’s muzzle. It’s one way of saying, “I come in peace. I’m not a threat.” For dogs, rolling over and showing the belly are signs of utter submission and appeasement.
Similarly one may ask, How do you know if a dog is dominant or submissive?
The reply will be: Getting attention from all the other dogs — even when they don’t want it Pushing their way to the front whenever walking with other dogs Sometimes showing submissive urination when greeting other dogs A dog doesn’t need to follow all of these behaviors in order for you to consider her “dominant” or “submissive.”
Why is my dog submissive? The reply will be: Dogs exhibit submissive behavior to tell humans or other dogs that they are not a threat. For dogs, interpreting this behavior and the message that goes with it is intuitive. For humans, this isn’t always the case. We put together this handy list to help you identify and understand the signs that your dog is being submissive. 1. Lying Belly Up
What does a submissive dog say to a high-ranking dog?
Response: The more submissive dog will often say hello to a more dominant, higher-ranking dog by lowering her head, avoiding direct eye contact and licking the dog’s muzzle. It’s one way of saying, “I come in peace. I’m not a threat.” For dogs, rolling over and showing the belly are signs of utter submission and appeasement.
Also, What should I do if my dog is submissive?
The response is: The type of submissive behavior your dog exhibits, and the specific triggers that result in that submission, will determine the course of action you should take to help them cope. For example, a dog with a fear of certain places or situations needs a reward-based approach to cope.
In respect to this, How do you know if a dog is dominant or submissive?
The response is: Getting attention from all the other dogs — even when they don’t want it Pushing their way to the front whenever walking with other dogs Sometimes showing submissive urination when greeting other dogs A dog doesn’t need to follow all of these behaviors in order for you to consider her “dominant” or “submissive.”