What is submissive behavior in dogs?
Submissive behavior in dogs refers to actions that convey respect, deference, or acquiescence towards humans or other dogs. Some of the most common signs of submission in dogs include:
- Rolling over to expose their belly – This is one of the clearest signs of submission, as a dog voluntarily makes themselves vulnerable.
- Tucking tail – Dogs will often tuck their tails between their hind legs when feeling submissive or anxious.
- Whimpering or yelping – Submissive vocalizations expressing deference.
- Avoiding eye contact – Dogs may avert their gaze and turn their head away when submitting.
- Licking lips – Lip licking can signify nervousness and uncertainty.
These submissive postures help dogs communicate non-threatening intentions. The goal is usually to avoid conflict or curry favor with dominant individuals. Exposing the belly and tucked tails make dogs appear smaller and less imposing. Submissive signals are meant to pacify and appease.
While submission is normal dog behavior, excessive submissiveness can sometimes reflect underlying anxiety, fearfulness, or lack of confidence. It’s important to identify the triggers and provide proper training.
Submissive behavior in dogs is a normal part of canine communication and is not inherently problematic on its own. Dogs exhibit submission by showing behaviors like rolling over, avoiding eye contact, licking their lips or yawning, and holding their tail low or tucked between their legs.
These behaviors are a dog’s way of communicating deference and response to perceived threats or challenges. Submission is how dogs avoid conflict and deescalate situations peacefully within a social hierarchy. It allows dogs to coexist in groups by showing respect to more assertive or dominant individuals.
So submissive behaviors are a natural part of how dogs communicate and get along with other dogs and people. It only becomes concerning if the dog shows extreme, excessive, or persistent submission in situations where they should be comfortable and confident.
Is submissive behavior normal?
When is submissive behavior problematic?
Excessive submissive behavior can be problematic for some dogs. According to VCA Hospitals, dogs that are very fearful, anxious, or have a history of abuse may display excessive submission. This is because they lack confidence and feel they must appease perceived threats.
Dogs that roll on their backs or avoid eye contact at the slightest approach may have underlying anxiety issues. Their excessive submission is a protective mechanism due to fear. Pushing these dogs to be bolder often increases their stress. Building trust and confidence using positive reinforcement is important.
If a dog crouches and avoids people or other dogs anytime they get near, it can impact quality of life. The dog may miss out on play, exercise, and affection. Consulting a vet or trainer to address the root cause of the anxiety through behavior modification is recommended. Medication may also be warranted in extreme cases.
Building confidence in submissive dogs
There are several effective methods for building confidence in a submissive dog. The key is to gradually increase exposure to new people, animals, places, and experiences in a positive and structured manner.
Positive reinforcement is vital when training and socializing a submissive dog. Reward desired behaviors with treats, praise, or play to reinforce confidence. Avoid punishment, which can make these dogs shut down. Set up training sessions to allow the dog to successfully follow commands and be praised for it (Source 1).
Establish a predictable routine. Submissive dogs feel more secure when they know what to expect day-to-day. Take the same walk route, feed at the same times, and maintain structure. Consistency and patience are key.
Socialization is a gradual process. Introduce new people and environments carefully. Let the dog observe at first from a comfortable distance, then move closer while praising and giving treats for calm behavior. Provide outlets for play and interaction with stable, friendly dogs. Always supervise (Source 2).
Use counterconditioning to change a fearful response into a positive one. When the dog encounters a trigger that normally causes submissive postures, provide a high value reward immediately so the dog associates good things with the scary stimulus. Keep training sessions short and upbeat.
When to seek professional help
In most cases, submissive behavior in dogs does not require professional intervention. However, if your dog’s submissive behaviors escalate or become extreme, it’s a good idea to consult with a veterinarian or professional dog trainer.
According to Bond Vet, you should seek professional advice if your dog exhibits excessively submissive behavior or if there is a sudden change to more submissive behavior. Signs that your dog may need professional help include:
- Showing submission in situations where it is not warranted, such as during walks or play
- Urinating or defecating submissively in response to mild interactions or handling
- Shutting down and becoming unresponsive due to fear
- Aggression triggered by fear, such as snapping when being petted
A veterinarian can rule out potential medical causes for the behavior change, while a trainer can assess the triggers and develop a customized behavior modification plan. With professional guidance, you can help build your dog’s confidence and reduce problematic submissive behaviors.
Training tips for submissive dogs
Positive reinforcement training methods are highly recommended for building confidence in submissive dogs. Punishment-based techniques like scolding or yelling can make fearful behavior worse. Instead, focus on rewarding brave or confident behavior, even in small increments, to reinforce it. Work at the dog’s pace and don’t push too far too fast. Build foundational skills like basic obedience commands using treats, praise, and play. As the dog’s skills improve, slowly increase the challenges while keeping training fun and rewarding.
Other tips include:
- Incorporate games and confidence-building exercises like fetch, hide-and-seek, and obstacle courses. Make sure the dog is successful by keeping challenges manageable.
- Use cheerful verbal praise and encouragement during training. Get excited when the dog tries something new.
- Avoid physically dominating the dog, such as by leaning over them. Get down on their level instead.
- Gradually expose the dog to new stimuli like sounds or environments at a distance, rewarding calm behavior.
- Teach the dog a go-to mat or safe place command, which helps them learn to self-soothe.
- Consider a front-clip harness for easier walking control without punishment.
While patience and creativity are required, positive training focused on building confidence can help transform a submissive dog over time. If anxiety is severe, a certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist may be needed.
Modifying owner’s behavior
If your dog is exhibiting submissive behavior, it’s important as an owner to modify your own behavior to help build their confidence. Here are some tips:
Be patient. Don’t force interactions or make demands. Allow your dog to come to you and initiate contact at their own pace. Pushing too hard can increase submissive behaviors.
Avoid punishment or scolding. Harsh corrections will only further diminish your dog’s confidence. Use positive reinforcement training methods instead.
Project calm, assertive energy. Remain relaxed in your own body language. Move slowly and speak softly. Your energy impacts your dog, so exude quiet leadership.
Give them space. If your dog retreats or avoids you, don’t force proximity. Let them set the pace for interaction.
Build trust through play. Engage in gentle play to form a bond. Let them “win” often to make them feel empowered.
Remain consistent. Stick to routines and predictable patterns of behavior from you. Consistency provides stability for anxious dogs.
Consult a trainer or behaviorist if needed. They can assess your dog’s behaviors and temperament and provide customized training plans to build confidence.
With time, patience, and the right approach, you can help a submissive dog become more secure and relaxed. The key is modifying your own responses to create an environment where they feel safe and supported.
Frequently asked questions
Many owners have common concerns when it comes to submissive dog behavior. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Is my dog’s submissive behavior a problem?
Submissive behavior is normal for some dogs, especially those with naturally shy, cautious temperaments. It only becomes problematic if the dog acts fearful or shut down around people, or shows signs of anxiety like trembling, hiding, or urinating submissively (source). If the submissive behavior interferes with normal activities or training, it may need to be addressed.
Will my dog become aggressive if I encourage more confidence?
Building up appropriate confidence in a submissive dog is unlikely to make them aggressive. Use positive reinforcement to teach polite greetings, handling exercises, and obedience cues. This can help shy dogs gain confidence in a controlled way (source). Aggression problems typically stem from fear or lack of socialization.
Should I comfort my dog when he acts submissive?
It’s best not to comfort or soothe submissive behaviors like cowering or urinating, as this can reinforce them. Instead, use treats, toys, and praise to encourage confident behaviors. Teach your dog to look to you for guidance when he’s unsure. A certified professional can advise on specific training plans.
Case Studies
Here are some case studies of submissive dogs and how their owners helped build their confidence:
One example is Ceilidh, a Belgian Tervuren who struggled with dog-dog reactivity and lack of confidence (Source). Her owner worked with a trainer using positive reinforcement techniques like counterconditioning and desensitization. They associated other dogs with treats and praise, gradually building Ceilidh’s comfort levels. With time and consistency, Ceilidh gained confidence and was able to interact with dogs calmly.
Another case study from Instinct Dog Training involves a rescue dog named Walter (Source). Due to neglect, Walter was very shy and fearful. His trainer used reward-based methods to help Walter overcome his fears. They started small with training and socialization in low distraction environments. As Walter made progress, they gradually increased real-world practice. Walter learned to look to his owner for guidance and gained confidence interacting with people, dogs, and new environments.
These examples demonstrate how building a bond through positive reinforcement helps submissive dogs. Owners should focus on creating positive associations, boosting mental stimulation, and setting their dog up for small successes. With patience, submissive dogs can become more confident and resilient companions.
Summary
Submissive dog behavior is a normal way for dogs to show respect and deference. While submissiveness by itself is not problematic, excessive submissive behavior can indicate issues like lack of confidence or fearfulness. Some key points to recap:
- Submissive signals like crouching, rolling over, or tucking the tail are natural canine behaviors when interacting with humans or other dogs.
- Mild submissive behavior is not a cause for concern, but extreme submissiveness, fear, or anxiety warrants attention.
- Building a dog’s confidence through rewards-based training, socialization, and a secure attachment can help modify excessive submission.
- If a dog acts extremely submissive, fearful, or anxious, consulting a veterinarian or animal behaviorist may help uncover any underlying issues.
- With patience and proper training techniques, owners can help submissive dogs become more confident and comfortable.
While submissive behavior alone is natural for dogs, working to build confidence, independence, and security is important for dogs prone to excessive submission or fearfulness. With care and training tailored to the individual dog’s needs, submissive dogs can thrive.