Introduction
Understanding why dogs exhibit certain behaviors is important for building strong bonds between dogs and their human companions. One intriguing dog behavior that many owners observe is when dogs roll over onto their backs, showing their bellies in a submissive pose. While this may look like a cute trick, there are actually important reasons dogs roll over that provide insight into canine psychology and communication. Knowing the meaning behind this common dog behavior can help owners better understand their four-legged friends.
As Marc Bekoff, professor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Colorado, explains, “There’s far more happening in the minds and lives of our fellow animals than most people realize” (https://eightify.app/summary/animals-and-nature/understanding-dog-behavior-insights-from-dr-marc-bekoff). Understanding why dogs roll over provides a window into the canine mind and helps strengthen the human-animal bond.
Natural Instinct for Dogs to Show Submission
Dogs are pack animals by nature and instinctively establish a social hierarchy amongst themselves (https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-pack-hierarchy/). This pack mentality and innate drive to determine rank is why dogs naturally exhibit submissive behaviors like rolling over to show their belly. Within a dog pack, each member has a place in the hierarchy.
The alpha dog is the leader who dominates and leads the others. The beta and omega dogs fall lower in rank and show submission to the alpha by rolling over, cowering, licking and other non-threatening postures (https://worldclassgsd.com/alpha-beta-omega.html). Rolling over to expose their vulnerable belly is an appeasing gesture to communicate acquiescence and deescalate tension.
Dogs adopt this same social framework with humans and view their human family as their pack. A dog rolling over when greeting or approaching a human is them instinctively showing deference and trust within the established social order.
Rolling Over Shows Vulnerability
When a dog rolls over onto their back and exposes their belly and throat, they are putting themselves in a vulnerable position. This submissive body language signals to others that they are not a threat. By making themselves vulnerable, they are hoping to appease and reassure the other dog or person.
As this source explains, “Many dogs can feel unsure about meeting new people, making them feel vulnerable. They may roll onto their back to show they’re not a threat.”
Signaling They Are Not a Threat
When dogs roll over to expose their belly, it signals to others that they are not a threat. This appeasement behavior helps avoid conflict, especially with more dominant members of the pack. Dogs instinctively understand body language, so the submissive posture reassures others they don’t intend harm (Why Does My Dog Roll on His Back When He Sees Other Dogs). Rolling onto their backs shows vulnerability and communicates peaceful intentions. It demonstrates the dog is relinquishing status and avoiding a confrontation. According to dog behaviorists, this appeasement ritual likely originated as conflict avoidance in pack dynamics.
Appeasing and Calming Signals
One of the main reasons dogs roll over in submission is to show appeasing and calming signals. These signals communicate to others that the dog is not a threat. Appeasement behaviors like rolling over help diffuse tense or uncertain situations by reassuring the other dog or person that they are not in danger.
According to dog behaviorist Turid Rugaas, appeasement signals are a dog’s way of saying “I’m not challenging you. I yield to you. You’re in charge.” [1] Rolling over to expose their belly is a vulnerable, non-threatening posture that demonstrates the dog is not going to cause any harm. It shows they want to avoid confrontation.
Dogs may use appeasement rolling over when greeting other unknown dogs or people. As social animals, displaying appropriate appeasement and deference helps canines bond, play, and get along peacefully in groups. It’s a calming signal that puts others at ease. [2] Rolling onto their backs helps reassure dogs and humans alike that everything is alright.
Building Trust and Bonding
When a dog rolls over onto their back and exposes their belly, it is a sign of submission and vulnerability. This behavior helps build trust and strengthens the bond between a dog and human. By showing their belly, a dog signals that they accept the human as the leader in the relationship.
According to Bonding With Your Dog – Are You Straining the Relationship?, a strong bond between a dog and human requires effort and trust on both sides. A dog rolling on their back shows they trust the human not to take advantage of their vulnerable position. It is a gesture of appeasement that helps soothe anxiety and brings the dog and human closer together.
When a human responds positively to a dog’s submissive posture, it reinforces the dog’s perception of the human as a trusted leader. Petting or speaking softly to a dog when they roll over helps strengthen the bond. Building this foundation of trust is key for a healthy and happy relationship between dog and owner.
Fear or Anxiety Response
Dogs may roll over onto their backs when they are feeling afraid or anxious about a situation. This exposes their belly and vital organs which makes them feel very vulnerable. By rolling over and showing their belly, they are communicating to others that they are not a threat. It’s a submissive gesture designed to appease and calm down a perceived threat.
Some dogs may roll over and show their belly when they are approached by new people, large dogs, or in an unfamiliar environment. It comes from their instinct to show submission in hopes of avoiding conflict. The gesture helps them relieve stress and anxiety by signaling they don’t want confrontation. While it may look cute, it often means the dog is uncomfortable and needs more positive conditioning to build confidence. With patience and earned trust they will feel less need for appeasement.
Excited Greetings
Happy, excited dogs may often roll over when greeting someone as a sign of affection and friendliness. Dogs who are very exuberant and high-energy when greeting may roll onto their backs while wagging their tails and making happy noises. This behavior shows they are overjoyed to see the person and regard them as a friend.
According to this source, rolling over during greetings demonstrates the dog’s enthusiasm and delight at seeing someone familiar. It signals the dog is not a threat and wants to show submission and trust. Rolling onto their backs exposes their belly which is a vulnerable position. By putting themselves in this position when saying hello, dogs communicate they are genuinely happy to see the person.
Trained Behavior
Dogs can be taught to roll over on command as a fun trick. It’s a relatively easy behavior for dogs to learn with proper training techniques and rewards. To teach a dog to roll over on cue:[1]
- Start with the dog lying down, holding a treat to their nose to lure them to roll to their side.
- Once on their side, move the treat from their nose down to the ground to encourage them to fully roll over.
- Use a verbal cue like “roll over” as they are rolling so they associate the command with the action.
- Reward with treats and praise when they complete the roll over.
- Repeat training sessions until they reliably roll over on just the verbal cue.
Rolling over can be a fun trick to show off and bond with your dog when taught through positive reinforcement. It also provides mental stimulation and exercise. With regular short training sessions, most dogs can learn to roll over in just a few weeks.[2]
Conclusion
In summary, dogs roll over onto their backs and show their bellies for a variety of reasons rooted in natural canine behavior and communication. It is frequently a sign of deference and submission, as baring their stomachs leaves them in a vulnerable position. This shows they are not a threat and helps build trust between dogs and their owners or other dogs. It can also be an appeasement signal when a dog is afraid or feels anxious. Rolling over into a submissive posture may simply be a way for excited dogs to greet someone they are comfortable with. And of course, it is a behavior that can be reinforced through training. While the root causes are complex, understanding why dogs roll over provides insight into the psychology of our canine companions.
Gaining this knowledge allows owners to properly interpret their dog’s body language. It also helps humans appreciate and strengthen their relationship with dogs by responding appropriately when they expose their bellies. With care and respect for their innate behaviors, the special bond between dogs and people continues to thrive.