Introduction
Submissive behavior in dogs refers to actions that communicate deference, avoidance of conflict, or lack of threat to other dogs. Dogs display submissive postures like crouching low, tucking the tail, avoiding eye contact, and licking or pawing at the mouth of dominant dogs. While this helps avoid aggression from dominant dogs, sometimes submissive signals can be misinterpreted, leading to attacks. Submissive dogs are at risk of getting attacked when their deferential signals are seen as weak or provoking by unstable or aggressive dogs. This article will examine submissive dog behavior and reasons submissive dogs may get attacked, providing insights for dog owners.
Body Language of Submissive Dogs
Dogs display submissive body language as a way to show respect, deference and calmness towards other dogs or people. Some of the most common signs of submissive body language in dogs include:
Looking down – A dog that averts its gaze and looks down is demonstrating that it does not want to challenge. Maintaining eye contact can sometimes be seen as aggression, so looking down avoids confrontation (https://www.thesprucepets.com/submissive-dog-behaviors-5189855).
Tucking tail – When a dog tucks its tail between its hind legs, it signals that it is being submissive and non-threatening. A tucked tail makes a dog appear smaller and less dominant.
Rolling on back to expose belly – When dogs roll over to expose their belly, it is a sign of submission, as the belly is the most vulnerable part of a dog’s body. Exposing the belly signals that the dog is not a threat.
Avoiding eye contact – Dogs avert their gaze when trying to avoid confrontation. Maintaining eye contact can sometimes be perceived as aggression or a challenge, so submissive dogs will break eye contact.
Licking lips – Lip licking in dogs is a signal of appeasement and discomfort. It demonstrates that the dog is feeling anxious and trying to pacify a situation.
Whimpering – Whimpering and whining are signals that a dog is feeling worried or anxious. The submissive vocalizations communicate pacifism and harmlessness.
Why Do Dogs Show Submission
Dogs show submission for a few key reasons. One of the main reasons dogs exhibit submissive behaviors is to avoid conflict with more dominant dogs. Dogs have a social hierarchy, and showing submission is a way for a lower ranking dog to communicate to a higher ranking dog that they do not wish to challenge them. Submissive behaviors like rolling over to expose the belly, holding the tail low, and lowering the head are meant to reduce the dominant dog’s perception of threat. According to The Spruce Pets, “Submissive behaviors are designed to minimize conflict and avoid potentially dangerous interactions. They indicate that the dog is taking a low-profile, non-threatening pose.”
Another reason dogs show submission is to defer to dogs that are dominant over them. The dog is essentially signaling that they recognize and respect the other dog’s higher status in the social structure. Wag Walking states, “When a dog rolls over in front of another dog it is saying I respect that you are the boss.” This act of deference helps keep the peace and avoid confrontations.
Overall, submissive behaviors in dogs serve to reduce perceived threats, avoid conflicts, and respect social structures and dominant figures. These behaviors allow dogs to co-exist peacefully by making their intentions clear.
Miscommunication Between Dogs
Miscommunication between dogs often occurs because dogs use subtle body language and signals to communicate that humans can easily misinterpret (https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?pId=11340&meta=generic&catId=34513&id=5101835&ind=22&objTypeID=17). Dominant dogs may view submissive signals like cringing, lip licking, tail tucking, and rolling over as signs of weakness or opportunities to assert their dominance. On the other hand, submissive dogs may fail to offer proper appeasement signals like averting gaze, crouching, and exposing their bellies to placate the dominant dog. This can infuriate the dominant dog and provoke an attack.
Dogs that are poorly socialized or fearful may also misread signals from other dogs and react defensively with growling, snapping, or biting. They misinterpret play bows and bouncy movements as threats instead of friendly invitations to play. These dogs lack the social skills to properly communicate with other dogs.
When there is miscommunication between dogs, it can lead to needless aggression and fighting. Proper socialization from a young age can teach dogs the social skills to interact appropriately. Owners should be alert to their dog’s body language to prevent confrontations before they start.
Fearful Behavior
Submissive dogs often show fearful behavior like cowering, tail tucking, shivering, and rolling onto their backs when interacting with other dogs. This submissive body language can actually trigger predatory instincts in some dogs, who will see the fearful dog as prey. As one source explains, “Dogs that are anxious or fearful may emit subtle signs that other dogs read as weakness or vulnerability.” This fear reaction then becomes an anxiety trigger for the submissive dog being attacked. Essentially the submissive dog’s body language communicates fear, triggering the other dog’s prey drive and resulting in an attack. It’s important for owners to be aware of their fearful dogs’ body language and how it can inadvertently spark aggression in other dogs.
Lack of Confidence
Submissive dogs often lack confidence which can make them targets for bullies. Dogs that lack self-assurance and exhibit fearful behavior through cowering, tail tucking, avoiding eye contact, and showing their belly often become victims of attacks by more confident dogs according to https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/help-your-anxious-or-fearful-dog-gain-confidence. Their body language communicates anxiety, uncertainty, and vulnerability which confident dogs may interpret as weakness or submission. This can trigger predatory behavior in some dogs. Submissive dogs that lack confidence fail to stand their ground and defend their space which emboldens bullies. Building confidence through positive reinforcement, desensitization, and counterconditioning can help reduce fearful behavior and prevent attacks.
Poor Socialization
A common reason that submissive dogs get attacked is because they have not been properly socialized with other dogs, especially from a young age [1]. Socialization teaches a dog important interaction skills and helps them learn to read body language and social cues from other dogs. Without proper socialization, a submissive dog may not know how to communicate properly or respond appropriately, which can lead to fear, anxiety and even aggression from other dogs.
Signs that a dog has not been properly socialized include fear around other dogs, poor greeting skills, and a lack of understanding of play cues and dog body language [2]. An unsocialized dog is more likely to show submissive behaviors like crouching, rolling over, or urinating that can trigger aggression in other dogs. They may also fail to give appropriate feedback to rude behaviors from other dogs, further escalating a confrontation. Proper socialization and controlled interactions from a young age helps dogs learn good communication skills and gives them the confidence to interact properly with other dogs.
Preventing Attacks
There are several ways to help prevent attacks on submissive dogs, including proper socialization, training, supervision, and understanding dog communication.
Socializing puppies and dogs to have positive experiences with many types of dogs is key. Well-socialized dogs will learn how to interact properly and read other dogs’ body language. Socialization should continue throughout a dog’s life through supervised play dates, trips to dog parks, and training classes [1].
Obedience training is another essential part of preventing attacks. A well-trained dog will be more attentive to its owner and can be called out of an intense interaction. Training impulse control around other dogs is especially important. Owners should reward calm, polite behavior around other dogs and correct unwanted chasing or roughness [2].
Close supervision of all dog interactions can help prevent escalation. Owners should watch for signs of discomfort in either dog. A submissive dog rolling on its back is a sign the interaction should be interrupted. The dogs should calmly be separated before aggression occurs [3].
Learning canine body language allows owners to recognize signs of fear, aggression, and submission. Submissive postures like crouching, tail tucking, and rolling over should not be punished, as this can increase fear. Confident behavior should be rewarded instead [1].
Managing Submissive Dogs
There are several ways to help build confidence in submissive dogs. One of the most effective methods is through training. Consistent obedience training provides structure, mental stimulation, and positive reinforcement that can help submissive dogs become more secure. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, and come, using treats and praise to reward good behavior. Short 5-10 minute training sessions several times a day will help instill confidence over time.
It’s also important to use only positive reinforcement techniques when training a submissive dog. Harsh corrections or punishment will only make them more fearful. Set your dog up for success by working in distraction-free environments at first and slowly increasing difficulty as their skills progress. Always end sessions on a positive note so they associate training with feeling capable and earning rewards.
Additionally, proper introductions to new dogs and people is key for submissive pups. Go slow with exposures and make sure your dog feels safe. Give them space if they seem overwhelmed. With calm, controlled interactions, submissive dogs can learn that new sights and smells are not scary. Their trust in you as their leader will grow as you show them how to navigate new situations.
While changing a dog’s inherent personality is difficult, building confidence through training, positive interactions, and a secure bond with their human can help submissive dogs handle new experiences. With time and patience, they can become more comfortable and resilient when encountering potential stressors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding why submissive dogs get attacked is crucial for preventing these incidents. Submissive behaviors like cowering, tail tucking, and avoiding eye contact can be misinterpreted by other dogs as weak or inviting aggression. While some dogs naturally show more submissive body language, poor socialization, lack of confidence, and fearful behavior can also cause a dog to act submissively. By recognizing the signs of submission, managing interactions with other dogs, building confidence through training, and ensuring proper socialization, owners can help prevent their submissive dogs from getting attacked.
The key takeaways are that dog communication and psychology are complex. Not all dogs interpret submissive signals accurately. Being aware of your own dog’s body language and proactively managing their interactions can help keep submissive dogs stay safe. With compassion, patience and proper training, submissive dogs can live long and happy lives.