What are the signs that indicate my dog is submissive to me?

Dogs are social animals and have inherited a hierarchical structure in their behavior. When it comes to the dog-human relationship, it is important to understand the signs and signals that indicate a dog is submissive to their owner. A submissive dog is one who is willing to conform to the wishes of their owner, and their behavior is a reflection of the trust and respect they have for them. In this article, we will explore the various signs that indicate your dog is submissive to you.

Body Language

A dog’s body language is the most reliable indicator of their emotional state. If your dog is submissive, they will display certain body language cues that indicate their willingness to comply with your wishes. A submissive dog will appear relaxed and calm, with their tail tucked between their legs, their ears back, and their head lowered. They may also roll over onto their back, exposing their belly and throat to you. These behaviors indicate that your dog trusts you and is willing to submit to your authority.

Avoiding Eye Contact

Eye contact is a powerful form of communication among dogs. A submissive dog will avoid direct eye contact with their owner, as this is a sign of respect and submission. If your dog is submissive, they may avert their gaze or look away when you make eye contact with them. This behavior indicates that your dog is acknowledging your authority and is willing to submit to your commands.

Tail Position

The position of your dog’s tail is another indicator of their submissive behavior. A submissive dog will hold their tail low and tucked between their legs, indicating that they are willing to submit to your authority. Conversely, a dog that holds their tail high and stiff may be exhibiting dominant behavior, which can be a sign of aggression. It is important to observe your dog’s tail position and use it as a gauge of their emotional state.

Rolling Over

Rolling over onto their back is a submissive behavior that dogs exhibit when they are comfortable and relaxed around their owner. This behavior indicates that your dog trusts you and is willing to expose their vulnerable underside to you. If your dog rolls over onto their back, it is a sign of submission and respect for your authority.

Licking and Nudging

Dogs use physical touch to communicate with each other and their owners. If your dog is submissive, they may lick your hand or nudge you with their nose as a sign of affection and respect. This behavior indicates that your dog is comfortable and relaxed around you and is willing to submit to your authority.

Lowered Head and Ears

A submissive dog will often lower their head and ears when they are in the presence of their owner. This behavior indicates that your dog is respecting your authority and is willing to submit to your commands. If your dog raises their head and ears, it may be a sign of curiosity or excitement, but it can also indicate a lack of respect for your authority.

Urination

Urination is a natural behavior for dogs, but it can also be a sign of submission. If your dog urinates when they are in the presence of their owner or in response to a command, it is a sign of submission and respect for your authority. It is important to note that excessive urination can also be a sign of anxiety or fear, so it is important to observe your dog’s behavior in context.

Following Commands

A submissive dog will respond to your commands and follow your lead. This behavior indicates that your dog trusts you and is willing to submit to your authority. If your dog is reluctant to follow your commands, it may be a sign of dominant behavior or a lack of respect for your authority.

Playful Behavior

Playful behavior is a sign that your dog is comfortable and relaxed around you. If your dog engages in play with you, it is a sign of submission and respect for your authority. Playful behavior can also be a way for your dog to release pent-up energy and reduce stress.

Avoiding Confrontation

A submissive dog will avoid confrontation with their owner or other dogs. This behavior indicates that your dog respects your authority and is willing to submit to your commands. If your dog is aggressive or confrontational, it may be a sign of dominant behavior or a lack of respect for your authority.

Sensitivity to Tone

Dogs are highly attuned to human emotions and can pick up on subtle changes in tone and body language. If your dog is submissive, they will respond to your tone of voice and body language. A calm and confident tone will reassure your dog and encourage submissive behavior, while a harsh or aggressive tone can cause your dog to become fearful or defensive.

In conclusion, understanding the signs and signals that indicate a submissive dog is essential for building a strong and positive relationship with your pet. By observing your dog’s body language, tail position, and behavior, you can gauge their emotional state and respond accordingly. Remember that a submissive dog is one that trusts and respects their owner, and it is up to you to maintain that trust and respect through positive reinforcement and consistent training.