When your dog exhibits submissive behavior towards you, he is usually trying to show respect and affection. It may also mean he trusts you and is comfortable being vulnerable around you. He may see you as the dominant member of the relationship, but that does not mean you need to change your behavior in any way.
Your dog will use submissive behavior as a way to communicate with you that they are not a threat and are looking for some reassurance from you as their pack leader. By recognizing the reasoning behind your dog acting submissive and giving the reassurance they are seeking, you will strengthen the bond between you.
Submissive dog body language
Both involve your dog trying to get low on the ground, sometimes on their back, sometimes curled up to make themselves appear small. Both also involve either tucking their tail between their legs or wagging it from side to side.
Once you have his attention, walk in a way with him by your side. If he again tries to yank you in another way, stop right away and go the opposite way. Channel his energy: One of the ways you can be the alpha to your dog is by giving him a job to do. Roll him a ball and get him to get it back to you.
A more submissive pup cosigns your leadership more readily, and is easier to train.
submissive (or passive) behavior means shying away from saying what you really mean and not seeking to achieve your needs, particularly when someone else has conflicting needs. A submissive person is a shrinking violet, avoiding upsetting others either because they fear them or they fear to hurt their feelings.
Calm, Submissive
When a dog is calm and submissive, her ears will lie back against her head and the tail will droop to the middle position. Her body will appear relaxed. A calm, submissive dog will also frequently sit or lie down, with the most submissive dog placing her chin on her paws or the floor.
Submissive dogs are more likely to listen to a human's commands, but that does not mean they will not step up and defend. All members of the pack will step up and help the rest of the pack if need be.
A shy, sensitive, or stressed dog will often show submissive characteristics, as well as other behaviors. They may bark or lunge at strangers (either other dogs or human), may refuse to return eye contact, may shake, quiver, or sweat from the paws.
Keep things calm
Praise and reward bold behavior and ignore submissive actions. Likewise, pet your dog under the chin or along his back, as these areas are less likely to make him feel threatened or insecure.
A more submissive dog will be easier to manage and keep at the bottom of the family pack structure. Dominant dogs will possibly reject a subordinate position in your family pack and will require more training, focus, structure, and work to keep them happy and balanced.
When greeting a very fearful or submissive dog, you may initially need to completely ignore it at greeting, even to the extent of avoiding eye contact. Allow your dog some time to settle down and only allow it to approach you if it is calm.
When dogs roll over and expose their bellies while awake, they are usually doing so to show complete trust and relaxation in your presence. This position can also be a sign of submission, it's a dog's way of showing that they're not a threat!
The good news about dogs that display obnoxious submissive behavior is that they are being friendly and social, which is a great starting point for a pet dog. However, if it leads to them being attacked, they could wind up becoming aggressive themselves.
It can be a marker of under-confidence and security or other problems in the relationship. Compromise is a part of most healthy marriages, but being submissive is different. Being submissive over a long period of time can be unhealthy for the individual and the relationship.
The main submissive behaviors are muzzle licking, looking away, crouching, submissive grinning, passive submission (i.e., the dog lies on its back exposing its anogenital region), and active submission (i.e., the dog approaches in a crouched position, with the tail tucked between the hind legs).
The easiest way to spot a dominant pet is through body language: a pup that holds their head high with a rigid tail and alert ears likely has a dominant personality. Other signs of dominant dog behavior include: Resistance to voice commands. Aggressive response to eye contact or verbal correction.
One of the most common reasons why dogs love to lick their owners is simply to show their affection. Since you're the one taking care of them, you're essentially their world! When dogs lick, pleasurable endorphins are released into their blood which makes them feel calm and comforted.
Just as humans stare into the eyes of someone they adore, dogs will stare at their owners to express affection. In fact, mutual staring between humans and dogs releases oxytocin, known as the love hormone. This chemical plays an important role in bonding and boosts feelings of love and trust.
Reed says, “When a dog respects you, they will respect your space, listen and respond when you ask them to do something.” This also means they aren't constantly pestering you for attention. Respectful behaviors include: Coming when called (and not jumping up on you) Relaxing when you are otherwise occupied.
Dogs choose their favorite people based on positive interactions and socialization they have shared in the past. Like humans, dogs are especially impressionable as their brains develop, so puppies up to 6 months old are in their key socialization period.