How to Identify If Your Dog Is Submissive

Dogs engage socially in ways that are nuanced and continually adjust based on individual personalities and the dynamics within their group. Recognizing if your dog leans toward submissive behavior allows you to better nurture their emotional health and ease their social interactions.

While many adult dogs tend to be more tolerant of puppies compared to adult peers, social roles among dogs are flexible rather than fixed. For example, a dog could be assertive around some dogs but show submission to others, especially in playful role switches within trusted companions.

Dogs possess a natural awareness of their social ranking, often called their "pack position." Instead of a rigid alpha hierarchy, dogs display this along a spectrum of dominance and submission, which may shift depending on the company or situation.

Some dogs are innately more submissive, frequently yielding first, sending calming or appeasing signals, mediating during play, or steering clear of overly commanding dogs.

By learning these behavioral cues, American pet owners can better place their dog's social standing and help them feel secure and supported.

1. Interaction and Initiation

Submissive dogs frequently appear keen to play and socialize, showing relaxed and inviting body language. However, they generally wait for others to make the first move and follow social signals attentively rather than taking the lead.

2. Welcoming and Deferring

During doggie greetings, much communication about social roles occurs. Dogs that balance between dominant and submissive often engage in mutual sniffing, playful bouncing, or eye contact to figure out their social status. In contrast, submissive dogs avoid initiating such behaviors, might stay still while being sniffed, avoid direct eye contact, and display submissive gestures like lying down, showing the throat and neck, licking the other dog's muzzle, or bowing. These actions signal non-threat and let the other dog take the lead.

3. Submissive Urination

Especially common in small or highly submissive dogs, slight urination during interactions acts as a social signal of respect or submission, rather than bladder loss. It's important for American owners to respond with patience and never punish this natural form of communication.

4. Avoidance of Eye Contact

A submissive dog typically avoids sustained or direct eye contact with others since staring can be seen as a challenge. Instead, they look away to maintain harmony and reduce tension.

5. Yielding Possessions

Dogs with submissive tendencies tend to give up toys, treats, or food without arguing, opting to avoid resource conflicts. For example, if another dog approaches a food bowl first or grabs a toy, a submissive pup usually steps back voluntarily. Owners in the U.S. should be ready to gently step in to retrieve items when necessary.

6. Calming and Appeasement Signals

Submissive dogs use various soothing gestures such as exposing their throat, lying low, licking the other dog’s muzzle, or grooming companions to show peaceful intent. Sometimes, dominant dogs may mimic these behaviors during friendly play with familiar canine friends.

7. Posture and Body Language

Typical submissive postures include lowered body stance, tail tucked or hanging low, ears flattened, and an overall "making oneself smaller" impression to seem less intimidating. These signs communicate deference and help keep social tensions low.

8. Sounds Indicating Submission or Anxiety

Submissive pups may whine, whimper, or yawn excessively when nervous or trying to appease other dogs. These vocal signs often occur alongside other submissive postures and signal a wish to avoid conflict or win favor.

9. Common Owner Missteps With Submissive Dogs

American dog owners sometimes mistake submissive signals for disobedience or unrelated anxiety. Forcing interactions or crowding a submissive dog can amplify stress, while neglecting confidence-building limits their potential joy. Employing positive reinforcement, patience, and honoring the dog's individual personality are essential strategies for balanced behavior.

10. Caring for Your Submissive Dog’s Emotional Health

Providing a calm environment and gradually introducing social experiences with rewards for confident actions can build your dog's self-esteem. Consulting an experienced dog behavior specialist is advisable if submissive behavior triggers significant anxiety or avoidance that disrupts quality of life.

Understanding and honoring your dog's social signals strengthens your connection and helps them flourish emotionally, resulting in a more joyful pet and household.