Dog Submission Signals Tips: Proven Guide

Quick Summary: Understanding dog submission signals is key to building a trusting relationship. This guide offers proven tips to recognize and respond appropriately to your dog’s appeasement behaviors, fostering a happier, more harmonious bond.

Ever wondered what your dog is really trying to tell you when they act a certain way? Sometimes, it can feel like you’re in a constant guessing game with your furry friend. You might notice them acting a little shy, avoiding eye contact, or maybe even rolling over. These aren’t just random actions; they’re often signals your dog is using to say, “I’m not a threat,” or “I want to de-escalate this situation.” For many dog owners, understanding these nuances can be a real challenge, leading to misunderstandings or even unintended corrections. But what if you could learn to read these subtle cues like a pro? This guide is here to help you decode your dog’s body language and understand their submission signals, making your bond even stronger.

What Are Dog Submission Signals?

Dog submission signals, also known as appeasement signals or calming signals, are a fascinating part of canine communication. These are behaviors dogs use to show they are not a threat, to reduce tension, and to avoid conflict. Think of them as your dog’s way of saying, “I’m friendly,” “I’m uncomfortable,” or “I’m trying to avoid a fight.” They are completely natural and learned behaviors that help dogs navigate social interactions effectively, both with other dogs and with humans. Understanding these signals is crucial for building a secure and trusting relationship with your dog, as it allows you to respond appropriately to their feelings and intentions.

These signals are incredibly diverse and can vary slightly from dog to dog, and even by breed. However, the underlying intent is usually the same: to de-escalate a situation and maintain peace. When we learn to recognize these signals, we can avoid misinterpreting them as defiance or aggression, which could lead to unnecessary stress for both us and our pets. Instead, we can acknowledge their feelings, adjust our own behavior, and reinforce their trust in us.

Why Understanding Submission Signals Matters

Misinterpreting your dog’s communication can lead down a path of frustration for everyone involved. If you misunderstand a submission signal, you might inadvertently punish your dog for being anxious or fearful. This can damage their confidence, erode their trust in you, and even make them more prone to anxiety or defensive behaviors over time. For example, if a dog displays a lip lick (a common appeasement signal) to indicate stress, and you scold them for it, they might learn that showing discomfort leads to negative consequences.

Conversely, when you can accurately read and respond to these signals, you become a reliable and predictable figure in your dog’s life. This builds a stronger bond based on mutual understanding and respect. Knowing your dog is comfortable, safe, and understood by you can unlock a deeper level of companionship. It helps you anticipate their needs, prevent potential issues before they escalate, and ensure a more harmonious living environment for the entire family. It’s about fostering a relationship where your dog feels secure and heard.

Common Dog Submission Signals Explained

Dogs use a wide range of body language to communicate their intentions and emotional state. Submission signals are a subset of these, specifically designed to communicate peaceful intent and de-escalate potential conflict. Recognizing these signals allows us to respond with empathy and understanding, strengthening our bond with our dogs.

1. Lip Licking

A quick lick of the lips, often when the dog isn’t actually eating or thirsty, is a very common appeasement signal. It’s your dog’s way of saying they feel a bit uneasy, stressed, or uncertain about a situation. They might do this when someone approaches them too quickly, when they are about to be handled, or when they are in an unfamiliar environment.

2. Yawning

While yawning in humans often means sleepiness, in dogs, it can be a powerful signal of stress or anxiety. If your dog yawns when you’re reaching for them, when you’re about to leave the house, or when a stranger approaches, they’re likely trying to tell you they’re feeling tense and wish to calm the situation down. It’s a self-soothing behavior.

3. Turning the Head Away / Avoiding Eye Contact

Direct eye contact can be perceived as confrontational in the canine world. If your dog turns their head away or averts their gaze when interacting with you or another dog, they are consciously trying to avoid appearing challenging. This is a polite way of saying, “I’m not looking for trouble,” or “I’m feeling a bit intimidated.”

4. Freezing or Going Stiff

A sudden stillness or stiffening of the body can indicate a dog’s discomfort. They might freeze when they are unsure about a command, when they sense tension in the room, or when they feel cornered. This is often a prelude to a more anxious behavior if the situation doesn’t improve.

5. Showing the Whites of the Eyes (Whale Eye)

When a dog’s head is turned slightly, but their eyes are still looking at something, and you can see the whites of their eyes, it’s often referred to as “whale eye.” This is a clear sign of stress, anxiety, or feeling uncomfortable. They are trying to keep an eye on something or someone that is making them uneasy without making direct, confrontational eye contact.

6. Pinned Ears or Ears Flattened Against the Head

While some breeds naturally have ears that lie flat, a dog that flattens their ears further back against their head during an interaction is often signaling fear or submission. It’s as if they are trying to make themselves smaller and less noticeable, indicating they are feeling threatened.

7. Tucked Tail or Tail Held Low

A tail tucked tightly between the legs is a classic sign of fear or extreme anxiety. Even a tail held low and possibly wagging slowly in a stiff manner can indicate uncertainty. The lower the tail, generally, the more fearful or submissive the dog is feeling.

8. Lip Cords or Soft Growls of Discomfort

Sometimes, before a dog escalates to a more serious warning, they might give subtle “lip cords” where the corners of their mouth pull back slightly, or even a very soft, low growl. These are not aggressive growls but signals of increasing discomfort. It’s their way of saying, “I’m not happy, back off,” before they feel the need to do something more drastic.

9. Shaking Off When Not Wet

Dogs often “shake off” water from their coats. However, they also use this same motion to release tension and stress in social situations when they aren’t wet at all. If your dog shakes vigorously after a perceived threat has passed, or after an interaction that made them uneasy, they are using this as a calming signal to reset their emotional state.

10. Rolling Over to Expose the Belly

This is a very clear signal of submission, often seen when a dog feels overwhelmed or is trying to appease a perceived bigger threat. It’s a vulnerable position, essentially saying, “I surrender, I’m not a threat to you.” While it can be a sign of trust in a safe moment, it can also be a response to fear.

11. Play Bows with Stiffness

A playful bow is usually a cheerful invitation to play. However, if a dog offers a play bow but their body is stiff, their tail might be held still or low, and their overall demeanor is tense, it’s often a ‘nervous’ play bow. They are attempting to defuse a potentially awkward or threatening situation by mimicing aplayful posture, but their underlying anxiety is evident.

When Do Dogs Use Submission Signals?

Dogs employ these signals in a variety of everyday situations, and recognizing the context is as important as recognizing the signal itself. Understanding these scenarios can help you better interpret your dog’s needs and reactions.

Interactions with Other Dogs

In the dog world, appeasement signals are vital for maintaining social harmony. A dog might show submission when meeting a new dog, especially if the other dog is larger, more boisterous, or perceived as higher in social status. These signals help prevent unnecessary conflicts and allow dogs to establish peaceful relationships.

For instance, a dog might greet a new dog with averted gaze, a tucked tail, and perhaps a quick lip lick. These communicate, “I’m not a threat to you, and I’d prefer to keep things friendly.” If your dog is on the receiving end of such signals, it’s important to respect them and ensure the other dog is not intimidating your pup.

Interactions with Humans

Dogs also use submission signals with their human companions. This can happen when a dog is unsure about a command, feels overwhelmed by attention, or is generally anxious. For example, a dog might lick their lips or turn their head away when you’re bending over them, especially if they are not yet fully comfortable with you or if the interaction feels too intense.

“Whale eye” can be a sign your dog is uncomfortable with a particular interaction, like being petted by a stranger or being restrained. Responding by giving them space or changing your approach is crucial for building trust.

Unfamiliar or Stressful Environments

New places and situations can be overwhelming for dogs. When in an unfamiliar environment, a dog might display several appeasement signals simultaneously to show they are feeling insecure. This could include shivering, yawning, avoiding eye contact, or trying to make themselves appear smaller.

For example, at the veterinary clinic or during a visit to a busy park, a dog might exhibit subtle signs of stress. Recognizing these allows you to offer comfort, remove them from the situation if necessary, or advocate for them by asking others to give them space. Learning about common stressors for dogs, as discussed by organizations like the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), can also be helpful.

During Training or Corrections

Even during training sessions, dogs might display submission signals if they are confused, stressed, or unsure about what is being asked of them. A dog that repeatedly licks their lips, yawns, or looks away during training might be indicating that the session is too demanding or that they are feeling anxious about not getting it ‘right’.

It’s important for trainers and owners to differentiate between a dog that is genuinely struggling and one that is experiencing significant stress. Over-reliance on punishment or high-pressure training can elicit more fear-based submission signals. Positive reinforcement methods, which focus on rewarding desired behaviors, are far more effective at building confidence and a cooperative relationship. For more on positive training, the ASPCA offers great resources on positive reinforcement training.

How to Respond to Dog Submission Signals

Responding correctly to your dog’s appeasement signals is about showing them that you understand and respect their feelings. This builds trust and reinforces your role as a safe, understanding companion. Your response can make a significant difference in how your dog feels and behaves.

1. Give Them Space

If your dog is showing signs of anxiety or discomfort, the most effective immediate response is often to back off and give them space. If they are trying to avoid eye contact or have their tail tucked, don’t force interaction. Simply creating distance shows them that you notice their discomfort and are not going to push them further.

This is particularly important when interacting with unfamiliar dogs or people. If your dog is displaying submission, it’s a signal they feel threatened or overwhelmed. By respecting that space, you allow them to regain their composure.

2. Soften Your Body Language

Dogs are highly attuned to our body language. If you notice your dog showing submission, try to soften your own stance. Avoid standing over them, making direct eye contact, or reaching over their head. Instead, crouch down to their level, turn your body slightly away, and blink slowly. These are all signals that communicate a non-threatening presence.

This is why many dog trainers advocate for approaching dogs in a sideways manner rather than head-on, which can feel less confrontational to the dog. Gentle, calm movements are key.

3. Speak in a Calm, Soothing Voice

Your tone of voice can greatly influence your dog’s emotional state. If your dog is showing signs of submission or stress, speak to them in a soft, gentle, and reassuring voice. Loud or sharp tones can exacerbate their anxiety. A calm voice can help to soothe them and signal that everything is alright.

Try using their name in a pleasant tone or offering a simple, comforting phrase like “It’s okay” or “Good boy/girl.” The actual words are less important than the calm, positive emotional tone behind them.

4. Redirect or Remove Them from the Situation

If the situation is clearly causing your dog distress, consider redirecting their attention or removing them from the environment altogether. This could mean offering them a favorite toy, asking them to perform a simple, known command for a treat, or simply leading them to a quieter area. The goal is to help them disengage from the stressor.

For example, if your dog is showing whale eye at a party, it might be best to take them to a quiet room or even back to your car for a short break. This proactive approach prevents their stress from building to a point where they might react negatively.

5. Never Punish Submission Signals

This is perhaps the most critical tip. Punishing a dog for showing appeasement signals is counterproductive and harmful. They are not demonstrating defiance; they are communicating vulnerability and trying to avoid conflict. Punishing these signals can make your dog more anxious, less likely to communicate their discomfort in the future, and can significantly damage the trust between you.

A dog that stops showing subtle signals of discomfort after being punished may not actually be feeling better; they’ve simply learned that showing their feelings comes with negative consequences, potentially leading them to skip warnings and go straight to a more serious reaction if they feel truly threatened.

6. Reinforce Calm Behavior

When your dog is calm and relaxed, especially in situations that might typically make them uncertain, offer praise and gentle rewards. This helps them associate those situations with positive feelings. For instance, if your dog is in a new environment and remains calm, quietly praise them and perhaps offer a small, high-value treat.

This positive reinforcement helps solidify their understanding of what behavior is desirable and builds their confidence in managing various scenarios. It’s about rewarding the presence of calm, not just the absence of anxious signals.

Table: Common Submission Signals and How to Respond

Here’s a quick reference guide to help you identify common submission signals and appropriate responses:

Submission Signal	What it Looks Like	What it Means	How to Respond
Lip Licking	Quick lick of the lips when not eating or drinking.	Uneasy, stressed, uncertain.	Give space, speak softly, avoid direct eye contact.
Yawning	Stretching the mouth open as if sleepy.	Stressed, anxious, trying to self-soothe.	Remove from the stressful environment or situation.
Avoiding Eye Contact / Head Turn	Looking away, turning head to the side.	Trying to avoid appearing threatening or confrontational.	Don’t force interaction, approach indirectly.
Whale Eye	Showing the whites of the eyes.	Feeling uncomfortable, anxious, or wary of something.	Identify the trigger and remove your dog from it if possible.
Pinned Ears	Ears flattened back against the head.	Fearful or submissive.	Avoid close approach, offer comfort from a distance.
Tucked Tail	Tail held tightly between the legs.	Fearful, anxious, or feeling threatened.	Give ample space, do not corner your dog.
Shaking Off (when not wet)	Sudden, vigorous shake.	Releasing tension and stress.	Acknowledge their release, let them process.
Rolling Over	Exposing the belly.	Vulnerable, surrendering, appeasing.	Respond gently, avoid perceived threats.

Building a Trusting Relationship Through Canine Communication

Understanding dog submission signals is more than just learning body language; it’s about fostering a deep connection built on trust and mutual respect. When you consistently acknowledge and respond to your dog’s cues, you’re telling them, “I see you, I understand you, and I will keep you safe.” This security is the bedrock of a strong human-animal bond.

This process is ongoing. As you spend more time observing your dog in various situations, you’ll become an expert in their specific communication style. Some dogs are more subtle than others, and some breeds might have unique variations in their signals. The key is to remain attentive and open to learning. Remember that consistent, positive interactions are the most effective way to build confidence in your dog and solidify your relationship. Resources from reputable animal behavior organizations, such as those found on the Humane Society’s website, offer valuable insights into canine behavior and welfare.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is it bad if my dog is always showing submission signals?

If your dog is frequently showing submission signals, it can indicate that they are generally anxious, fearful, or feel insecure in their environment or with certain interactions. While occasional appeasement is normal for social bonding, a constant state of submission suggests underlying stress that may need to be addressed. Consider consulting a certified professional dog trainer or a veterinary behaviorist.

Q2: How can I tell if my dog’s tail tuck is fear or just posture?

A tucked tail is almost always a sign of fear or anxiety. If your dog’s tail is held low, even if wagging slightly, it’s different from a relaxed, neutral tail or a happily wagging tail held higher. Combined with other body language like pinned ears or avoiding eye contact, a tucked tail strongly signals discomfort.

Q3: My dog shows whale eye when I pet them. What should I do?

If your dog shows whale eye while you’re petting them, it means they are uncomfortable with the interaction. Stop petting them immediately. Soften your body language, turn slightly away, and give them space. This tells them you’ve recognized their cue and are respecting their boundaries. Do not force them to continue accepting your touch; let them approach you when they feel ready.

Q4: Can puppies show submission signals?

Yes, puppies absolutely show submission signals! They are still learning the rules of social interaction. Puppies often use appeasement behaviors to navigate situations with older dogs, humans, and even other puppies. Their signals might be even more pronounced as they are less experienced.

Q5: What if my dog only shows submission signals to certain people?

This is very common. Your dog’s reactions can be specific to individual people based on their scent, size, demeanor, or past experiences. If your dog consistently shows submission to certain individuals, encourage those people to interact with your dog gently, calmly, without direct eye contact, and to give your dog plenty of space. It’s important for visitors to understand and respect your dog’s cues.

Q6: How can I help my dog be less fearful and show fewer submission signals in stressful situations?

Helping your dog become less fearful involves building their confidence and positive associations with stressors. This can include: gradual desensitization and counter-conditioning (controlled exposure while pairing with positive rewards), consistent positive reinforcement training, ensuring they have a safe space, and consulting with professionals. Avoid forcing them into situations that cause extreme fear.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of understanding your dog’s submission signals is a journey, but it’s one that leads to a profoundly richer relationship with your canine companion. By learning to recognize their appeasement behaviors—from the subtle lip lick to the more obvious tail tuck—you gain invaluable insights into their emotional world. Responding to these signals with empathy, respect, and appropriate actions, such as giving space and softening your approach, not only prevents misunderstandings but actively builds a foundation of trust. Remember, never punish your dog for expressing their discomfort; instead, use these moments as opportunities to deepen your bond and assure them of your understanding and care.

Embracing this awareness allows you to be a more effective, compassionate owner, fostering a happy, secure, and communicative partnership. Your dog will feel safer, understood, and more confident knowing that you are their reliable ally in navigating the world. Keep observing, keep learning, and enjoy the rewarding experience of truly connecting with your dog on their terms.