How to Tell If Your Dog Tends to Be Submissive

Social interactions among dogs are dynamic and often involve a complex play of roles and behaviour adaptations depending on the mix of individual personalities. Understanding if your dog tends to be submissive can help you support their well-being and social confidence.

Many adult dogs afford more tolerance to puppies than to other adults, but roles aren’t fixed. A dog may be dominant with some dogs yet submissive with others, enjoying playful role reversals especially with dogs they trust.

Dogs have an inherent sense of where they stand socially, often described as their "pack position." This ranges on a sliding scale rather than a fixed alpha structure, with dogs in any group showing varying balances of dominance and submission. This dynamic can shift with changing groups or circumstances.

Some dogs are naturally more submissive, often yielding first, sending calming signals, acting as peacemakers during play, or avoiding overly dominant individuals.

Knowing how to read these signs can help owners identify where their dog fits in social hierarchies and ensure they feel safe and supported.

1. Engagement and First Contact

Submissive dogs often show eagerness to engage in play and interact, displaying open and welcoming body language. However, they typically wait for the other dog to initiate contact and follow social cues carefully rather than making the first move.

2. Greetings and Yielding Dominance

During greetings, dogs exchange a lot of information about social status. Dogs mid-spectrum between dominant and submissive engage in mutual sniffing, bouncing, and eye contact to negotiate status. Submissive dogs tend to avoid these proactive behaviours, may stand still while the other dog investigates, avoid direct eye contact, and adopt submissive postures such as lying down, exposing throat and neck, licking the other dog’s muzzle, or bowing, signalling non-threat and allowing the other dog to lead.

3. Submissive Urination

Small or very submissive dogs may urinate slightly during interactions, which is a deliberate communicative signal rather than a loss of bladder control. This behaviour signals respect or appeasement towards more dominant dogs. Owners should be patient and avoid punishing such behaviour, understanding it as a natural social cue.

4. Eye Contact Avoidance

A submissive dog will usually avoid initiating or maintaining eye contact with other dogs, as direct staring can be perceived as challenging. Instead, such dogs divert their gaze to keep peace and avoid conflict.

5. Yielding Resources

Submissive dogs typically give up toys, treats, or food without contesting, preferring to avoid conflicts over resources. For instance, if another dog takes a toy or approaches the food bowl first, a submissive dog will often step back voluntarily. Owners should be prepared to intervene gently if needed to reclaim toys or treats.

6. Appeasing Gestures

These dogs display calming signals such as baring their throat, lying low, licking the other dog’s mouth or muzzle, and sometimes grooming or physically showing affection as a way of signalling peaceful intent. Sometimes, dominant dogs may mimic these behaviours during friendly role play with trusted companions.

7. Body Posture and Signals

Typical submissive body language includes lowered posture, tail tucked or held low, flattened ears, and a generally "shrinking" appearance to seem less threatening. These signals communicate deference and help reduce tension in social interactions.

8. Vocalisations Indicating Submission and Stress

Submissive dogs might whine, whimper or yawn excessively when anxious or trying to appease. These vocal cues often accompany other submissive behaviours and indicate a desire to avoid confrontation or please others.

9. Common Mistakes Owners Make With Submissive Dogs

Owners sometimes misinterpret submissive behaviours as disobedience or nervousness unrelated to social context. Forcing interactions or overwhelming a submissive dog can worsen anxiety, while neglecting confidence-building can limit the dog’s happiness. Positive reinforcement, patience, and recognising the unique personality of a submissive dog are essential to fostering balanced behaviour.

10. Supporting Your Submissive Dog's Well-being

Creating a calm, controlled environment and gradually exposing your dog to social situations with rewards for confident behaviour helps build their self-assurance. Consulting a professional dog behaviourist can be valuable if submission leads to anxiety or avoidance that impacts quality of life.

Understanding and respecting your dog's social signals strengthens your bond and helps them thrive emotionally, creating a happier pet and household.