When it comes to dogs interacting with other dogs, understanding all of their behaviors can be confusing. In this article, we discuss what the reason is behind your dog laying down when they see another dog. We will also discuss ways to stop the behavior, and much more.
Why Does My Dog Lie Down When It Sees Other Dogs?
Dogs can have some strange behaviors. Especially when interacting with other dogs. Here we discuss one of those behaviors: Lying down when seeing other dogs. We will touch on the reasons why they do it, how to know whether it’s a positive or negative thing, and what-if anything-you should do about it.
Why Does My Dog Lie Down/Freeze When It Sees Other Dogs?
Being Too Submissive
If your dog lays down when he sees another dog, this could be because he wants to show that he is submissive. This act of submission is part of their pack instincts and lets the other dog know that they are not a threat.
Feeling Scared Or Anxious
Sometimes there is an innocent reason for your dog to lay down when it sees other dogs. But other times it can be a sign that your dog is feeling scared or anxious by the other dog’s presence. It is important to pay attention to your dog’s body language-like if they are tense and not wagging their tail.
Natural Breed Tendencies
Your dog’s breed can act certain ways based on their breed. Certain breeds can have certain behaviors. Laying down or freezing when seeing other dogs could be a breed related behavior.
Health Problems
Laying down when they see other dogs is not usually a bad thing. However, if your dog is feeling sick or unwell or is older, they may lay down to protect themselves. If your dog is showing signs of being sick, make sure to take them to the vet.
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Not Being Socialized Enough
If your dog has not been socialized enough, he may be wary of other dogs and possibly people. He could be scared because he is not familiar with the other dog and may also get territorial. It is important to socialize your dog from a young age; but even if you have not done so, you can start now.
Having Bad Experiences Before
It is possible that your dog has had bad or traumatic experiences before with other dogs. This may be why he lays down when he sees any other dog. It could be him trying to avoid a repeat experience by showing he is not a threat.
Age (Older Dogs Might Not Like Other Dogs As Much)
Like people, dog’s personalities can change as they age. Even if your dog liked other dogs when he was younger, he may not feel the same throughout his life. Illness and discomfort is another unfortunate aspect that happens to dogs as they age. Your dog may be uncomfortable around other dogs because he isn’t feeling well or as if he’s able to play. This could cause him to lie down in front of the other dog.
Hormones (Male Dogs That Have Been Neutered Might Be More Passive)
Sometimes after a dog has been neutered or fixed, it can affect their hormones and consequently their behavior. Male dogs may become more passive after being neutered and this can affect their hormones, making them more passive.
Not Being Trained Or Rewarded For Good Behavior
Without realizing it, you may have encouraged the behavior. Pay attention to how you react to them when they lay down in front of other dogs. Do you pet them, encourage them? This can cause your dog to think of this as good behavior.
Environment (Places That Are Too Noisy Or Crowded Can Be Too Much For Some Dogs)
Just like humans, certain environments and situations can make a dog overwhelmed. If you’re out with your dog and the environment becomes overwhelming for them, he may lay down to try and calm himself down. Environmental factors can be noises, crowds, or other dogs.
Wanting To Play
Your dog may lay down when they see another dog because they want to play. This is called a ‘play bow’; showing the other dog that it wants to play. They do not lay down fully; the lower their front half with their butt still up. They will also have playful and relaxed body language.
Submitting
As we’ve mentioned, dogs can lay down in front of other dogs as a show of submission. They want to show that they are not challenging the other dog that they consider an alpha.
Being Afraid
If your dog is afraid, he might lay down as a means of comfort. This is different than submitting. This position is meant to protect the dog’s stomach. This can make him feel safe if they consider the other dog a threat. Your dog may also be fearful enough to show signs of aggression. Make sure to keep an eye on your dog’s body language and take them somewhere else at the first sign of trouble.
Not Wanting To Go
Dogs can have so much fun when they’re out and about-such as on walks and at the park. This means that when it comes time to head home, the dog does not want to leave. They may lay down to try and prevent you from making them leave.
Past Traumas
If your dog has a past traumatic experience with people or other dogs, they may lay down when encountering someone or something unfamiliar. As we’ve mentioned, your dog will lay down to protect their stomach which is a sensitive area.
Feeling Insecure
Your dog may feel insecure around other dogs. This can be from anxiety, submission, feeling unwell, or insecure. They will want to make themselves feel better by protecting their sensitive or exposed spots, like their stomach. This will make them feel more secure.
Avoiding Fights
If there is a chance that the other dog is aggressive or perceived as a threat, your dog may lay down to protect themselves. This is also a way to avoid the interaction.
Wants To Play
Your dog may want to signal to the other dog that they want to play. They have a certain stance that displays these intentions.
Incorrect Training.
Your dog may not be trained properly and display the behavior of laying down in front of other dogs.
How Do I Stop My Dog From Lying Down When He Sees Another Dog?
Training And Getting Used To Other Dogs Gradually
One option to stop your dog from acting on this behavior is to train your dog not to lay down when they see another dog. The dog trainer can help you gradually socialize your dog and get them used to other dogs.
Medicine To Help With Behavior Issues
If training or commands don’t work, you can speak with your veterinarian. They may prescribe some sort of medication-such as anti anxiety- for your dog. This may help them stop the behavior. Make sure to discuss all possible options with your veterinarian.
Getting Help From A Professional Trainer
You might find that training your dog can be difficult. If you are having trouble training your dog on your own, you can hire a professional trainer to help you.
Controlling The Situation To Prevent Problems
You can take steps to control the situation to avoid any potential problems. One method is to make sure that you have a good hold on your dog if he is on a leash. Another option is to figure out which situations trigger this behavior in your dog and if it affects him negatively, avoid the situation. Your vet or a professional trainer can help you figure out several options to prevent any future problems.
Making Sure They Get Enough Physical And Mental Stimulation
Making sure your dog gets enough physical and mental stimulation is important all around. But it can also help you to keep your dog from acting on unwanted behaviors.
Being Patient And Giving It Time
Training can take time. You may have to practice and be patient, giving your dog time to learn or unlearn the behavior.
Teaching Basic Commands And Manners
Gently but firmly training your dog not to lay down in front of other dogs can stop them from acting on the behavior. You can even come up with a certain word or phrase to speak to your dog when the situation arises.
Using Fun Activities To Help Them Learn
Sometimes, doing something fun can help them learn not to lay down in front of other dogs. This can be a fun activity that distracts them or keeps them away from situations that could lead to unwanted behavior.
Starting Early To Help Them Learn And Grow
It is important to train your dog from an early age. Whether you’ve gotten your dog as a puppy or adopted an older dog, it is important to show them what behaviors you do and do not allow right from the beginning.
Giving Positive Feedback And Rewards
When you tell your dog ‘no’ when he lays down in front of another dog and he listens, it is important to reward him for that behavior. He will associate not laying down with positive feedback and rewards.
Is My Dog Afraid Or Anxious Around Other Dogs?
It is possible that your dog can be afraid or anxious or afraid of being around other dogs.
Why Is My Dog Scared Of Other Dogs?
There are several reasons that your dog would be scared of other dogs. He could have had a past traumatic experience with another dog. Another reason could be that your dog hasn’t been socialized enough and is unfamiliar with other dogs. Finally, your dog could sense tension or aggression from the other dog.
Is My Dog’s Behavior Of Lying Down Around Other Dogs Normal Or Abnormal?
Your dog’s behavior of laying down around other dogs is really normal behavior.
Are There Any Health Issues Causing My Dog To Lie Down When It Sees Other Dogs?
There are some times when a health issue could be the reason for this behavior. Your dog could be feeling anxious, tired, sick, or in pain. Other behaviors and body language will help you figure out if it is health related when your dog lays down in front of other dogs.
Can The Behavior Of My Dog Lying Down When It Sees Other Dogs Be Changed Through Training?
Yes. If you don’t like the way your dog behaves when lying down when it sees other dogs, you can consult a professional trainer to help you do this.
Are There Any Other Signs Of Fear Or Anxiety My Dog Displays Around Other Dogs?
If your dog is anxious or afraid of other dogs, they can show other signs of it when in another dog’s presence. They will lay down, hold their tail between their legs, and maybe even shake. It is important to pay attention to this behavior and make sure you are able to remove your dog from this situation.
Is My Dog Safe To Be Around Other Dogs When It Lies Down?
It depends. Usually, your dog is in no danger when your dog lays down in front of another dog. The only time that your dog could be in danger if the other dog is showing signs of aggression.
How Can I Help My Dog Feel More Comfortable Around Other Dogs?
You can take steps to help your dog feel more comfortable around other dogs by socializing them. Several options to socialize your dog include: taking them to the park, meeting up with friends who also own dogs, taking them to the pet store, or letting them go to doggy day care.
Are Certain Breeds More Prone To The Behavior Of Lying Down When They See Other Dogs?
Lying down in front of other dogs is not a breed specific behavior. Many dogs do it because it is an instinct that has been passed down to them by their wolf ancestors.
Is It Okay To Let My Dog Lie Down When They See Other Dogs?
All in all it is okay to let your dog lie down when they see other dogs. The only time this can be considered a truly negative behavior is if there is any kind of fear, anxiety, or aggression between the dogs.
Should I Avoid Taking My Dog To The Dog Park If They Exhibit This Behavior?
If your dog lays down in front of another dog to show them they want to play, then you have no need to avoid taking them to the park. But if there seems to be a negativity to the behavior, then it may be wise to avoid the park until you can help your dog fix this problem.
How Long Does It Typically Take To Train A Dog To Feel Comfortable Around Other Dogs?
If you are training your dog to be comfortable around other dogs when it is a puppy, then it usually takes from the ages of three to six weeks to get comfortable around other dogs. If your dog is older, it may take the same amount of time or longer. It varies according to what-if any -socialization experience they’ve already had, the dog’s individual personality, and several other factors.
Does My Dog Need Socialization Training?
Your dog may need socialization training if they are uncomfortable around dogs in this and any other situation. They could fear other dogs because they are unfamiliar to them.
When Is The Best Socialization Period For A Dog?
If you are socializing your dog when it’s a puppy, there are two halves of socialization. The first half should take place when the puppy is three to six weeks of age. This is when your dog should be socialized and familiarized with other dogs. The second half takes place when the puppy is seven to twelve weeks of age. This is when your dog should be socialized with humans.
What Should I Do If My Dog Lies Down And Won’t Move When It Sees Another Dog?
If your dog lies down when they see another dog and won’t move, you can create some kind of command that your dog recognizes to mean ‘get up’ or ‘let’s go’. You could also keep a tight hold on their leash so that you can physically guide them away. You can consult your vet and/or a trainer to help you.
What Are Some Signs That My Dog Wants To Play With Other Dogs?
Your dog will lower the front half of their body, while holding their behind up in the air. Sometimes they can wiggle their butt as well. Other signs are your dog’s tail being upright and the dog appearing happy and excited.
Dog Lays Down And Pounces/Lunges When It Sees Other Dogs?
If your dog lays down and pounces/lunges when it sees other dogs, this could mean a couple different things. It could just mean that your dog is excited and wants to play. But it can also be a sign of aggression. You should watch your dog for other signs in their body language to decipher which emotion your dog seems to be showing.
Why Does My Dog Army Crawl To Other Dogs?
This can be another way for your dog to show submission or desire to play with other dogs.
What Does A Calm Submissive Dog’s Behaviour Look Like?
A submissive dog will pin their ears back, lay down in front of another dog, and they may act timid in front of the other dog.
