Why then do so many people get bitten when a dog is lying on it’s back? Surely he is looking for a belly rub?
A common misconception is that when a dog rolls over it is submitting to the other dog, person or animal and in many cases a child or baby. But this is not always the case.
We have been conditioned to believe that waggy tails and roll overs are a sign of a friendly dog but we regularly miss the many distance increasing signals that dogs display. Dogs do ask for space, if we don’t listen they may ask louder by growling and if we ignore that or punish the growl without dealing with the root cause then the dog will skip straight to the behaviour that will work – a snap or bite!
A lack of understanding of canine body language is not ideal especially in a multi dog household or where there are children. So it is a great idea to sit down and educate yourself on the language of DOG!
How can I tell the difference between a tap out and a roll over?
The phrase “tap out” is a wrestling term and happens when an opponent taps the ground with an open hand requesting a release.
In dog terms a tap out is a distance INCREASING signal. The dog will roll over almost vertebrae at a time with stiff or uncomfortable body language often accompanied by lip licking, puffing of the cheeks and kicking out of the legs. Ultimately the dog will end up on his back. Generally the dogs muscles are tight and the tail can be tucked into the belly or stiff.
A roll over is more of an open body language gesture. A happy floppy lose movement. All of the muscles are loose, the body is limp and free with the tail free moving and not tucked into the belly of the dog. The legs are loose generally straight out and again floppy plus there is no kicking out or pushing away. The dogs face will be soft generally with tongue hanging loosely out and soft eyes.
How can I learn more about canine body signals?
An excellent DVD on canine body language is available from www.dogwise.com online DVD and shop for canine related books.
Title: THE LANGUAGE OF DOGS – UNDERSTANDING CANINE BODY LANGUAGE AND OTHER COMMUNICATION SIGNALS DVD SET
by Sarah Kalnajs
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Comments
Hi, would love to buy that dvd but have not been able to source it in format suitable for play in our region. Any suggestions??
I got the dvd from http://www.dogwise.com
Hi i have a year old sheep dog , who is very aggressive to people . He seems nervous hence the barks etc . He hasnt bitten yet but did snap once when a child poked him . A dog trainer is so expensive . Can you recommend anyting ? Id hate to have to find him a new home or put him to sleep . But if he bites i shall have to . HELP !!! Michelle