r/PetTheDamnDog • u/CalvinistLoss • 6d ago
What does it really mean when my dog exposes his belly like this?
515
745
u/One_Situation_3157 6d ago
Complete trust in their human.
123
u/GregAA-1962 6d ago
Complete trust as well as a type of submission
-24
u/MChwiecko 6d ago
The “submissive behavior” idea is not well supported by research. Actually, there is no good supporting evidence that dogs naturally exhibit ANY type of social hierarchy.
13
u/jebshackleford 6d ago
Anyone who has had 2 dogs or more can obviously see there is a alpha
8
u/Fifteen_inches 5d ago
Yeah I’m abit skeptical of “don’t have a social hierarchy” when they were bred for social hierarchy.
4
1
u/zlide 3d ago
No they weren’t, you’re all parroting the false understanding that the OP was trying to call out. Being “pack animals” doesn’t mean they follow an “alpha”. There might be a more assertive dog in your pair of dogs but just because one bullies the other around doesn’t mean they’re “alpha”. And even then, the behavior of two dogs kept in a human family’s home isn’t exactly reflective of a “natural” pack of wolves lol
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/is-the-alpha-wolf-idea-a-myth/
They live in family units, if anything YOU as their “parents” are the leaders of their “pack”. You aren’t an “alpha” you’re more like the patriarch or matriarch.
1
u/Fifteen_inches 3d ago
Wolves and dogs aren’t the same thing
1
u/zlide 3d ago
Even more reason to stop using an outdated and inherently flawed study to justify false ideas about animal behavior. Although I will say that dogs and wolves are still the same species, they’re just separate subspecies, and they’re in the same clade if you prefer that method of taxonomy.
1
u/psweeney1990 3d ago
Wolves don't follow the "pack alpha" rule either. The information was extremely uneducated and unfounded when it was first reported.
1
u/stevefuzz 5d ago
Unfortunately true. Our big boy can be a real jerk to his sister sometimes.
0
u/jebshackleford 5d ago
Not a huge deal as long as they know the owner is the #1 alpha can’t train all the natures of wolves out of dogs
2
u/Matthias_Clan 5d ago
Wolves literally don’t have alphas.
1
u/incompetentArson 5d ago
They do but it's less of a boss and more of the dad. The Alpha pairs are the breeding pairs and the Beta are the children born from the alpha pair. The betas then become the alpha when they create their own pack. The Alpha male and beta cuck hypothesis was when the wolves were in captivity so they were in crisis mode.
1
u/zlide 3d ago
You’re still using the language of the old study and including falsehoods in your understanding lol. They remain together as a family unit for quite some time, there’s no cucks or whatever the fuck you’re saying
1
u/incompetentArson 2d ago edited 2d ago
They remain together as a family unit for quite some time
I was saying that the researchers confused a children and parent's dynamics with a personality archetype system. Basically the only way Alpha and Beta applies is in the sense of Beta being born of Alpha and the only reason subservience was observed by researchers is because the wolves were observed in captivity.
Research: “What would be the value of calling a human father the alpha male?” says L. David Mech, a senior research scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey, who has studied wolf packs in the wild for decades. “He’s just the father of the family. And that’s exactly the way it is with wolves.” This terminology arose from research done on captive wolf packs in the mid-20th century—but captive packs are nothing like wild ones, Mech says. Source: Article
1
u/stevefuzz 5d ago
Lol it's just annoying sometimes... He's like: nope you're not allowed in the house yet, nope I get pets first, nope water is mine, no ball for you, you are too comfortable. And they really like each other.
1
u/Far_King_Penguin 5d ago
I don't like the term Alpha. It doesn't seem to fit my experiences for dogs since I've seen plenty of the 'alphas' exhibit submissive traits to the pack
There is 100% generally always team leader, group captain, pack hunk that is in charge of a group 3 or more
1
u/chameleonsEverywhere 5d ago
There is a social hierarchy but the "alpha" concept specifically is bullshit. In nature and with humans, dogs tend to have a familial structure that's very compatible with humans' structure. So there can be "leaders" and more dominant personalities, but not this "alpha-male strongest leads and everyone else submits".
1
u/markovianprocess 5d ago
Yep, "alpha" in a natural worlfpack (as opposed to a study where stranger wolves are made to live together) are just mom and dad.
1
u/Swarm_of_Rats 4d ago edited 4d ago
The alpha dog theory has been disproven pretty resoundingly. You can look it up if you want, but if you really believe it just know you're running with debunked theories from the 1930s.
If you have a dog that you perceive as being an alpha, you're actually seeing behaviors that you can train them to stop exhibiting so that both/all of your pets have a happier life. Nobody wants to be around another creature that is bullying them, and that goes for your pets too.
The bully dog might be nervous or insecure and that's causing them to exhibit "alpha/dominant" behaviors, and when the bad behavior results in them getting the toy they want or etc that positively reinforces that behavior and causes them to continue exhibiting it. Again, alpha theory has been debunked conclusively.
1
u/gaminggirl91 4d ago
I can confirm this. I have several dogs, and there is a very clear pecking order.
1
u/Taskmaster_Fantatic 3d ago
The alpha in my home is 2 years older but literally half the size in both weight and well… size as the beta. It’s wild to see how the big one acts when the little one is around. But they’re friends and get along perfectly. Never once fought… I mean it’s a golden doodle and mini golden doodle.
2
u/btcprint 5d ago
You should ask your pack leader for permission before posting things like this on reddit.
2
u/chicken_and_waffles5 4d ago
Ok in this persons defense, I've also read a similar study on the Yellowstone wolfs. The conclusion those researchers assert is the social hierarchy in wild dogs (wolves) is similar but different to the way humans understand it with Their pets. That our relationship with our pets, the typical alpha and dominance perspective, is actually a development of our own. However among wild animals their structure is more complex, their leader isnt NECESSARILY dominant or a big alpha male barking at everyone until they listen. Sometimes its the respected elder, or situational. Its more complex than humans think or understand... Cuz were not dogs lol were monkeys.
TLDR: monkeys leading dogs, not dogs leading dogs.
1
1
u/Mattbl 4d ago
The thing about the alpha wolf observations is that it was behavior seen in captive wolves that weren't a family unit. So people like to say this isn't an accurate portrayal of natural wolf behavior. That very well may be true, but what are your dogs? Captive animals that aren't part of a family unit...
0
u/Bible_says_I_Own_you 5d ago
Every alpha dog and dog trainer and dog breeder and anyone who has ever owned more than one dog and anyone who owned only one dog might have a different opinion.
363
u/tripleof 6d ago
I love this sub but I'm also annoyed, pet the dog already!
103
3
u/SomeJoeSchmo 4d ago
I swear, sometimes I see questions that make me wonder if the OP is an alien completely unfamiliar with life on earth.
1
118
u/Rumpelteazer45 6d ago
They love and trust you. Also rub that belly!!! It’s your duty to rub the belly when they show it.
94
u/Evening-Magician-824 6d ago
It is a sign of total comfort and trust in their owner. I've trained many dogs, both service dogs and general ownership.
This is absolutely, a trusting dog.
Great job and thank you for the share.
2
u/akjd 5d ago
Ok, but then why does my dog do this probably 75% of the time when I approach him when he's just chilling... Of course I'll reach down and give him a courtesy scratch/belly rub at least, or spend some quality time doing it if I have the time.
But yet if I sit next to him on the couch and casually reach over and pet his back/shoulder/hindquarter areas, he almost immediately starts to stress yawn.
And then other times he'll come up to me, sorta press against my legs, and want pets and scratches.
Is he just really particular about when he wants pets/scratches? It's just that the immediacy of the stress yawn seems to imply he's really uncomfortable with it in those circumstances, yet other actions at other times seems to show he's really comfortable and trusting of me, and really wants those scratches. They just seem like some pretty contradictory reactions.
8
u/Almoraina 5d ago
Not a trainer but that just sounds like your dog isn't in the mood to be pet when he stress yawns. My dog is a total love bug and he loves to be pet and held and cuddled. But sometimes when I want to pet him, he gives whale eyes, leans away, and stress yawns. That's usually him telling me that he just wants a little space.
It's kind of like living with another person. Sometimes they're in the mood to interact and sometimes not. Just like you, sometimes you're in the mood to pet your pup, but sometimes you really don't feel like it.
1
u/Evening-Magician-824 5d ago
Make no mistake, your dog loves you more than anything in the world. Believe it or not, you are the center of her universe. My dog's love for me operates on her terms. I'm cool with that. When she is belly up. I know she feels safe and secure and I let her be comfortable in her own space. I never invade her moments of solidarity. I have boundaries in our home and she respects them. And by the same token I respect hers. After all they have personalities just like us human That being said, she gets plenty of walks, treats, and unconditional love. I hope this helps.
28
16
u/rriflemann 6d ago
A. Submission. B. Total trust. C. Request for belly rub. D. Demonstration of unconditional love. (Please note the combination of A through D intentionally creates a mental effect in human beings, allowing the dog world to completely enslave humans turning them into the dogs, servant benefactor, and directing all human endeavors such as food, production medical science and domestic containment for the dogs ultimate benefit) published by the universal dog union for the enslavement of the human race. And remember you love being dog-kinds slave, you volunteered for it.
1
19
7
5
4
u/AcademicFish4129 6d ago
It means you’ve won the jackpot as a dog owner. They completely and totally trust you and feel safe in your presence.
11
u/tuesdayinspanish 6d ago
Sign of submissiveness. When done in front of other dogs it means they are accepting the dominant dogs being the alpha. My pup only does it when good and cuddled for belly rubs though.
4
u/throwautism52 6d ago
Dogs don't have alphas please stop
6
1
u/intergalactictactoe 6d ago
I like how THEIR dog only does it when it wants belly rubs, because it's not a sigma loser dog.
I might be off on my terminology there -- forgive me for not sullying my brain with incel crap.
1
u/Zhree1 6d ago
There are only two times I’ve known a dog to show submission: when they play, one dog might show their neck or their belly to the other as a way of saying “uncle” or “you win this round - I tap out” - the other time is when they’re afraid and showing their belly may be matched with squinty eyes, tucked tail, cowering, or even urination. This dog is showing trust and love and clearly wants a belly rub!
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/DiseasedSpirit 6d ago
It shows complete trust and him turning over is to show that he is comfortable being vulnerable around you
1
1
u/Dry-Quantity2629 6d ago
He's basically saying... Come on, give me some belly rubs. OK. More please. Continue on.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/phaazon_ 6d ago
Initially a sign of submission in the pack. With humans, it’s a sign of complete trust.
1
1
u/Shankar_0 6d ago
He trusts you and acknowledges you are in charge.
Also, scritches, please and thank you...
1
u/farmerjoee 6d ago
That’s the full belly my dude. They trust and love you. If he had left it as the side belly with stiff legs, it means he’s offering it to you so you go away, and he’s not that into it.
1
1
1
1
1
u/Heart_ofthe_Bear 6d ago
They love and trust you! It’s the same with cats! And with both animals, it isn’t always an invitation to touch. You should always try to check for consent, which dogs and cats can give. It depends on the animal for specific cues, but if you stop and they paw at your or rub against you, it’s a good que to keep going.
1
1
u/Not-A-R0b0t2 6d ago
My dog does that with strangers. Total immediate trust and need for belly rubs. Love lagotti
1
1
u/NeauxFear 6d ago
The only time my 150lb rescue does this is when I’m trying to get him to move, and this is his way of saying “make me.” 🤣❤️
1
1
u/CauchyDog 6d ago
I got to pet my boy and he always drops and hikes a leg. Everytime. And I have to bend over for belly rubs. Happens 50 times a day if it happens once.
1
u/Stephvick1 5d ago
When my dog does this her tail is curled up between her legs, if I have done a good job rubbing her belly her tail tools flat on the floor, she will drop and roll on her back whenever she needs rubs which is 24/7 I comply no matter what, I don’t want to get “the look “🤣🤣🤣
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/Bruteforce_11 5d ago
The pup has complete trust in you! They're showing you their most vulnerable self and trust you with everything! Now time to rub that belly!!!!
1
1
1
u/TheBreasticle 5d ago
“I love you. You love me. Here is my belly. Please rub. I love when you do. You are my human. I love you. Please rub”
1
1
1
u/PossessionAshamed372 5d ago
It means he wants a belly rub you jerk, stop recording and give him belly rubs!
1
1
1
u/RedditsAdoptedSon 5d ago
knew this guy before. trained all kinds of dogs.. trained em for 40 years he said. practically grew up with dogs in a barn so he knew every type of mannerism, domestic and wild. .. he taught me all kinds of stuff but the roll over belly thing really stuck with me.. he said.. it means that's a good boii
1
1
1
u/bebopbrain 5d ago
My dog does this outside on grass. I think he likes to look at the other dogs upside down.
1
1
u/Prof-Rock 5d ago
It can mean different things. 1. They want belly rubs. 2. They trust you. It used to be misinterpreted as submission to a pack leader, but that has been debunked and proven to just be a sign of trust. 3. They are hot. They expose their belly to cool down. You will notice this is more frequent in summer. I had a friend whose St. Bernard's would all go belly up under the misters in summer. So cute.
1
u/TallPerformance6900 4d ago
Their most vulnerable spot is their belly. It means she trusts you & it is time for belly rubs
1
1
1
u/Slurms_McKensei 4d ago
People 'think' instead of 'vibe' too often. Dogs vibe. This makes me feel "oooooh goodness thats a big belly lemme scratch it!" and do the puppy-voice. Thats the vibe, don't overthink it.
1
1
1
u/Different_Muscle9134 4d ago
I adopted our Husky from a local shelter. I found him on Petfinder and called ahead of time, so they were expecting me and had him waiting in the lobby. As soon as I walked in, he rolled over and assumed the belly rub position. I knew then that it was meant to be.
That was almost 5 years ago, and I feel more lucky every day that we have him. He was only a year old, and we were at least his 3rd family, but he took hardly any time at all to adjust and feel at home. I don't know how anyone could give him up, but I'm sure glad they did.
1
1
1
1
1
u/allinvaincoder 4d ago
Dogs won't do this if they don't trust you or feel endangered. It is a sign of trust
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/Imaginary-Sun5928 3d ago
2 things: one, he wants belly rubs, and two 2nd he is showing you that your dominance is above his.
1
1
1
1
u/GolfSicko417 2d ago
They want the scrooches damnit! Either that or they don’t want to do something if they know they are about to have to be put outside or in a crate or take a bath etc. they are smart.
1
1
1
1
1
1.4k
u/faithmauk 6d ago
It means the belly rub factory is open and you are running late