Is My Dog Too Submissive??

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ItsMeAlex I Hello, My dog has been pretty submissive since about 4 months but now I'm wondering if it's too much. She was the runt of the litter and was being bullied by all her siblings and didn't eat for 2 weeks. I rescued her from a dirty backyard when she was 3 months because the owner didn't want her anymore since she was so small. Anyways, when I brought her home she was always interested in playing with other dogs and would get really excited to see another dog. I don't really know when her attitude changed but maybe it was around 4-5 months and anytime she sees another dog her ears fall back as far as possible, she sits down and lowers her head really low like she is scared, she then waits for the dog to approach her and then she will want to play. She does this with any dog that she meets no matter the size and if the dog starts barking at her it looks like she gets really scared but she doesn't move, she stays and keeps her ears far back and looks really bummed. I hate dog fighting and would never want that for my dog but I guess sometimes I want my dog to just stand up for herself when another dog tries to square up with her even when the other dog just wants to play, instead my dog lowers her head and looks down. Again, I do not want her to get in fights, I just want her to be confident. She is only 1 year old and is a blue nose pitbull. Is this a problem? will she always be like this or will she grow up and remember that she was bullied and want to fight every dog she sees? Is there a way to get rid of her being too submissive and borderline scared or is this ok for a pup? #1 · Oct 14, 2014 (Edited) Hello, My dog has been pretty submissive since about 4 months but now I'm wondering if it's too much. She was the runt of the litter and was being bullied by all her siblings and didn't eat for 2 weeks. I rescued her from a dirty backyard when she was 3 months because the owner didn't want her anymore since she was so small. Anyways, when I brought her home she was always interested in playing with other dogs and would get really excited to see another dog. I don't really know when her attitude changed but maybe it was around 4-5 months and anytime she sees another dog her ears fall back as far as possible, she sits down and lowers her head really low like she is scared, she then waits for the dog to approach her and then she will want to play. She does this with any dog that she meets no matter the size and if the dog starts barking at her it looks like she gets really scared but she doesn't move, she stays and keeps her ears far back and looks really bummed. I hate dog fighting and would never want that for my dog but I guess sometimes I want my dog to just stand up for herself when another dog tries to square up with her even when the other dog just wants to play, instead my dog lowers her head and looks down. Again, I do not want her to get in fights, I just want her to be confident. She is only 1 year old and is a blue nose pitbull. Is this a problem? will she always be like this or will she grow up and remember that she was bullied and want to fight every dog she sees? Is there a way to get rid of her being too submissive and borderline scared or is this ok for a pup? See less See more Sort by Oldest first Oldest first Newest first Most reactions #2 · Oct 14, 2014 I think having a reasonably submissive dog is a good thing. My female is very submissive with dogs other than my male, and it makes interaction go much smoother. She automatically assumes a submissive state and it seems to make other dogs more comfortable around her. If she's around another more submissive dog, they play like normal, and if she's around a more dominant dog, she tends to be on the ground a lot more which she doesn't mind at all. What you're describing sounds to me like avoidance behaviour. I'd suggest taking her for a walk with potential playmates before allowing them to interact, that way she may be more comfortable around them. Make sure to always have controlled meetings (I.e all dogs on a leash) to avoid her getting bombarded or being put in an uncomfortable situation. #3 · Oct 23, 2014 Thanks for the reply bcdogs. I already do what you requested. She has a few dog friends that she always plays with and she plays super aggressive but has a good time, but even when she approaches those dogs she walks up to them with her head down and sometimes raises her paw. But a few seconds later she starts to play. Like i said before, my concern is she doesn't stand up for herself when a new dog barks or bullies her. She doesn't even like to move if another dog is passing us on the sidewalk, she lays down on her stomach and drops her head. Is this normal for a 1 year old puppy to be doing? Like i also said, i don't want her to be an aggressive fighter, i just want her to stand up for herself and be confident. #4 · Oct 23, 2014 I have a 2.5 yr old female am bully. What you're describing is similar to the way my girl acts towards humans. She's been this way since I first bought her home at 5 months old. We were hoping she would of changed somewhat by now Because of this I keep an close eye on her at all times when around strangers, however we love her all the same. #5 · Oct 23, 2014 You can try to desensitize her to situations. Maybe go and sit OUTSIDE a dog park for her to be around other dogs but not in with other dogs. Maybe try and find some trainers who offer structured walks. Also try confidence building games with her. Don't force it on her. Gage her reactions. If she is upset sitting outside the dog park start further away and when she is ok at that distance move closer. Wait for her to relax and not tense or cower and move a bit closer. It's a slow process but maybe worth it in the end. Good luck!! Insert Quotes Post Reply

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