I have seen so many dogs rolling on their back right in front of another dogs face, looking like they are begging the other dog for a belly rub and the owners roll their eyes and say 'oh isn't he daft!', while the other dog looks away and generally looks baffled.
The other dog has it right. The dog rolling about on the floor is behaving very strangely. This is a common but not appropriate, way to greet another dog.
The ideal dog-dog greeting goes as follows:
dogs see each other
approach calmly and at an equal pace
say hi, nose to nose
move around in a circle to smell each others rear
engage in play or move on
This belly-showing is often an appeasement behaviour usually reserved for play or perhaps to de-escalate a disagreement between dogs. It is an attempt to say 'look, I'm harmless'.
In the context of a greeting, where the dog showing this behaviour has most likely skipped the steps of the ideal greeting altogether, it shows a complete lack of confidence and possibly even fear of other dogs.
Other dogs may show this worry by freezing when they see another dog, or racing up to the other dog, lunging at them if kept on a lead, and barking at them or maybe even straight up attacking a new dog.
However, don't make the mistake of thinking that a dog rolling on his back isn't a big deal. That dog is likely scared and stressed and feels that way every time they meet a new dog - this is not healthy and can remedied.
Week 1:
Begin marking ('niiiicee') and treating your dog for nice calm behaviour in a quiet place such as the home or garden.
Week 2:
Take this to an open area where dogs can be seen in the distance and repeat, 'niiiice' followed by a treat.
Week 3:
Decrease the distance between your dog and other dogs slowly and keep marking and treating for calm behaviour.
Week 4:
Allow your dog to pass other calm dogs on lead. Keep the lead loose, mark and treat.
Week 5:
Allow your dog to say hi to other calm dogs on lead following the ideal greeting steps.
That is; approach calmly (if your dog shows any excited/stressed behaviours, move away and reward for moving with you); nose to nose; walk in a semi-circle with your dog to encourage them to move to the other dogs rear; then say 'lets go' and reward for leaving the dog. This should only take about 3 seconds, any longer and tension will build between the dogs.
Week 6:
Repeat the ideal greeting and if your dog is remaining calm and happy and both dogs want to play, they can play.
You can do other things to improve your dogs confidence alongside this such as scatter feeding amongst noisy objects like foil and cardboard boxes. Teach tricks such as paws up, touch and interacting with novel items at their own pace.
I have helped many dogs overcome their dog-fear and enjoy their walks so much more!
Please get in touch if you think your dog may be worried about other dogs and needs a confidence boost!
Disclaimer: This advice is not intended to replace a formal consultation with a dog trainer or behaviourist. The information stated is generalised and may or may not be applicable to your dog. Please consult a dog trainer or behaviourist to develop a personalised training plan for you and your pup.
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