Dog lovers share a similar experience. You meet a dog, you walk over, and boom, they roll over and show their belly! What does it mean when a dog shows its belly? Does this question keep you up at night? Read below to find out the answer:
An Overview of Belly-Exposing in Dogs
Dog communication is not so straightforward, but you can engage with them if you know the basics. Dogs use body language and signals to communicate with other animals and people.
Think of a happy dog; what do you picture? A dog with its ears up and tail-wagging, beckoning for you to pet it. A sad or cautious dog, on the other hand, might have its tail between its legs and ears pinned back.
All of these body positions are ways dogs talk to us and let us know how they are feeling. So why do dogs expose their bellies? There are a few good reasons. Keep reading to find out.
5 Reasons Why Dogs Expose Their Bellies
Speaking of body posture, one of our favorite dog positions is a dog on its back, belly up, tail wagging, and legs flopped over. There is little known to man that is cuter than this. However, it does not always mean the same thing.
Making sure to read your dogs’ body language will help you decipher if this is an act of fear, love, or silliness.
- Dogs often show their belly to grab attention and love from their favorite person, you! In this situation, your dog is showing you how relaxed, trusting, and vulnerable they are and that they trust you with their whole body.
- Sometimes dogs have, quite literally, an itch they can’t scratch. But you, their loving long-armed human companion, can do it for them.
- Do you have that one sleeping position that is your go-to? Well, the same can be said for your dog! They could just simply feel most comfortable laying on their back and prefer to lay this way when they want to take a snooze.
- Dogs tend to have less hair/shaved bellies. It’s no secret that when they want to be cool, they will lay on their back so that the breeze hits this spot on their body. This will help control their temperature regulation and cool them down.
- You ever hear the term “roll over and play dead”? Well, dogs who want to dominate are not going to roll over. So, if you have an alpha dog or person in the house, your more submissive dog may roll on their back, show their belly, and allow themselves to be vulnerable. This is to say that they mean no harm and are here in peace and do not want a fight.
What Should I Do When My Dog Shows Their Belly?
When your dog shows its belly, it’s essential to ask yourself a few questions before proceeding. For example, which message is your dog trying to send? Is their tail wagging? Do they look nervous or relaxed? Also, it’s essential to note your relationship with the dog.
If this is your dog, know that they often show respect to their owners. If it’s someone else’s dog, it might not be the same situation. If your dog is sleeping, it’s important to remember they might feel too vulnerable and get startled if you just walk up and pet them.
In this situation, it might be best to wait until they are more alert/aware to pet them. In retrospect, it’s important to talk about dogs who look scared/nervous or defensive. If a dog is showing any type of aggression, it is best not to pet them or look them directly in the eyes.
These dogs are showing and speaking a message that is best not to be ignored. If it becomes an ongoing problem, it’s best to speak to your veterinarian, trainer, and perhaps a behaviorist.
Why do Puppies Show Their Bellies?
Puppies, along with their new owners, are learning about their bodies and surroundings. They are well aware that a lot of their essential parts and organs are located in their belly, so showing you their belly is no coincidence.
They are stating that they trust you and are submissive to you in this instance. Not only that, but they are also putting their lives in your hands that if someone else tried to hurt them, you would be protecting them.
Now the exact position can happen with submission where they do not fully trust you. In this case, it’s essential to look at their tails and see if they seem nervous at all. They are getting to know you and showing you that they come with no threats.
It’s best to get to know your puppy better and talk to them in a soothing, trusting voice so that they can better bond with you.
Puppies are also notorious playful characters; sometimes, when they show their belly, it’s to show they are showing respect to the elder or other dogs in the house. This is important for puppies because they are learning their surrounding environment and proper social cues.
The Final Say
The most important thing is knowing the relationship between you and your furry canine friend. Understanding each other is important when knowing when to, or when not to, pet them. Most of the time, it is easy after you and the dog get to know each other.
Your dog will often look up to you as their alpha and respect you. You need to do your homework and due diligence and understand when your dog is giving you the green light or not. Such knowledge is useful in case of any sudden changes due to pain or abrupt behavior.
Feel free to learn and give all the dog belly rubs he/she will tolerate. After all, it’s free therapy for you, as well.
