Too Submissive During Play?

[Harper]

I have a fun, playful puppy who is 15 weeks old.  She isn't particularly submissive around the house (she isn't dominant either), but when she plays with other dogs she will always be the first one to go down on her back in the submissive posture.  I considered this a good thing, but at puppy kindergarten class last weekend our instructor told us we should make her get up from the submissive posture and that she needs to learn to be less submissive in play.  

 

She doesn't go on her back right away, but it will happen when the other dogs keep at her.  Is this a bad trait that we should try to correct?  Should I worry that she would get hurt when playing with other dogs?  

[Leslie J]

I can't imagine how you'd change that- I would think that it is part of her personality.  Did your trainer say why it is a bad thing?  I may be wrong, but I have always considered submissive (as opposed to fearfulness) to be a personality trait- perhaps like a shy child.  It sounds like she is happy and having a good time, but I'm sure the experts on the site could give you better feedback than me.

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

My Hunter is just like that too.  She seems totally confident until she is playing with other dogs and she is always laying down showing her belly right off the bat.  She is almost 2 years old and she has done it since she was a puppy.  I am really curious how you could change that?  It doesn't seem that you would be able to but I am sure our experts will be more help.... :-)

[Harper]

The trainer seemed to suggest we tug her leash to get her to stand up (if she's on leash) or step in to correct the submissive behavior by halting play.  The trainer didn't mention why it was a bad thing (I will have to ask next week), but I got the impression she thought it would lead to our puppy being overly submissive in general.

[BG and Gavin]

Gavin turns upside down to every dog too.  And like Hunter, he is very confident.  He dosen't give it up quite as easily now that he is a bit older.  Biggest downside is grass stains on his back after a day at the dog park.  Believe it or not, I posted the same question several months ago.  I got some terrific responses:

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/too-submissive

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

Cooper (1 yr 9 months) does the same - she is 60 lbs but is submissive to smaller dogs too. It doesnt concern me as she is confident otherwise. She also loves to be chased!!!

[Judi, David & Maddie Irishdoodle]

Maddie is very submissive also but I've never thought it was a problem. Everyone always comments on her docile personality. She runs to greet dogs at the park, sits or lays on her tummy when she gets near them and once they approach for a sniff - she flips onto her back.  Sniff sniff all is well and off she goes to play and run, run, run.

Each month I see a change in her as she gains more confidence.  She can take care of herself and lets dogs know when they are getting too rough. She'll bark or run off to meet someone more interesting. Of course I do keep a constant eye on her and she does the same with me.  I'll see her glance over to make sure she knows where I am all the time. 

I like the fact that she isn't an agressive dog and she loves playing with the tiny dogs as well as the big guys.

[Christine & Shelby]

I don't think you need to try and change this... I agree it's part of her personality.  My Shelby was very submissive when she was that young... especially with older/bigger dogs.  Exposure and positive experiences increased her confidence and she turned out just fine.  I wouldn't be too concerned, she is still young!  

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Peri still does this at 2 years.  I am not concerned - our trainer says it is fine!

[Harper]

Thanks for all the responses, everyone!  It sounds like there is no reason to worry.  I, too, think it's a positive trait to have, especially in comparison to being aggressive!  She gets to spend lots of time meeting and playing with dogs and people and expresses no fear about either.  I will let her play how she prefers!

[Shelby and Kev]

Shelby did it for about two years but now she has learned on her own to play or if too rough to growl.  I suggest if that you go to a dog park to remove the Dood before it does become permanent!