Submissive
Our first encounter at the dog park today took place on the footbridge as we walked up; there was a husky in the distance, and as it came closer, Annie observed the dog, calmly laid down in a crouching position, and wag, wag, wagged her tail. Her face rested on her paws, it appeared as though she could launch herself at any moment. In fact, when the husky came near, she twitched, and when it lunged at her, she jumped up quickly. Was this an act of submission? Being new to dog language, I'll admit it all fascinates me. I don't pretend to understand the different interactions Annie has with other dogs, but I do know that I do not remember a dog ever crouching down when they see Annie coming in the distance, as she did to this dog today. It was even unique for her. She often sits, will sometimes sag her lower half, tail between her legs, a true act of submission, as I've come to understand, but usually not a full-on lay.
Later on in the dog park visit, she did it again. Another dog was slowly coming her direction, and she crouched down in the same submissive stance, tail wagging, as he approached her. She allowed him to come close enough to sniff, which took at least one full minute; then she stood up in a playful stance, and took off running. She lifted both paws simultaneously, which I have come to understand is her way of saying, "I'm comfortable with you! Come and play with me!" It is very rare that she finds a dog to which she gives this motion. This dog wasn't quite sure what it meant, he watched her run off, unsure of whether to chase or stay put. He looked at his owner, she encouraged him on, wanting him to follow and run and play. "Play" in this situation means simply run full speed around the park, sometimes side-by-side, sometimes in a chase mode. Often the dogs at "play" will slow down at a fence and engage in some sniffing. If Annie feels threatened in these situations, perhaps regrets her invitation to play, she will look over at me with pleading eyes wanting to escape. However, I have learned that these interactions are important for her socialization, so I mostly don't interfere. She is learning to communicate her wishes; she is learning what she likes. Perhaps she has always known, maybe she came with all the skills necessary to interact with all dogs. But she is quite timid, sometimes wary, of many, many different dogs so I am quick to assume that she hasn't figured out how to interact with all dogs yet. Maybe she never will.
I am learning about submission by observing Annie. She is not a dominant presence in any dog interaction. She chooses to allow the other dogs to dictate to her what they want and doesn't want to impose herself on others. I am much the same way; often observing others from a distance, not wanting to come across too strong or too opinionated and have to withdraw my opinions or strong-will later on. For this reason we are perfect for each other, Annie and me. It will be a treat to watch as she grows older and perhaps more sure of herself, if the submission will stay the same or decrease.
Later on in the dog park visit, she did it again. Another dog was slowly coming her direction, and she crouched down in the same submissive stance, tail wagging, as he approached her. She allowed him to come close enough to sniff, which took at least one full minute; then she stood up in a playful stance, and took off running. She lifted both paws simultaneously, which I have come to understand is her way of saying, "I'm comfortable with you! Come and play with me!" It is very rare that she finds a dog to which she gives this motion. This dog wasn't quite sure what it meant, he watched her run off, unsure of whether to chase or stay put. He looked at his owner, she encouraged him on, wanting him to follow and run and play. "Play" in this situation means simply run full speed around the park, sometimes side-by-side, sometimes in a chase mode. Often the dogs at "play" will slow down at a fence and engage in some sniffing. If Annie feels threatened in these situations, perhaps regrets her invitation to play, she will look over at me with pleading eyes wanting to escape. However, I have learned that these interactions are important for her socialization, so I mostly don't interfere. She is learning to communicate her wishes; she is learning what she likes. Perhaps she has always known, maybe she came with all the skills necessary to interact with all dogs. But she is quite timid, sometimes wary, of many, many different dogs so I am quick to assume that she hasn't figured out how to interact with all dogs yet. Maybe she never will.
I am learning about submission by observing Annie. She is not a dominant presence in any dog interaction. She chooses to allow the other dogs to dictate to her what they want and doesn't want to impose herself on others. I am much the same way; often observing others from a distance, not wanting to come across too strong or too opinionated and have to withdraw my opinions or strong-will later on. For this reason we are perfect for each other, Annie and me. It will be a treat to watch as she grows older and perhaps more sure of herself, if the submission will stay the same or decrease.
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