Recognising body language
Our puppy class attendees are asked to give five body language observations as part of their homework, and every month we get numerous owners saying ‘lies/rolls over for a tummy rub’. The common misconception that dogs rolling over want a tummy rub is sadly a contributing factor to dog bites, as unaware dog owners may not understand or be able to read dog body language effectively.
Learning what our dogs are silently telling us is vital. Increasing awareness of canine body language is key to preventing dog bites, according to many dog behaviour professionals.
Tummy rub vs. tap out
Today, I’m going to tell you the difference between a tummy rub and a tap out. The other terminology for a tap out is a ‘submissive roll,’ but as that gives a nod towards the whole dominance/submission debate, many tend to veer towards ‘tap out’ or ‘appeasement behaviour,’ including myself.
A tap out is a sign the dog is uncomfortable, overwhelmed, or surrendering. You will see dogs doing it to humans and other dogs. It exposes the vulnerable belly and genitals, indicating a desire to avoid conflict.
Tap out clues
- Dog is often active before the tap out
- Dog rolls over in response to being approached or touched, or approaches an individual and rolls over
- Ears usually pinned or pulled back
- Tail often curls over genitals or the dog urinates (fear/flight response)
- Tension in the forelegs, rigid legs from contracted muscles (stress hormones gearing the body up for action, i.e., the fight or flight response)
- Head often angles to the side, showing whites of eyes, or the eyes may be narrowed or heavily blinking
- Tension in the muzzle, mouth is closed, and the dog may be doing tongue flicks
- Body is often partially or fully angled to the side
- Back leg often pedals when contact is made, trying to push the individual or hand away
- Often in response to unfamiliar dogs or people, but not always
In this position, a dog is vulnerable and likely feels vulnerable too, meaning they are NOT relaxed.
The habit of tap outs
Dogs can get caught up in a tap out habit when greeting other people or dogs, meaning they choose to approach someone and roll over regardless of what the other individual is doing. This is because the dog is social and wants to interact but becomes overwhelmed or concerned up close based on previous experiences.
These previous experiences may include being stroked too excitedly, roughly, or abruptly by a human or being told off by a dog who didn’t appreciate an excited or speedy approach and greet. Despite these experiences, the dog may still want to get to know people and dogs but pre-empts a negative outcome and rolls over to pacify what might happen.
How to respond
As a rule, I never stroke a dog when they roll over in front of me, regardless of whether I approached them or they approached me. If they roll over in response to me touching them, I stop, disengage (stand up, move back), and let them sort themselves out. If they return for attention and are standing, I will reinforce confident social behaviour with gentle, calm attention (usually a soft vocal acknowledgment or gentle eye contact post-tap out).
It’s important to recognise that tap outs show the dog is in an insecure state, therefore, I want to encourage dogs to be confident—not insecure. I want them to know they can trust me not to hurt them by listening and responding by giving distance when they ask for it.
Tickling a dog’s belly while they are tapping out can reinforce this behaviour, making it more likely for them to do it again, or at worst, punish the behaviour and risk your dog escalating their behaviour in similar contexts in the future.
Negative experiences
Other dogs may treat dogs that tap out in front of them as easy targets and bully them, leading to more bad experiences that reinforce the tap-out behaviour. This can make it occur more often or more intensely, creating a vicious cycle. Alternatively, the tap-out dog may escalate their behaviour (by snapping) or become more reactive.
Dogs often find tap outs during greetings inappropriate. It is out of context from its original purpose—to diffuse conflict or pacify a threat.
When does your dog really want a tummy rub?
My observations are that dogs may want their belly rubbed when they are already in a state of relaxation. They will likely be next to you on the sofa or the floor, then roll over and stretch out, often when you’ve been busy doing something else.
Signs your dog wants a belly rub
- Tail not covering genitals
- Looking at you, often right in the eye
- Relaxed facial muscles, loose muzzle, possibly showing canine teeth
- Legs floppy or stretched out
- Dog flat on their back, totally upside down
- Body contorted into seemingly impossible positions
The consent test
Always do the consent test to be sure. Stroke the dog on the chest area, stop after 2-3 seconds, and wait for the dog’s response. Continued engagement means you can try again, but if the dog looks away, rolls back over, or moves away, it means ‘please stop.’
If your dog frequently rolls over in response to people or other dogs being close, it is advisable to seek help from a qualified, force-free professional who can guide you on strategies to increase their confidence.
Conclusion
To be on the safe side, get in the habit of leaving a dog’s belly alone unless they are extremely relaxed next to you and have chosen to roll over. When that happens, make sure you give them the chance to sort themselves out by doing the consent test. Don’t assume they want their belly rubbed, as it’s very possible they don’t. Understanding these signals will help you ensure your dog feels safe and secure, reducing the risk of misunderstandings and bites.
