Behavior Question

Kelly9904 Posted: Apr 07, 2005 01:46 PM

Behavior Question

We have a 7 month old JRT mix and we have been lucky because she has really been very easy to train. But when we yell at her, first she lays down, then if we walk closer to her she rolls over on her back, all four paws in the air. I have had 5 dogs in my life and none have ever done this!
She has been doing it with me for about 2 months but only to DH within the last few weeks.
Its hard because when she does this, she looks so silly I have a hard time not laughing!
But what is it she is doing exactly? Its obviously something instinctual, because we never taught her anything like this.

Anniegrl Posted: Apr 07, 2005 01:47 PM

Re: Behavior Question

Maybe she's playing dead?

When Bama's in trouble, he knows it - he drops his head and skulks all the way to his crate!

Kelly9904 Posted: Apr 07, 2005 01:49 PM

Re: Behavior Question

And DH laughs at my attempt to teach her to roll over!
Apparetly I taught her to play dead and I didnt even know it!

btrflygrl Posted: Apr 07, 2005 01:50 PM

Re: Behavior Question

she is being submissive to you because you are reprimanding her for doing something wrong....quite normal behavior. It's good for your dog to know that you and your DH are the 'bosses' and what you say goes!

Kelly9904 Posted: Apr 07, 2005 01:57 PM

Re: Behavior Question

Thats pretty much what I figured but I didnt know that that behavior was so instinctual. Now the minute we say her name sternly she does it!

btrflygrl Posted: Apr 07, 2005 01:58 PM

Re: Behavior Question

you are very lucky.....DH had to lay on top of Bailey so many times for her to understand that we are the alphas, not her!

Marcie Posted: Apr 07, 2005 02:34 PM

Re: Behavior Question

Posted by btrflygrl

you are very lucky.....DH had to lay on top of Bailey so many times for her to understand that we are the alphas, not her!

I have been doing this with Casey and it has seem to start working - thanks btrflygrl.

p.s. - I think I would start laughing too if my dog did that too!!!

shamrock12472 Posted: Apr 07, 2005 03:20 PM

Re: Behavior Question

I have a JRT... I love him!!!! I agree with everyone else, the dog is being submissive and letting you know he knows your in charge by giving you access to his most vulerable spot - his belly.