When trying to analyze an animal's body language, each signal must be taken in context. Other body language signals should be analyzed as well to form as complete as possible view of the animal's intent or emotional state. You can generally characterize signs in 3 categories: go, stop and yield.
When a dog rolls over onto his back it is called an inguinal presentation signal. Inguinal presentation is a sign of submission, deference or an attempt to stop the interaction. It is a STOP signal. A puppy may exhibit this signal to show that he is not a threat to another dog. When this happens, the older dog generally sniffs the puppy and walks away or just walks away. In general, it is best to assume that a dog who offers the inguinal presentation signal doesn’t want you to rub him, but instead wants you to leave him alone. Some dogs offer this position when they are playing, want to be touched and when they are sleeping. The explanations below should help you to know the difference. When in doubt, it is best to walk away.
When a dog rolls over onto his back it is called an inguinal presentation signal. Inguinal presentation is a sign of submission, deference or an attempt to stop the interaction. It is a STOP signal. A puppy may exhibit this signal to show that he is not a threat to another dog. When this happens, the older dog generally sniffs the puppy and walks away or just walks away. In general, it is best to assume that a dog who offers the inguinal presentation signal doesn’t want you to rub him, but instead wants you to leave him alone. Some dogs offer this position when they are playing, want to be touched and when they are sleeping. The explanations below should help you to know the difference. When in doubt, it is best to walk away.
When the tail is tucked or held close to the body, the dog is signalling that he is submissive or fearful as in the picture above. You should not pet dogs offering this signal.
If you have watched your dog play with others, you know that this signal can also be a part of play behavior as in the picture above. During play, dogs often switch positions varying up who ends up on the bottom. Who ends up on the bottom is not relevant to who is ranked the highest among the dogs.
Courtesy: Jess Feliciano
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Many dogs have learned that we don’t pay much attention to their body language and that we are more likely to rub them when they roll over. These dogs will offer the inguinal presentation to have the pleasure of a massage. Dogs who are offering this signal with the intention of getting a belly rub often, but not always look limp like a noodle as in the picture on the right. Courtesy: Jess Feliciano
Still other dogs sleep on their back as in the picture above. In instances like this, the dog is just comfortable. In cases like this, it is better to let sleeping dogs lie and refrain from petting your dog when he is sleeping.
Courtesy: Carol A. Siegrist, CDBC, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA
http://www.dogtraininginthecity.com/
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