What Does It Mean When Your Dog Lays on His Back?

When a human being is on his back, there's a good chance he's in a relaxed mood, whether he's watching a movie on the couch or trying to catch a quick afternoon siesta. Rolling over and laying on the back usually means something pretty different in canine land, however -- like submission, for one.

  1. Obeisance

    • If you ever see your dog rolling over onto his back, then there's a strong chance he's sending you a message of obeisance. Your furry friend feels humble and modest in your presence, and has zero intention of running the show in your household. He respectfully considers you to be his pack leader and has no interest in disobeying you, whether through barking incessantly, refusing to come when you call him or anything else.

    Apprehension

    • Rolling over can also can be an indication of apprehension in pooches. If something has your pooch feeling uneasy, worried, anxious or flat-out terrified, don't be surprised if you start to see his belly. When dogs are on their backs, they are often attempting to give off the impression of smaller physical statures -- a way of possibly handling threatening situations such as encounters with larger, bullying pets.

    Belly Rubs

    • If your pet previously had an owner who trained him to roll over, then the behavior could be a learned trick, pure and simple. By showing you his stomach, your doggie could be requesting a cozy and comfy extended belly rub courtesy of you -- aww. A dog in this mode isn't scared or nervous, but rather in good and playful spirits. Unlike with many cats, a dog showing his belly usually wants you to approach him.

    Trust

    • As with felines, rolling over in dogs also often signifies the utmost level of trust. When your pet is on his back in front of you, it could mean he has total confidence in you. Out in nature, it's extremely dangerous for dogs to bare their stomachs to others -- it can open them up to hazards from predators. By rolling over, a dog could essentially be telling you, "I know that you would never do anything to hurt me."