Why Does My Dog Crouch Or Lay Down When They See Other Dogs? (Trainer Explains)

Humans are fortunate to have intelligent and perceptive dogs that can learn a wide range of verbal commands. However, despite their ability to understand and remember names, dogs possess a unique and distinct way of communicating with one another.

To humans, behaviors like crouching or lying down may appear similar, but for dogs, they convey various messages depending on their body language. The relaxation or raised hackles of their body, the intensity of their stare, and even the slow movement of their rear end into a play-bow all communicate different intentions.

So, why does your dog crouch or lie down when they see other dogs? In most cases, it indicates an initiation of play. The crouching or play-bow is a form of dog language used to invite chasing or engaging in playful roughness, particularly among herding or hunting breeds. However, dogs may also crouch or lie down to convey submissiveness, fearfulness, or fatigue.

While many dogs crouch or lie down when they see other dogs to signal their desire to play, it’s essential to pay attention to subtle body cues. These cues can help determine whether your dog is happily and excitedly engaging in play or crouching out of fear, submissiveness, exhaustion, or instinctual response.

Why Does My Dog Lay Down When They See Other Dogs?

Understanding our dogs’ body language is an important aspect of being a responsible pet owner. It allows us to comprehend their thoughts and emotions. When a dog approaches another dog or engages in play, it is quite common for them to exhibit small body freezes, such as crouching or lying down. Loyola University provides a helpful guide that illustrates various body language cues.

However, it’s essential to note that if your dog lays down when they see other dogs, it doesn’t necessarily indicate a playful intention. Dogs have multiple ways of communicating, and the absence of tail wagging doesn’t automatically imply that something is wrong.

To determine the meaning behind your dog’s behavior, it’s important to observe other cues and signals. These cues can help you discern whether your dog is displaying playfulness, submissiveness, fear, or possibly a different emotional state altogether.

Reason 1: Your Dog Wants to Play

When your dog crouches or lays down upon seeing other dogs, it often indicates a playful behavior that goes beyond a simple invitation to play. By making themselves smaller, your dog is signaling to the approaching dog that they are friendly and not being aggressive. In contrast, an aggressive dog would try to appear larger, not smaller.

Crouching and initiating a game of chase can be an exciting way for dogs to kick off a play session. As the dogs become more comfortable with each other and their play styles, the play may become lively and boisterous.

In addition to laying down, there are other signs that indicate your dog is relaxed and eager to play when other dogs approach. These include a relaxed body posture, soft eyes, a slightly open mouth with a tongue hanging out, a wagging tail, and, of course, a wiggling behind that transitions the laying position into a playful bow.

Laying down can also serve as a brief break during play and a reminder to both dogs that they are engaged in a friendly game, not a fight.

Reason 2: Your Dog Is Displaying Submissive Behavior

When your dog lays down upon seeing other dogs, it can indicate a submissive or uncomfortable response. Dogs may choose to make themselves appear smaller by laying down to show submission or to convey their unease around the approaching dog.

Although the concept of alpha dominance in dog training has been discredited, dogs still exhibit appeasement signals, including crouching or laying down, towards both humans and other dogs. In some cases, dogs may even flip over to expose their stomach as a way to demonstrate that they pose no threat.

In addition to laying down, there are other signs that suggest your dog is uncomfortable or displaying appeasement behavior when encountering other dogs:

• Turning their head away
• Avoiding eye contact
• Tucking their tail
• Lip licking
• Yawning, shaking, or sneezing, which may indicate stress

Panting is another way for dogs to express nervousness. Therefore, if your dog lays down while panting or exhibits any of the mentioned body language cues when seeing other dogs, it’s important to allow your dog to greet (or not greet) the other dog at their own pace, respecting their comfort level.

Reason 3: Your Dog Is Engaging in Stalking Behavior

When a dog crouches and stares intensely at another dog upon seeing them, it may indicate a stalking behavior. While avoiding eye contact can be a sign of appeasement, maintaining hard eye contact suggests a high level of interest in the approaching dog. The crouched position further signifies the dog’s intention to stalk.

Whether the crouching dog has friendly intentions or not, stalking and intense eye contact can make the other dog feel uneasy. The other dog might respond with appeasement behaviors or defensive reactions.

It’s important to note that such behaviors can lead to conflict or misunderstandings between dogs. The video provided showcases an example of a dog appropriately asserting boundaries with another dog that is exhibiting persistent staring behavior.

Regardless of their intentions, a dog that engages in stalking behavior lacks an understanding of appropriate social interactions with other dogs and is likely experiencing heightened stimulation.

Dogs that have not received proper socialization may not grasp the concept that maintaining intense eye contact is not a suitable way to engage with other dogs. It is important to discourage your dog from stalking behavior, regardless of whether their intentions are friendly or not. If your dog tends to pull, stalk, or creep when encountering other dogs while on a leash, we have compiled a helpful guide to assist you in walking strong-willed dogs.

Reason 4. Your Dog Is Fearful

We have already discussed instances where dogs exhibit poor social skills or overstimulation when they see other dogs. However, there are also cases where dogs lay down because they are fearful and have not been properly socialized around other dogs.

By crouching and making themselves appear smaller, fearful dogs are trying to minimize their perceived threat level when encountering other dogs.

There are various reasons why your dog may flinch and lay down when they see other dogs. Dogs that have been under-socialized, rescue dogs with unknown pasts, or dogs that have had negative experiences with other dogs may crouch as a defensive mechanism to avoid confrontation.

If your dog lays down and seeks shelter behind you when they see other dogs during walks, it is likely that they are fearful of other dogs. Additional signs of fear in dogs include shaking, lip-licking, and staring. It is important to advocate for your dog and understand that they do not have to interact with every dog or person they encounter. Pushing a fearful dog too far can lead to growling, nipping, or biting.

Kikopup has an excellent video that provides guidance on how to support and navigate the world with a fearful or reactive dog.

Reason 5. Your Dog Is Tired

Another reason why your dog may lay down when they see other dogs is because they are tired. Similar to how dogs may lay down during a walk when they’re fatigued, they may exhibit the same behavior when encountering other dogs because they lack the energy to interact.

As mentioned earlier, dogs may crouch during play sessions not only to indicate that they are still engaged in play, but also to take a break and catch their breath. When a dog lays down upon seeing another dog, it serves as a signal that they are too tired to engage in any further interaction.

Signs that indicate your dog has been playing or exercising vigorously include heavy panting, sweaty paws, and willingly laying down or collapsing into a relaxed position. This communicates to other dogs that they encounter that your dog is too exhausted to participate in play.

Many dogs have a limited sense of self-preservation and will continue to play or exercise until they become completely exhausted. As a responsible dog owner, it is crucial to understand your dog’s limits and not overexert them, particularly in hot weather or when they are puppies.

Are Some Breeds More Likely To Crouch When They See Other Dogs?

Certain dog breeds are more inclined to crouch when they see other dogs due to their instinctual behaviors. Herding dogs, for instance, were specifically bred to lay down and stalk livestock, while hunting dogs were bred to crouch and stalk prey.

These innate instincts often manifest in their play style as well. You may have observed how breeds like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds tend to exhibit herding behaviors towards other dogs (or even people). Typically, their play pattern begins with crouching when they see the other dog, much like the Border Collies depicted in the video below.

Hunting dogs also enjoy stalking other dogs. They instinctively crouch to hide from prey, especially when they are hunting smaller creatures like birds. Laying down when they see other dogs not only is fun for them but helps them practice their hunting skills.

Popular herding and hunting dogs that might instinctively crouch when they see other dogs include:

• Border Collies
• Australian Shepherds
• Australian Cattle Dogs
• Kelpies
• Vizlas
• Brittney Spaniels
• Golden Retrievers
• German Shorthaired Pointer

How To Stop My Dog From Laying Down Or Crouching When They See Other Dogs?

A dog who crouches or lays down when they see another dog as an appropriate communication tool to let other dogs know they are playing or taking a break probably does not need a new behavior. This dog has been socialized and understands how to let other dogs know what their boundaries are and how to read body signals from other dogs.

However, if your dog lays down when they see other dogs because they are nervous or scared, or crouches because they are stalking, what are some things you can do to stop this behavior?

Socialize Your Dog

Encouraging proper socialization is crucial for raising a well-adjusted and confident dog. While the optimal time for socializing puppies is before 16 weeks of age, you can still work on building your adult dog’s social skills by introducing them to new experiences, people, dogs, and environments.

It’s important to approach socialization in a gentle and positive manner, respecting your dog’s comfort level. Use praise, treats, and toys to create positive associations with new stimuli, reinforcing their confidence and encouraging appropriate behaviors such as crouching or lying down when they see other dogs.

As your dog’s advocate, it’s essential to recognize when a situation becomes overwhelming or stressful for them. If your dog crouches or lays down when they see other dogs due to fear or anxiety, it’s your responsibility to remove them from that situation and provide a sense of safety and security.

Remember, every dog is unique, and socialization should be tailored to their individual needs. Gradual exposure, positive reinforcement, and ensuring their well-being will go a long way in helping your dog feel more comfortable and confident in various social settings.

Teach Your Dog A New Behavior

Teaching your dog a new behavior can be an effective approach if they have not received proper socialization, struggle to understand other dogs’ body language, or have a strong instinct to lay down or crouch when they see other dogs. By training a replacement behavior, you can help your dog disengage from the undesired behavior and redirect their focus.

The specific replacement behavior you choose is flexible and can be tailored to your dog’s preferences. It could involve activities like playing with a toy, chasing a ball, or maintaining eye contact with you instead of fixating on the approaching dog.

To assist you in training your dog to shift their attention from laying down or crouching to focusing on you, you can refer to instructional videos that provide guidance and techniques. These resources can help you teach your dog to look at and maintain focus on you when encountering other dogs.

Remember, consistency, positive reinforcement, and patience are key during the training process. With dedication and practice, your dog can learn a new behavior that replaces the instinctual response of laying down or crouching when they see other dogs.

Offer Them an Alternative

In certain herding or hunting breeds, the instinct to crouch when they see other dogs can be deeply ingrained, making it challenging to replace with a different behavior. In such cases, providing your dog with an alternative outlet can be a beneficial approach.

Fortunately, you don’t need to have a flock of sheep or train your dog for hunting purposes. There are numerous enjoyable dog sports that can provide your working dog with both mental and physical stimulation, reducing their inclination to lie down and stalk other dogs. Activities such as agility, barn hunt, FAST Cat, rally obedience, and trick training are among the favorites of both dogs and their owners.

For those living in urban areas who are interested in herding, treibball is an excellent option. This activity allows you to train your dog to herd in an urban setting. As shown in the video, you don’t necessarily need a herding breed to participate and have a great time!

By offering these alternative outlets, you can redirect your dog’s instincts and provide them with engaging activities that satisfy their natural drives. This can help diminish the urge to crouch when they encounter other dogs, promoting a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle for your canine companion.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, a well-socialized dog is adept at communicating with other dogs, whether they seek play or prefer to be left alone. Laying down when they see other dogs is a valuable behavior that conveys their playful, tired, or submissive state, while crouching indicates a desire to initiate a chase game while appearing less intimidating.

However, not all dogs wish to engage in play when encountering others. If a dog lays down and exhibits additional cues like avoiding eye contact, it is a clear indication that they prefer to be left undisturbed.

Some dogs may struggle to interpret the body language of other dogs, leading to overstimulation and attempts to stalk, particularly in herding or hunting breeds that naturally crouch or lie down.

If your dog tends to lay down or maintain uncomfortable eye contact with other dogs, consider training them to exhibit a different behavior. Redirect their attention to making eye contact with you or provide mental stimulation through dog sports training. Remarkably, even larger breeds like Great Danes can excel in activities like agility!

As a responsible dog owner, it is crucial to understand canine body language and recognize signs of relaxation, excitement, overstimulation, or anxiety. Unsettled dogs should be removed from situations where they feel compelled to lay down or crouch when encountering other dogs. By prioritizing their well-being and safety, you will build trust with your dog and reinforce their understanding that you will always keep them protected.