Any Dog Behavior Gurus Out There?

Question

Okay so I have done a bit of research on dog body language. I have an enormous book with lots of pictures, and descriptions on what each body motion means, as well as an explanation of "Stress Signals" and "Calming Signals" etc... 

But I'm still puzzled by my puppy's behavior!

My puppy is 4.5 months old. Everytime she meets a dog (in our puppy kindergarten class, as well as neighbors dogs) she shows (what I think are) extreme forms of submission:
A twisted play bow (Front twisted up)
Some Facial Tension sometimes
Ears Back
Tail tucked but wagging
Rolling Over on her Back
Trying to Roll Over Underneath the Dog
Lying Flat Splayed out on her Belly & army Crawling towards the dog
Whale Eyes
Sometimes Pacing around the dog

SO...
Yesterday was the first time we had her around another dog (adult) completely off leash, in his territory, outside and in a house.
I wasn't sure how to handle the situation because she was giving (what I think are) mixed signals.
She would exhibit those forms of submission, and then when the dog would sniff her and trot away, she would run after him tail held high and wagging, ears relaxed and then she would circle around him and stop in front of him even if he was in mid walk and give her submission display. 
He was not aggressive at all, and really was minding his own business by walking away, and was very careful not to step on her. But she wouldn't give up this sycophant behavior.

I considered removing her from the situation at first when I saw how submissive she was being, but she wasn't shaking or trying to jump up on me (which is what she does when she is frightened of big trucks), she seemed to not be concerned with the people around at all, except to maybe "hide" from the bigger dog, only to run after him again when he left her alone and be super submissive.

Even when he was just laying down, she would lie down on her belly and army crawl up towards him and try to do a twisted play bow underneath his head. He'd just get up and walk away.
Seemed like she wanted some attention but every time he would come toward her she would only interact by submission. 
After some time the submissiveness kind of subsided and she would still sit on command and was responsive to me, but I'm just not sure why she was behaving like that, I don't want her to be stressed about meeting other dogs, but at the same time she is still a puppy and maybe this is why she is acting so awkwardly?
She is a small breed chihuahua feist mix, approximately 9 lbs, will grow to be around 20.

tarielle_au · Accepted Answer

From my experience in raising dogs I would have to say that this is the sort of behaviour you should be very happy to see from your puppy.

She is doing everything right when approaching another dog and being submissive like this is a very good thing.

The crawling back up to other dog too is very good.  She is being cautious to make sure the other dog is okay with her being close by.

I've seen some pups that are just the opposite in being obnoxious and rude and they are the ones that get the growl and nip from the other dogs to put them back in their place.

I give your dog a 10 out of 10 for her behaviour.

As she gets older and more confident the submissive behaviour might diminish a little bit but it's always better for a dog to be submissive than a bully.

Let her be, there is no reason to remove her from this kind of situation when she is behaving herself.

Madison · Answer

Sounds like your pup is just adjusting to new situations. Going new places, hearing new sounds,meeting new dogs, cats, or people are all VERY stressful and there is nothing that can be done to avoid this. BEST thing to do is avoid dog parks(high disease area) don't socialize with other animals that look sick be sure to vaccinate her so she is protected against things other dgos have. Around the bigger dog i think it's normal to be a little scared and still curious...if you were 3 playing with a 15 year old you'd be a little weird too. if you dont like the jumping make a chhhhut and take two fingers and tap her neck at the same time to let her no you dont approve.

gentlegiants · Answer

She's being submissive with the first behaviors for sure.  When the adult dog sniffed her and started to walk away being a puppy she wanted to gain his attention again so she followed and did her normal puppy nonsense.  The fact that she approached him with tail held high showed that she's beginning to build her confidence in herself but being still a puppy she will bow to the older dogs experience and show submission first so he'll play with her.

Chaoscleaner · Answer

"I don't want her to be stressed about meeting other dogs, but at the same time she is still a puppy and maybe this is why she is acting so awkwardly?"

You said it best with the the above statement,  She sounds like a typical (small sized) puppy to me.

You need to RELAX and let her grow and learn,,,she is just a baby.  :)

Bob · Answer

I wouldn't be overly concerned about this situation. The point of most of these books is to point out body-language gestures in extreme circumstances, not necessarily in everyday social behavior. Moreover, I'd consider your dog's breed characteristics (Chi's are often very submissive), her size, and her owner's temperament as well as the dog's gestures. Be at ease!..

Any Dog Behavior Gurus Out There?

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