You may have noticed that when your dog meets a congener, he immediately goes to bed. This behavior may seem strange, but it's actually quite common in canines. There can be a number of reasons for this, related to the social and behavioral nature of dogs.
1. The hunting instinct
One of the reasons why your dog lies down could be related to his hunting instincts. Dogs are direct descendants of wolves, animals of prey, and many hunting behaviors are still present in our domestic companions.
When a wolf (or dog) sees potential prey, its first instinct is to lie down and observe. This allows the animal to remain discreet and not frighten its prey. In addition, this position allows him to prepare for a possible chase.
Of course, Médor probably has no intention of chasing the other dog he sees, but his natural instinct can nevertheless trigger this behavior.
2. A means of communication
When lying down, your 4-legged friend sends a clear signal to the other dog: “I am not a threat to you.” It is a way for him to keep the peace and avoid a possible conflict.
3. The game
Sometimes going to bed can just be an invitation to play. Dogs often adopt this posture, sometimes called a “play position,” when they are excited and ready to play. They lie down on their front legs, raise their hindquarters while wagging their tails.
If your dog lies down this way and seems relaxed and excited (tail flapping, body relaxed), it's likely that he's inviting the other dog to play.
4. Anxiety
In some cases, a dog may lie down in the sight of another dog out of fear or anxiety. This may be the case if your dog has had a bad experience with other dogs in the past or if they have not been properly socialized.
If your dog seems tense with his ears back and his tail between his legs, he may be anxious. In this case, it is important to comfort your dog and work on his socialization by gradually introducing him to other dogs in a controlled environment.
How to react?
Stimulate hunting instincts in a positive way
If your dog goes to bed by hunting instinct, you can channel that energy in a positive way. Encourage play with toys that stimulate their predatory instincts, such as chew toys or balls. Activities like the toss and fetch game can also help.
Encourage communication
If your dog lies down, it's a way for him to communicate peacefully with other dogs. That can be a good thing, as long as he's not scared or anxious.
Encourage play and socialization
If your dog goes to bed as an invitation to play, it shows that he is social and that he enjoys interacting with other dogs. Encourage this behavior by having play sessions with other dogs and taking him to dog parks where he can socialize.
Working on anxiety
If your dog is anxious or frightened by other dogs, it is important to work on this problem. You can try to gradually expose him to other dogs in a controlled and positive environment. If anxiety persists, you should consult a veterinarian or canine behaviorist.
In conclusion, the fact that your dog lies down when he sees another dog can have several explanations, related to hunting instinct, submission, play or anxiety. By understanding your dog's behavior, you can help him interact in a healthy and positive way with his peers and strengthen your bond with him.
