When balanced calm assertive dog trainers talk about submission what do they mean?
Answer: When a dog submits to calm assertive energy it is essentially putting itself into a calm state of mind so they can be protected by their alpha (pack leader), receive instruction and communicate effectively and be in the correct headspace to better learn.
Common Misconception Regarding Submission –
Submission doesn’t mean putting your dog in a state of fear, beating them or shutting them down emotionally. Submitting is actually a sign of great respect within a pack. Even mama dogs, when they walk into the pin to feed their puppies, will teach them to submit out of respect. They will all sit down or lay down and wait quietly while she comes in and gets comfortable to feed them, they will only get up to receive milk when she is ready and gives them permission.
When dogs submit, they are in an extremely calm state and therefore a teachable state where they can learn what is expected of them and how to avoid conflict.
When you apply spatial pressure by closing the distance and the dog lays down or sits down, head low and tries to maintain eye contact while not sustaining eye contact this is his way of saying “I respect you, you are the alpha and the protector. What can I do for you? Or What jobs do you have for me?”
Dogs love structure and jobs and they love to know what they should be doing, lets give them that.