Dogs have a unique way of communicating. They use subtle body language and behaviors to express their emotions and intentions. Among these communication methods are appeasement signals, which are behaviors dogs use to avoid conflict, deescalate tense situations, or communicate submission. Recognizing and understanding canine appeasement signals is crucial for building trust, ensuring safety, and fostering a positive relationship with your dog. In this blog, we’ll explore appeasement signals, how they differ from stress signals, why understanding them is essential, and the specific behaviors you might observe.

What is an Appeasement Signal?

Appeasement signals are non-confrontational behaviors that dogs use to calm themselves, another dog, or a human. These signals say, “I’m not a threat,” or “Let’s avoid conflict.” Dogs may exhibit appeasement signals in situations where they feel uncertain, nervous, or intimidated. For example, a dog might turn away or lick its lips when approached by a stranger or another dog. These signals are not aggressive but they also are sending a message; they are subtle attempts to create space or ease tension.

Appeasement Signals vs. Stress Signals

While appeasement signals and stress signals often overlap, they serve different purposes. Appeasement signals are proactive behaviors aimed at deescalating a situation or avoiding conflict. Stress signals reflect a dog’s discomfort or anxiety in response to a situation, which may escalate if the dog feels trapped or unable to escape. A stressed dog may exhibit behaviors like panting, pacing, or trembling, while an appeasing dog may offer calming gestures such as a submissive grin or avoiding eye contact. Recognizing the difference is vital – when we can identify appeasement signals we can usually intervene before our dogs experience serious stress.

Why It’s Important to Understand Appeasement Signals

Understanding appeasement signals is vital for anyone interacting with dogs. Recognizing these subtle cues prevents situations from escalating to growling, snapping, or biting. Dogs often try to communicate their discomfort long before resorting to displaying aggressive behaviors, but they may feel they have no other choice if their signals are ignored. By responding appropriately to appeasement signals, you can reduce stress for the dog, strengthen trust and communication between you, and avoid inadvertently pushing the dog into a reactive state.

Types of Appeasement Behaviors

Dogs display various appeasement behaviors, and each serves as a subtle way to communicate their intentions or emotions. Some common ones are:

1. Lip Licking

A dog might quickly lick its lips or nose, even when there’s no food present. This behavior often signals discomfort or unease, especially in response to direct eye contact or an unfamiliar situation. While dogs will naturally lick their lips and noses at certain times (especially if they’ve just eaten something!), it’s important to assess what’s happening around them to see if they might be trying to communicate something.

2. Turning Away or Avoiding Eye Contact

When a dog turns its head or avoids looking directly at you they are trying to communicate that they’d like you to keep your distance. This is a very polite way of saying “no thank you” and it’s hard to miss.

3. Whale Eye

Whale eye is a great indicator a dog is unsure about who or what is in their field of vision or approaching them. Humans typically refer to it as “side eye.” You’ll know your dog is giving whale eye when you can see the whites of their eyes and the dog is looking to the side.

This dog is giving us a great example of a “whale eye.” You can also see their ears are tucked.

4. Yawning

Yawning isn’t always about fatigue in dogs. In many cases, it’s a sign of stress or appeasement. A dog might yawn during a tense interaction as a way to calm itself or others in the environment.

5. Offering Their Belly

While rolling onto their back can be an invitation for belly rubs, it can also be an appeasement gesture. A dog showing its belly expresses vulnerability, signaling they want to avoid conflict. Pay attention to the dog’s overall body language to determine if the gesture is relaxed or nervous. If you’re at home hanging out on your couch together, it’s more likely to be a belly rub. If you’re at the dog park and your dog starts showing his belly, it might be a good time to give your dog some space.

6. Lowered Tail or Body Position

Dogs that feel intimated or uncertain will try to make themselves look smaller and less threatening. This might involve tucking their tail, tucking their ears back, crouching low and moving like they’re slinking around. This is usually paired with other appeasement schedules such as lip licks.

A tucked tail may still wag but this doesn’t necessarily mean the dog is ready to play. If a tucked tail is wagging low and somewhat erratically it can help confirm your dog’s stress level.

7. Submissive Grin

Some dogs display a submissive grin, where they show their front teeth in a non-aggressive manner. Dog owners often feel this is funny and others may mistake it for snarling. It’s important to look at all of their body language as a whole to decide what the dog is trying to communicate. If your dog is showing stress signals don’t make them “smile” for fun. Your dog will thank you!

8. Paw Lift

Dogs will often lift a front paw when trying to deescalate a situation. While we’re not entirely sure why they choose to lift a paw, this behavior is usually coupled with other appeasement behaviors. It’s important to make sure we’re not mistake the paw lift for an appeasement gesture when the dog is actually cold or injured.

What to Do When You Notice Appeasement Signals

When you observe a dog displaying appeasement behaviors, responding in a way that respects the dog’s feelings and helps them feel safe is essential. Be sure to give them space from the cause of their stress. If the dog is uncomfortable, avoid forcing interaction. Step back and allow them to approach at their own pace.

Consider what might be causing the dog’s discomfort. Addressing the source of their stress can help. Lastly,  build positive associations and respect their limits. If possible, gradually and non-threateningly help the dog feel more comfortable by pairing the situation with positive experiences, such as treats or praise. Recognize that not all dogs are comfortable with certain types of interactions or environments, and by respecting their boundaries, you will build more trust over time.

Understanding Canine Appeasement Signals

Appeasement signals are vital to canine communication, allowing dogs to navigate their world and interactions peacefully. Understanding and learning to recognize and respond to these behaviours can strengthen our bond with our dogs, prevent misunderstandings, and ensure their well-being. Whether it’s a subtle lip lick or a full-body roll onto their back, these signals are the dog’s way of speaking to us—it’s up to us to listen.

Whether your dog is a social butterfly or is more cautious around new people, Where Sit Happens has classes that can teach you more about body language, how to build your dog’s confidence and more! Our private training programs can help you work through more challenging behaviors or specific in-home triggers, such as guests arriving. Schedule a free discovery call or contact us here to get started!