Molly's body language today...

Today on our way back from our long walk we passed a large cross I think it was some sort of hound cross. It was quite tall and when Molly seen him coming she lay down with her head on the ground and tail out stretched along the floor completely still. Like she was bowing. Im new to reading doggy body language and this is something that stumped me. When the dog came closer they exchanged a bit of a sniff and both seemed excited to be seeing eachother. It almost felt like they were familiar to eachother but can't possibly be! Purely speculation on my part but she did seem odd. Anyone know what it was all about? Thanks

http://staffy-bull-terrier.co.uk/dogbodylanguage.html
could just be to show there is no aggression and just wants to play

I didn't read it as aggression. More submission than anything. It was almost like what a collie does while rounding up sheep.

I think I know exactly what you mean as Rocky does it too (but then he is supposed to be Staffy cross with Border Collie ?? not sure how accurate this is though) but he does the herding thing perfectly.

He could just be unsure of the other dog/ not knowing what is going to happen next so keeping low to the ground taking cover.

Could it have been a submissive gesture or a play bow? Seems like the kind of thing they do to initiate play?

Hi It does really sound like a submissive but play pose hard too say when you don,t see it, but staffords often lay forwards bum in the air when they are just about too play like a bow, if Molly was excited and tried too play with the other dog then its sure too be a play body language x

I think you're right. She did try to play with him.

I would also say submission/play invite

She was saying im friendly i wont challenge you. The tail out screams play with me as an open gesture for next communication. You have a very well socialsed dog there, zhe sounds like a beut

Ooh I wish my mum would listen to this! She still thinks I've baught a dangerous dog into the house she is pretty submissive but this was the first time I saw this gesture but then again it's one of the first dogs not to come up to her barking!

I'm sure Molly will win her over in time

It's called 'stalking' I think, when they go into preying drive

Callie does this occasionally, only around older "senior" dogs. It's very different from her play bow. I asked about it on here too. I think it's respect and submission.

axam102 wrote:She was saying im friendly i wont challenge you. The tail out screams play with me as an open gesture for next communication.

I agree, this sounds like what Dora does when she meets any dog that she recognises is bigger,stronger or older.
I think she is telling the other dog she is no threat and wants to make friends.

Yea sounds like classic play bow as an invitation.

My 2 do this to each other and me !!

Bum in the air chest/ head in floor and tail wagging ! Nice manners !