What does a dog do when it's scolded? - briefly
When a dog is scolded, it typically displays signs of submission and fear, such as lowering its head, flattening its ears, or even cowering. It may also attempt to appease the owner by wagging its tail or rolling over onto its back.
What does a dog do when it's scolded? - in detail
When a dog is scolded, its behavior can vary significantly depending on several factors including the severity of the scolding, the relationship between the dog and the person doing the scolding, and the individual personality of the dog. In many cases, dogs exhibit a combination of these behaviors:
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Submissive Behavior: A common response to being scolded is for the dog to display submissive body language. This can include lowering its head, flattening its ears against its skull, tucking its tail between its legs, and even rolling onto its back in a submissive posture. These gestures are meant to appease the person scolding them and indicate that they do not pose a threat.
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Avoidance: Some dogs may try to avoid the situation altogether by moving away from the person who is scolding them. They might back away slowly, turn their head, or even leave the room if possible. This behavior is an attempt to distance themselves from the perceived negative interaction.
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Whining or Whimpering: Dogs may vocalize their distress when being scolded. Whining or whimpering sounds are often used by dogs to communicate fear, anxiety, or discomfort. These noises can indicate that the dog is feeling overwhelmed and is trying to express its emotions.
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Freezing: Some dogs may become completely still as a response to being scolded. This "freeze" reaction is often seen in prey animals when they are threatened and can be a sign of extreme fear or confusion. It's important to recognize that this behavior does not necessarily mean the dog is calm; it might be experiencing significant stress.
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Licking: Dogs may lick their lips, nose, or even the person scolding them as a way to show submission and appeasement. This behavior can also be seen when dogs are anxious or uncertain about a situation.
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Increased Aggression: In some cases, particularly if the dog has been conditioned through past experiences to associate scolding with aggression, it might display increased aggressive behaviors. These can include growling, snarling, or even biting. It is crucial to be aware of this possibility and take appropriate measures to prevent such escalations.
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Shaking: Some dogs may shake off their bodies as if they were wet, similar to how a dog shakes after coming out of water. This action can be a way for the dog to release tension and stress from its body.
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Panting: Heavy panting can also indicate that the dog is feeling anxious or stressed. This behavior is often seen in dogs who are experiencing heightened emotions and need to cool down both physically and emotionally.
Understanding these behaviors can help pet owners and trainers respond more effectively when a dog is scolded. It's important to remember that positive reinforcement techniques are generally more effective than punishment in modifying a dog's behavior. By focusing on rewarding good behavior, rather than punishing bad behavior, owners can build a stronger, more trusting relationship with their dogs.