Is submission a type of canine aggression?

• A. Yes
• B. Sometimes
• C. No
• D. Always

Answer: (C)

Submission is a calming signal dogs use to avoid confrontation. It conveys non-threatening intent and helps a dog de-escalate interactions. This can show up as turning away, lowering the body, avoiding eye contact, ears back, or exposing the belly. Aggression, by contrast, involves a threat or intent to harm, such as growling, snapping, lunging, or biting. Because submission is about signaling non-threat rather than initiating harm, it is not a type of aggression. Statements that say it is sometimes or always aggression miss the fundamental difference between appeasement and threat, and recognizing submission helps you respond safely in dog interactions.