Attention Seeking
Your dog will roll onto their back when they are seeking your attention or approval. They are happiest when you are giving them attention and they will relax when you give them a quick tummy rub or spend time with them.
Scratching an Itch
There are certain places on a dog’s body that they simply cannot reach. Your dog may be trying to convince you to scratch an itch on their belly or chest that they cannot reach. They may also roll onto their back out in the grass or on a textured surface to reach an itch on their back. Skin irritation, allergies, external parasites and dry skin can cause your dog to try to scratch an itch by rolling on their back.
Regulate Body Temperature
People recognise that dogs regulate their body temperature by panting and finding cool spots to rest. On top of this, dogs will also roll onto their backs and expose their belly to cool off.
Show Confidence
Many times, dogs that are comfortable and confident will roll on their backs to sleep. This shows their owners that they feel safe and secure and know that they will be taken care of while they sleep.
Submissiveness
Dogs that lack confidence or have a submissive nature will show respect to a person or another dog by rolling on their back. This behavior communicates to the dominant person or dog that they are not going to challenge their authority.
Luring Prey
If you notice your dog roll on his back and then make direct eye contact with you or stare with their body tense, beware and do not approach them. They are waiting to show their dominance and will most likely growl or snap at you when you approach. They may even bite you. This type of anxious dog will benefit from obedience school and/or a consult with a veterinary behaviourist.
Obsessive Behavior
Some dogs will exhibit a constant desire to roll on their back and this could be a sign of an obsessive disorder. You may need to work with a canine behaviorist to show you how to redirect your dog’s attention and keep them from focusing or obsessing on rolling onto their back. This is are.