Dogs hanging their heads while sitting is a common behavior that many dog owners have noticed. While it can look concerning when your pup has their head down, there are actually a few simple reasons that explain this behavior.
Guilt
One of the most common reasons dogs hang their heads is because they feel guilty or ashamed. Dogs are very sensitive and can pick up on cues that indicate they have done something wrong. When your dog has been scolded or knows you are upset with them, they may hang their head down in an apologetic manner. This submissive body language is your dog’s way of acknowledging their wrongdoing and showing remorse.
Some examples of when a dog may display guilt by hanging their head include:
- After getting into the trash can or chewing on a household item
- When you discover a mess they have made around the house
- Coming back inside after running off or ignoring commands
The guilt is often written all over their face. A lowered head, flattened ears, and averting gaze are all signs your pup knows they are in the doghouse for their behavior.
Fear or Anxiety
While guilt is a common reason for a head hang, fear and anxiety can also cause this posture. Everything from loud noises to being scolded can make your dog feel uneasy and apprehensive. A lowered head is a way for dogs to appear small and non-threatening when they are feeling scared.
Some examples of situations that may cause fear or anxiety include:
- Getting scolded by an owner
- Yelling or arguments in the home
- Being approached by a stranger
- Loud noises like fireworks or thunder
- Being in an unfamiliar place
Their head hung low is an attempt to appease and retreat from whatever they find frightening or stressful. It’s their way of saying “please don’t hurt me.”
Learned Behavior
Sometimes dogs hang their heads down because they have learned to associate the posture with getting rewards or attention. If your pup has learned that putting their head down results in petting, treats, or kind words, they are likely to repeat the behavior. This type of learned response can stem from attempts to correct inappropriate behaviors.
For example, if your dog jumps up a lot and you have scolded them while pushing their paws back to the ground, they may start lowering their head down in hopes of avoiding further discipline. Any behavior that prevents an unpleasant reaction can become reinforced.
Staying Out of Trouble
An extension of learned behavior is when dogs hang their heads preemptively to stay out of trouble. Clever pups quickly pick up on body postures, tones, and situations where they are more likely to be corrected or scolded. In an effort to appease and avoid punishment, they may instinctually lower their head around the times they anticipate you will be unhappy with them.
Some examples include:
- When you are eating in case they beg
- Right before departing to discourage door bolting
- When they have something in their mouth they shouldn’t
The head lowering is an attempt to convey innocence and deter any discipline. It’s their way of saying “I’m being extra good right now.”
Avoiding Eye Contact
In some cases, dogs hang their heads down simply to avoid making direct eye contact. Prolonged eye contact and staring can be threatening in the dog world. Dogs that are more submissive may look away intentionally as a sign of respect when approached.
Your dog lowering their eyes can also signify:
- Disinterest in interaction
- An attempt to calm situations
- Insecurity or meekness
So if you notice your pup avoiding your gaze with a lowered head, it may simply be their way of communicating they are not looking for conflict.
Lack of Confidence
Timid, shy, or anxious pups are more likely to default to head hanging due to a lack of confidence. When dogs do not have an innate sense of security or status, lowering the head is a self-soothing posture. Physical positions that make dogs feel smaller and less visible help provide comfort in uncertain situations.
Some triggers for insecure head hanging include:
- Being approached by a new or dominant dog
- Unfamiliar environments or people
- Being punished or disciplined
- A loud and boisterous environment
So the next time your shy pup has their head angled down in a new place or around other dogs, it is likely due to their timid nature rather than anything being wrong.
Submissive Body Language
One of the most common reasons dogs hang their heads is to display submissive body language. Lowering the head makes a dog appear small and non-threatening. Flat, low ears also communicate a pup is being deferential. This is their way of showing appeasement and deference in various situations.
Submissive head lowering may be triggered by:
- Being approached by someone towering over them
- A stranger reaching out to pet them
- Making eye contact with a perceived authority figure
- Being scolded or disciplined
- Approaching a new dog
Dogs do this instinctually when interacting with humans and other dogs they perceive as dominant. It helps avoid conflict and connotes they are not a threat.
Fatigue
While not the most common reason, simple fatigue or sleepiness can cause a dog to hang their head down. When dogs get worn out from playtime or a long walk, they tend to get sleepy just like humans. A lowered head provides comfortable resting posture.
Signs your dog may be tired include:
- Less enthusiasm for walks, play, or training
- Yawning
- Curling up in their bed or favorite quiet area
- Becoming less alert and active
Their little heads start to feel heavy, just like we experience when drowsy. A cozy nap is often all that is needed to perk your pup back up.
Sickness or Pain
Though it is more rare, occasionally dogs will hang their heads when sick or in pain. If illness or injury is causing lethargy, muscle weakness, headache, or neck discomfort your dog may instinctually keep their head lowered. Any type of mouth pain can also cause them to hang their head down.
Some signs of sickness or pain include:
- Loss of appetite
- Whimpering, crying or howling
- Lethargy
- Hiding or seeking isolation
- Aggression or nippy behavior if touched in a certain spot
Sometimes the lowered head position relieves tension or discomfort. But in most cases of illness or injury, the head hang persists even when the dog is lying down or sleeping. Contact your vet if your pup’s head hanging is accompanied by any other concerning symptoms.
Old Age
Senior dogs may keep their head pointed down more due to the natural aging process. Moderate to severe arthritis in the neck, muscle loss, and neurologic decline can make keeping the head up uncomfortable or difficult. Their necks simply get weaker as they age.
Some other senior behavior changes that accompany head hanging include:
- Hesitating to go on walks or play
- Standing up or getting into position slowly
- Seeming stiff, especially after long naps
- Having grey or white fur around the muzzle
As long as your older pup is acting happy and eating normally, their low head carriage is likely a harmless result of getting older. Keep an eye out for signs of pain or distress.
Breed Characteristics
Certain breeds like Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds, and other scent hounds naturally have a lowered head and downward gaze. Their loose, saggy skin around the head and neck contributes to the downward tilt. For these breeds, having the head hung low aids scent tracking with their superb sniffers.
| Breed | Reason for Low Head Carriage |
|---|---|
| Basset Hound | Excess neck skin. Optimizes ground scent tracking. |
| Bloodhound | Designed for keeping nose near the ground when following a scent trail. |
| Neapolitan Mastiff | Fold of skin over neck area causes head to droop. |
| Shar Pei | Wrinkles of skin around neck lead to tendency of low head position. |
Certain bully breeds like Pit Bulls, English Bulldogs, and Boxers also naturally carry their heads lower due to their shortened snout and muscular build. For these breeds, the downward head tilt is totally normal and nothing to worry about.
Senior Dog Care Tips
If your aging dog has started hanging their head, here are some tips for providing the best care:
Provide Soft Bedding
Cushion their joints with thick orthopedic beds and foam mats around the house. This makes it easier for them to shift positions.
Use Ramps
Install dog ramps or steps to help them more easily get on and off furniture without having to lift their heads upward.
Consider Physical Therapy
Doing targeted neck stretches and exercises with a professional can improve flexibility and range of motion.
Massage Their Neck
Use short 10-15 minute massages to relax tense neck muscles. Always avoid putting pressure on the spine or throat.
Use a Harness Outdoors
A waist leash helps take pressure off the neck compared to standard collars. Make walks easier on sore joints.
Keep Them at a Healthy Weight
Carrying excess weight compounds joint issues. Talk to your vet about an ideal weight and feeding routine.
Monitor for Pain
Note any signs of pain like whining, aggression, or difficulty moving to determine if medication is needed.
Provide Steps or Ramps
Make it easier to get on furniture without excessive effort lifting the head and body upward.
Avoid Collars that Pull on the Neck
Use harnesses and slip leads to avoid discomfort. Check for neck irritation.
Adjust Exercise Routines
Prioritize low impact exercise and allow for plenty of rest periods to prevent overexertion.
Speak with Your Veterinarian
Have your dog evaluated for any specific neck injuries or orthopedic issues causing discomfort.
When to See the Veterinarian
Most of the time, a head hang is nothing to be concerned about. However, if your dog’s lowered head position is accompanied by any of these symptoms you should consult your vet:
- Signs of neck pain like whimpering when moving head
- Reluctance to lift head to eat or drink
- Fever
- Dilated pupils
- Drooling
- Head tilt
- Loss of balance or trouble standing
- Unexplained lethargy
- Crying out suddenly
Any of these warrant a veterinary exam to diagnose and treat the underlying issue properly. Most concerning is an inability or unwillingness to lift the head at all, which requires urgent vet care.
The Bottom Line on Head Hanging
While a lowered head posture can look concerning to dog owners at first, it is rarely a cause for alarm. In most cases, it is simply your pup’s way of exhibiting submission, uncertainty, or guilt. However, if the head hang is accompanied by any signs of distress or pain, be sure to contact your veterinarian right away. With attentive care and training, you can help build confidence in timid pups prone to head lowering.