Dog Training Canine Ethology and Communication 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A dog yawns repeatedly while sitting at the vet's waiting room, though it is not tired. What is this most likely signaling?
- Stress or appeasement (Correct answer)
- Hunger
- Dominance
- Playfulness
Correct answer: Stress or appeasement
Yawning out of context is a calming signal indicating stress or an attempt to defuse tension.
Question 2: What does a 'play bow' (front legs lowered, rear raised) most reliably communicate?
- An invitation to play (Correct answer)
- A threat display
- Submission to a higher-ranking dog
- Territorial warning
Correct answer: An invitation to play
The play bow is a meta-signal that frames following behaviors as non-serious play.
Question 3: A dog turns its head away and licks its lips when a stranger leans over it. These are best described as:
- Calming/appeasement signals (Correct answer)
- Predatory cues
- Signs of aggression
- Boredom indicators
Correct answer: Calming/appeasement signals
Lip-licking and head-turning are appeasement signals used to reduce perceived threat.
Question 4: What does 'whale eye' (showing the whites of the eyes) typically indicate?
- Stress, fear, or discomfort (Correct answer)
- Relaxed contentment
- An invitation to play
- Sleepiness
Correct answer: Stress, fear, or discomfort
Whale eye reveals tension and is a warning that the dog is uncomfortable.
Question 5: A wagging tail held low and moving in a slow, wide sweep most likely communicates:
- A relaxed, friendly mood (Correct answer)
- Imminent aggression
- Acute fear
- Predatory focus
Correct answer: A relaxed, friendly mood
A low, loose, broad wag generally reflects a calm and friendly emotional state.
Question 6: Ethologically, what is the primary function of canine scent-marking with urine?
- Communicating identity and territory to other dogs (Correct answer)
- Cleaning the bladder more efficiently
- Cooling the body in heat
- Attracting prey
Correct answer: Communicating identity and territory to other dogs
Scent-marking deposits chemical information about identity, status, and territory.
Question 7: A dog freezes stiffly with a closed mouth and hard stare while guarding a bone. This posture signals:
- Resource guarding and a warning (Correct answer)
- Friendly invitation
- Appeasement
- Relaxation
Correct answer: Resource guarding and a warning
Stiff freezing with a hard stare is a clear warning to back away from a valued resource.
Dog Training Canine Ethology and Communication 2
A dog yawns repeatedly while sitting at the vet's waiting room, though it is not tired.
What is this most likely signaling?