Canine Behavior & Body Language Flashcards

A dog approaches a stranger with a low, slow wag of the tail held below the topline. What does this most likely signal?

Answer: Uncertainty or mild apprehension

A slow, low tail wag indicates the dog is uncertain or cautious, not confidently friendly.

Which of the following is a classic 'cut-off signal' a dog uses to interrupt social tension?

Answer: Yawning or lip licking

Yawning and lip licking are calming/cut-off signals dogs use to de-escalate tension in social interactions.

A dog that repeatedly rolls onto its back when approached by another dog is displaying what type of behavior?

Answer: Passive submission

Rolling onto the back and exposing the abdomen is a passive submissive gesture that communicates non-threat.

Which ear position in dogs is most associated with active attention and positive engagement?

Answer: Ears rotated forward and slightly erect

Ears rotated forward signal attentiveness and engagement with the environment or a person.

What does a dog communicate when it 'freezes' completely during handling?

Answer: It is experiencing extreme stress and may bite

A sudden freeze during handling is a warning sign of high stress and imminent potential for defensive biting.

A dog's pupils appear dilated and its gaze is described as 'whale eye' (showing white sclera). What does this indicate?

Answer: Fear or anxiety

Dilated pupils and whale eye are stress indicators signaling that the dog feels threatened or anxious.

Which scenario best describes an 'agonistic pucker' in dogs?

Answer: The dog's lips are pulled back to expose front and side teeth in a tense face

An agonistic pucker is a facial tension signal where lip retraction exposes teeth as a warning display.