CACO Animal Behavior and Body Language

Question 1

A dog holding its tail high and stiff while approaching an animal control officer most likely indicates which behavioral state?

Accepted Answer

Confidence or potential offensive aggression

Answer

A high, stiff tail signals arousal and confidence, which can precede offensive aggression, requiring the officer to use caution.

Question 2

Which cat body posture best indicates that the animal is in a fearful or defensive state?

Accepted Answer

Arched back, puffed tail, and ears flattened sideways

Answer

An arched back and puffed tail are classic feline fear/defensive postures that make the cat appear larger as a threat deterrent.

Question 3

The term 'piloerection' in dogs refers to which observable sign?

Accepted Answer

Raised hackles along the spine and/or shoulders

Answer

Piloerection is the involuntary raising of hair along the dog's back and shoulders, indicating heightened arousal, stress, or potential aggression.

Question 4

When a dog displays 'whale eye'—showing the whites of its eyes—an animal control officer should interpret this as:

Accepted Answer

A stress or warning signal that the dog may bite

Answer

Whale eye is a recognized stress and warning signal in dogs, often preceding a snap or bite if the perceived threat is not removed.

Question 5

Which of the following behaviors in a dog is considered a 'calming signal' as described by animal behaviorist Turid Rugaas?

Accepted Answer

Turning the head or body away when approached

Answer

Calming signals like head turning are appeasement behaviors dogs use to communicate non-threat and to de-escalate tense situations.

CACO - Certified Animal Control Officer Practice Test