Canine Behavior & Body Language Flashcards

A dog that mounts another dog immediately after a brief chase is most likely exhibiting which function of mounting?

Answer: Arousal and stress displacement

Mounting during or after high-arousal play is often a displacement behavior linked to excitement and stress, not sexual intent.

What is the primary function of the 'play bow' in canine communication?

Answer: Inviting play and ensuring subsequent actions are interpreted as play

The play bow functions as a meta-signal that frames upcoming behaviors—even rough ones—as playful rather than threatening.

During an on-leash greeting, a dog circles behind the owner and wraps the leash around the owner's legs. This behavior most often indicates:

Answer: Displacement anxiety and social pressure from the greeting

Circling behind and creating leash tension often reflects anxiety about a forced greeting, with the dog seeking distance.

A dog that greets every visitor by jumping up and mouthing is best understood through which behavioral lens?

Answer: Reinforced attention-seeking behavior

Jumping and mouthing that persists are maintained by reinforcement—usually inadvertent attention—rather than dominance.

Which of the following best describes 'distance-increasing' signals in dogs?

Answer: Growling, stiffening, and direct stare

Distance-increasing signals like growling, stiffening, and hard stares communicate 'back off' to reduce threat.

A trainer observes that a dog urinates small amounts when greeted by visitors. This is best classified as:

Answer: Excitement or submissive urination

Submissive or excitement urination is a social communication behavior and not a housetraining problem.

What does 'stress yawning' in dogs differ from a regular yawn in terms of context?

Answer: Stress yawning happens in anticipation of or during aversive events

Stress yawning occurs in response to tension, conflict, or aversive stimuli, unlike fatigue-related yawns.