Dog Training Dog Body Language 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A dog holds its tail high and stiff while wagging it slowly. What does this most likely signal?
- Heightened arousal or potential aggression (Correct answer)
- Pure friendly excitement
- Submission and appeasement
- Cold and discomfort
Correct answer: Heightened arousal or potential aggression
A high, stiff tail with a slow wag indicates arousal or tension, not friendliness.
Question 2: What is a 'whale eye' in canine body language?
- When the whites of the eyes are visible at the corners (Correct answer)
- A relaxed, soft-eyed gaze
- Rapid blinking to clear dust
- Pupils fully constricted in bright light
Correct answer: When the whites of the eyes are visible at the corners
Whale eye, showing the eye whites, signals stress, fear, or discomfort.
Question 3: A dog yawns repeatedly during a training session in a quiet room. What is the most likely meaning?
- A calming signal indicating stress (Correct answer)
- Genuine tiredness
- A request for food
- An invitation to play
Correct answer: A calming signal indicating stress
Out-of-context yawning is a calming signal that often reflects stress or conflict.
Question 4: What does a 'play bow' (front legs lowered, rear up) communicate?
- An invitation to play (Correct answer)
- A threat to attack
- Severe submission
- Territorial warning
Correct answer: An invitation to play
The play bow is a clear invitation signaling that following behavior is play.
Question 5: A dog licks its lips when no food is present. What does this usually indicate?
- Mild stress or appeasement (Correct answer)
- Hunger only
- Aggression
- Excitement to greet
Correct answer: Mild stress or appeasement
Lip licking without food is a common appeasement or stress signal.
Question 6: What does piloerection (raised hackles along the back) reliably indicate?
- Heightened arousal, which can be fear or excitement (Correct answer)
- Always aggression
- Always playfulness
- A skin condition
Correct answer: Heightened arousal, which can be fear or excitement
Raised hackles signal arousal but are not inherently aggressive.
Question 7: A dog turns its head away and avoids eye contact when approached. What is it communicating?
- A calming signal showing it wants to de-escalate (Correct answer)
- Disrespect that should be corrected
- Readiness to bite
- Invitation to chase
Correct answer: A calming signal showing it wants to de-escalate
Head turning and gaze aversion are appeasement signals to reduce tension.
Dog Training Dog Body Language 2
A dog holds its tail high and stiff while wagging it slowly.
What does this most likely signal?