Dog Training Dog Body Language 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A dog freezes and goes completely still while being petted. What should you do?
- Stop and give the dog space, as freezing signals discomfort (Correct answer)
- Pet faster to reassure it
- Hug the dog tightly
- Reach toward its face
Correct answer: Stop and give the dog space, as freezing signals discomfort
Freezing is a warning sign that often precedes a snap or bite.
Question 2: What does a relaxed, open mouth with a lolling tongue typically indicate?
- A calm, comfortable dog (Correct answer)
- Aggression building
- Severe pain
- Intense fear
Correct answer: A calm, comfortable dog
A loose, open mouth usually reflects a relaxed and content dog.
Question 3: A dog tucks its tail tightly between its legs. What emotion does this convey?
- Fear or submission (Correct answer)
- Confidence
- Playfulness
- Curiosity
Correct answer: Fear or submission
A tucked tail is a classic sign of fear, anxiety, or submission.
Question 4: What is the meaning of a dog showing its belly while stiff, with a tucked tail and closed mouth?
- Fearful, appeasing submission rather than a play request (Correct answer)
- An invitation for a belly rub
- Pure relaxation
- Territorial display
Correct answer: Fearful, appeasing submission rather than a play request
A tense belly-up posture is appeasement, not a confident request for petting.
Question 5: A dog's ears are pinned flat back against its head. What does this most often mean?
- Fear, anxiety, or appeasement (Correct answer)
- Confidence and dominance
- Strong interest in a sound
- Boredom
Correct answer: Fear, anxiety, or appeasement
Flattened ears commonly indicate fear or appeasement.
Question 6: What does a 'hard stare' with a stiff body from a dog typically signal?
- A warning that may precede aggression (Correct answer)
- Friendly attention
- Sleepiness
- A play invitation
Correct answer: A warning that may precede aggression
A fixed, hard stare paired with stiffness is a serious threat signal.
Question 7: A dog paws at you gently and nudges with its nose. What is it usually communicating?
- A solicitation for attention or interaction (Correct answer)
- A threat
- Severe pain
- Fear of you
Correct answer: A solicitation for attention or interaction
Pawing and nose-nudging are common attention-seeking, affiliative behaviors.
Dog Training Dog Body Language 3
A dog freezes and goes completely still while being petted.
What should you do?