Dog Walker Certificate Dog Behavior and Body Language 2

Question 1

What does it mean when a dog's hackles (fur along the spine) are raised?

Accepted Answer

The dog is experiencing heightened arousal, which can be fear or excitement

Answer

Raised hackles (piloerection) indicate heightened emotional arousal, which can stem from excitement, fear, or aggression — context determines which.

Question 2

A dog that is showing whale eye (whites of eyes visible) is most likely feeling:

Accepted Answer

Uncomfortable or threatened

Answer

Whale eye, where the whites of a dog's eyes are clearly visible, is a warning signal indicating the dog feels threatened or uncomfortable.

Question 3

Which behavior indicates a dog is comfortable and content during a walk?

Accepted Answer

Loose, relaxed body with a wagging tail at a neutral height

Answer

A loose, relaxed body posture with a wagging tail held at a neutral height indicates a calm, happy, content dog.

Question 4

A dog freezes completely and stops moving during a walk near another dog. What should the dog walker do?

Accepted Answer

Recognize this as a warning sign and calmly redirect the dog away

Answer

Freezing is a pre-bite warning signal, and the walker should calmly redirect and increase distance from the trigger to prevent escalation.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes reactive behavior in dogs on leash?

Accepted Answer

A dog that overreacts (barking, lunging) to triggers like other dogs or people

Answer

Leash reactivity is when a dog overreacts to stimuli such as other dogs, people, or vehicles by barking, lunging, or growling while on leash.

Dog Walker Certificate Practice Test