Body Language Basics
Tail wagging always means the dog is happy. True or False?
False (tail wag indicates arousal, could be excitement OR tension).
What is "whale eye"?
White of the eye showing discomfort or stress.
A dog yawning during play is likely ____.
Calming or soothing themselves.
A dog performs a play bow. This means?
Invitation to play.
Two dogs are sniffing calmly side-by-side.
Observe but give space. Its a normal greeting.
A loose, wiggly body ususally means the dog is feeling ____.
Relaxed/Playful
Name one body part to watch for tension.
Tail, ears, mouth, shoulders, etc.
Turning head away means what?
Seeking space or lowering tension.
Relaxed open mouth = ____ dog.
Happy/comfortable.
A dog freezes as another rushes up.
Step in and interrupt gently.
What does a "freeze moment" often signal?
Esclation or discomfort, which the staff should intervene or redirect.
Lip licking during interactions usually means what?
Uncertainty or stress (calming signals).
What does sniffing the ground during interaction sometimes mean?
Avoidance or calm signal, diffusing stress.
Mutual enjoyment.
Arousal builds as the dogs are circling face-to-face.
Step closer, call one dog away for reset.
Name two signs of healthy social interaction.
Play bows, turn-taking, loose body, soft open mouth.
Arosual or potential challenge.
Name two calming signals.
Lip licking, sniffing, shake-off, blinking, or looking away.
Bouncy movement vs stiff movement = which is play?
Bouncy is a playful signal. Stiff is a arousal or tension signal.
One dog continues pinning while the other avoids.
Interrupt, reset, and ensure consent in play.
What is one sign that play is tipping into over-arousal (overstimulation).
Speed increase, vocal tone changes, one dog stops reciprocating.
Describe body language right before escalation.
Freeze, hard stare, mouth closes, weight shifts forward, and stiffness.
What should staff do when calming signals appear repeatedly?
Slow the interaction, create space, or redirect calmly.
Tail moving from the hips side-to-side loosely means what?
Relaxed excitement or playful mood.
A dog repeatedly give calming signals while another persists.
Remove pressure, seperate, or redirect dogs.