BEHAVIOR & BODY LANGUAGE
What does it usually mean when a dog yawns and licks its lips during handling?
Answer: Stress or discomfort
What tool listens to heart and lungs?
Answer: Stethoscope
What is enrichment for?
Answer: Reduces stress, boredom, improves mental health
What should you always do before entering a kennel?
Answer: Pause and observe the animal
A dog backs away when you approach. What is it saying?
Answer: It wants space
What does a stiff, high tail and frozen body usually mean?
Answer: The animal is tense and possibly about to react
Why do vets take temperature instead of guessing if an animal is sick?
Answer: To get real data, not assumptions
Why might a shelter animal seem to have more behaviors in a kennel than in a home?
Answer: Stressful environment, noise, lack of control
Why is reaching over a dog’s head risky?
Answer: It can feel threatening
A cat hisses when you open the kennel. What should you do first?
Answer: Pause, give space, reassess
Why is “freezing” sometimes more dangerous than growling?
Answer: Because it can come before biting and gives fewer warnings
Why is restraint sometimes more dangerous than helpful?
Answer: It increases fear and can cause bites or injury
A dog is barking and spinning in circles every time people walk by. What problem is this showing?
Answer: Overstimulation, stress, frustration
Why is a wagging tail not always a sign of a happy dog?
Answer: It can also mean stress or arousal
An animal is “fine” with staff but reacts badly to visitors. Why might this happen?
Answer: Trust, predictability, stress differences
Two dogs are both quiet. One is relaxed, one is scared. Name 3 body clues that help you tell the difference.
Answer: Ears, eyes, muscles, tail, posture, breathing, etc.
Why might a vet stop an exam even if they are not finished?
Answer: The animal is too stressed and safety is more important
A cat hides all day and never comes out. What are 2 things staff might try to help?
Answer: Hiding boxes, quiet space, fewer interactions, pheromones, etc.
Name 3 signs that handling should stop immediately.
Answer: Freezing, growling, snapping, whale eye, stiff body, etc.
You are told to move a scared dog, but it is showing stress signals. What is the safest choice?
Answer: Get help, slow down, change the plan
Why do some animals show very small stress signals before a big reaction?
Answer: Because they have learned their signals are ignored or they are very overwhelmed
Why do vets often combine behavior observation with physical exams to make decisions?
Answer: Because stress and pain change behavior and affect results
Why is it dangerous to label an animal as “aggressive” instead of “stressed” or “fearful”?
Answer: It can change how people treat them
Why is it sometimes safer to choose not to interact with an animal?
Answer: Because safety and stress levels matter more than touching
A dog has never bitten but shows freezing and hard eye during exams. What does a smart vet team do?
Answer: Change handling plan, use Fear Free methods, reduce stress, possibly stop