Dog Behavior: Defensive Threat Posture
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Questions and Answers

What does it indicate if a dog's ears are back?

  • The dog is in a defensive threat posture. (correct)
  • The dog is excited to see someone.
  • The dog is ready to attack.
  • The dog is feeling playful.

    • How should a person ideally approach a dog displaying a defensive threat posture?

  • Approach slowly and make eye contact.
  • Avoid any movement and stare at the dog.
  • Run towards the dog to show friendliness.
  • Maintain neutral stance with no eye contact. (correct)

    • Which of the following signs is NOT associated with a dog in a defensive threat posture?

  • Body position low and backward.
  • Tail wagging enthusiastically. (correct)
  • Hackles raised.
  • Pupils dilated.

    • What vocalization is likely to be heard from a dog in a defensive threat posture?

    <p>A low growl or snarl.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical behavior of a dog in a defensive threat posture?

    <p>The dog tries to move away and maintain distance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common behavioral sign of active submission in dogs?

    <p>Ears down and tucked close to the head</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How might a dog in active submission use vocalization?

    <p>No vocalization at all</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following interactions is appropriate for a dog showing signs of active submission?

    <p>Remain neutral and calm, allowing the puppy to approach you</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What physical posture might a dog in active submission display?

    <p>Body lowered and back, possibly appearing to grovel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What cue may indicate a dog is avoiding direct eye contact?

    <p>Eyes are narrow and squinty</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which can be a rude greeting or a warning?

    <p>Muzzle Punch</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which is not a calming signal?

    <p>Whale eye</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Ears perked up and forward, eyes scanning, body on a forward axis and tail straight up describes which body posture?

    <p>Alert or Aroused</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Calming signals help to decrease stress among dogs. True or False?

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe appropriate human body language when approaching a relaxed dog.

    <p>Slight curve on approach, not leaning over the dog, no direct prolonged eye contact, calm, remain neutral</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What body language is typically shown by a fearful dog?

    <p>Tail between the legs, body low and pushed back, lips drawn into a V shape</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most appropriate way to approach a passively submissive puppy?

    <p>Lower yourself to the puppy's level and wait for it to come to you</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes distance decreasing signals?

    <p>Passive submission, play signals, active submission</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about calming signals in dogs is false?

    <p>Observing all calming signals at once is crucial for proper understanding</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes how to recognize a dog's fearful behavior?

    <p>Tucked tail, low body posture, and a V-shaped mouth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following are all considered warning signals in dogs?

    <p>Whale eye, freeze, flight, muzzle punch, hard stare, head flick, growl</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Is it true that dogs showing true aggression can be seen in all breeds?

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What best describes a Defensive Threat Posture in dogs?

    <p>Ears flat on the head, narrow eyes, dilated pupils, mouth in V shape, trembling</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Does a wagging tail always indicate that a dog is friendly?

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term describes behaviors that arise during emotional conflict as an outlet for energy?

    <p>Displacement Behaviours</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a dog in an offensive posture typically do with its ears?

    <p>Ears will be forward.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the mouth of an offensive dog typically appear?

    <p>Mouth and lips form a C shape to expose teeth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What vocalization is commonly associated with a threatening dog in an offensive stance?

    <p>Snarl, low deep growl, or loud barking.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical body axis position of an offensive dog?

    <p>Body axis is upright and forward.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How would the eyes of an offensive dog generally appear?

    <p>Narrow or staring challengingly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the tail position typical of an offensive dog?

    <p>Tail is up and over the back.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What may happen to the hackles of a dog in an offensive posture?

    <p>Hackles may rise on the neck.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does an offensive dog's body typically feel?

    <p>Tense and braced.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What behavior is typical of a dog displaying passive submission?

    <p>Eyes squinty or closed and tail tucked</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How should a person interact with a dog showing signs of passive submission?

    <p>Stay out of the dog's space and remain neutral</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common vocalization associated with passive submission in dogs?

    <p>None or low, worried whining</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following terms best describes the dog's physical state in passive submission?

    <p>Lowered body and possibly rolling onto back</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which reading resource provides insights into canine body language?

    <p>Coaching People to Train Their Dogs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should you do if you feel uncomfortable with a dog?

    <p>Immediately stop working with the dog and put him away</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of behavior is characterized by energy dissipation during emotional conflict?

    <p>Displacement Behavior</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What best describes the main purpose of personal grooming in dogs?

    <p>To maintain cleanliness and comfort</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the definition of aggression in dogs?

    <p>The intent to do harm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which body posture is typically associated with passive submission in dogs?

    <p>Lying down and exposing the belly</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Defensive Threat Posture

    • Dogs exhibit defensive threat posture with ears pinned back, wide and staring eyes, and dilated pupils.
    • The mouth displays long lips in a V shape, often bared in a snarl, indicating a threat.
    • Body tension is high; weight is shifted back onto hind legs with a low orientation.
    • Hackles may rise, legs are braced, and the tail is typically tucked between the legs.
    • Vocalizations include snarls and low growls, signifying discomfort and readiness to retreat.

    Proper Interaction with Defensive Dogs

    • Increase distance immediately; remain neutral without eye contact.
    • Position body sideways to minimize perceived threat; avoid direct confrontation.
    • Allow the dog to approach when it feels comfortable.

    Active Submission

    • Ears are down and closely tucked; eyes squint with avoidance of direct gaze.
    • Mouth may be open or pulled back, sometimes attempting to lick as a submissive gesture.
    • Body is lowered, resembling grovelling, with a rapidly moving tail, often tucked.
    • Vocalizations may consist of a low, worried whine or are absent altogether.

    Proper Interaction with Actively Submissive Dogs

    • Maintain a calm and neutral demeanor; allow the dog to approach at its own pace.
    • Avoid leaning over the dog to prevent adding stress.

    Passive Submission

    • Ears are either back and tucked or out to the side, with eyes averted or squinting.
    • Body is lowered, often rolling onto its back, indicating submission.
    • Tail is tucked, and urination might occur due to overwhelming emotions.
    • Vocalizations are minimal, typically a low whine if any.

    Proper Interaction with Passively Submissive Dogs

    • Do not approach; instead, give space as the dog may feel overwhelmed.
    • Lower yourself to the dog’s level without invading its space, adopting a neutral stance.
    • Understanding both your body language and the dog's is crucial for appropriate interaction.

    Key Reading Materials

    • Canine Body Language, Brenda Aloff
    • Dog Language, Roger Abrantes
    • Coaching People to Train Their Dogs, Terry Ryan

    Multiple Choice Questions

    • Recognize key behavior signals that distinguish fearful, defensively posturing, actively submissive, and passively submissive dogs.
    • Remember that passive submissive dogs require distance and a calm approach, while defensive dogs need space and non-threatening body language.
    • Understanding of warning signals, such as muzzle punches and whale eye, is essential for safe interactions.

    Additional Concepts

    • Defensive behaviors include a range of signals like hard stares and growls meant to communicate discomfort.
    • True aggression involves an intent to cause harm, differing from protective or fearful responses.
    • Displacement behaviors emerge during emotional conflicts, serving as coping mechanisms.

    Important Tips

    • Maintain relaxed and neutral body language when interacting with any type of dog.
    • Observe the specific signs of aggression, submission, or discomfort to adjust interactions appropriately.
    • The ability to read a dog's body language is vital for ensuring safety and fostering positive relationships.

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    Description

    Explore the defensive threat posture of dogs in this quiz. Learn about the physical and vocal cues that indicate a dog is feeling threatened or defensive. Understanding these signals is crucial for dog owners and trainers to manage interactions safely.

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