What effect do calming signals have on the animals involved?

What effect do calming signals have on the animals involved?

• A. Increasing aggression
• B. Pacifying effect on signaler and possibly recipient
• C. Causing social withdrawal
• D. Inducing fear

Answer: (B)

Calming signals are behaviors animals use to communicate non-threat and ease tension in social interactions. Their main effect is pacifying: when a dog or other animal uses these signals, it often helps reduce arousal in both parties, making a tense situation more manageable. The signaler may feel calmer, and the recipient is frequently soothed as well, which can prevent escalation and keep interactions safe. This is why calming signals are described as having a pacifying effect on the signaler and, depending on the context, on the recipient too. Examples include looking away, slow blinking, lip licking, yawning, or turning the body slightly away. They are not intended to increase aggression, cause withdrawal, or induce fear.

Calming signals are behaviors animals use to communicate non-threat and ease tension in social interactions. Their main effect is pacifying: when a dog or other animal uses these signals, it often helps reduce arousal in both parties, making a tense situation more manageable. The signaler may feel calmer, and the recipient is frequently soothed as well, which can prevent escalation and keep interactions safe. This is why calming signals are described as having a pacifying effect on the signaler and, depending on the context, on the recipient too. Examples include looking away, slow blinking, lip licking, yawning, or turning the body slightly away. They are not intended to increase aggression, cause withdrawal, or induce fear.