Which action is commonly considered a calming signal used to pacify another dog?

Which action is commonly considered a calming signal used to pacify another dog?

• A. Stiff tail held high
• B. Yawning
• C. Barking
• D. Lunge with growl

Answer: (B)

During dog-to-dog interactions, dogs use calming signals to reduce tension. Yawning is one of the most common, widely recognized signs used to pacify another dog. It communicates that the yawner is not a threat and wants to diffuse potential conflict; it’s a nonverbal invitation to pause or disengage and can help defuse tense encounters. This signal is often seen when dogs meet or interact closely and can even be contagious, with another dog mirroring the yawn to mirror a calm mood. The other listed behaviors aren’t calming signals: a stiff tail held high signals arousal or potential dominance, barking indicates arousal or alerting rather than reassurance, and lunging with a growl is aggression aimed at intimidation. So yawning best fits the concept of a calming signal used to pacify another dog.

During dog-to-dog interactions, dogs use calming signals to reduce tension. Yawning is one of the most common, widely recognized signs used to pacify another dog. It communicates that the yawner is not a threat and wants to diffuse potential conflict; it’s a nonverbal invitation to pause or disengage and can help defuse tense encounters. This signal is often seen when dogs meet or interact closely and can even be contagious, with another dog mirroring the yawn to mirror a calm mood. The other listed behaviors aren’t calming signals: a stiff tail held high signals arousal or potential dominance, barking indicates arousal or alerting rather than reassurance, and lunging with a growl is aggression aimed at intimidation. So yawning best fits the concept of a calming signal used to pacify another dog.