How Well Do You Know Dog Behavior?

Take this quiz to find out!

Dogs might not speak human language, but humans and dogs still manage to understand each other. How well do you understand man’s best friend?

Take a shot at these quick dog behavior questions, and we’ll tell you if you’re a dog whisperer!

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Questions Overview

1. How is this dog most likely feeling?
  1. Relaxed
  2. Playful
  3. Submissive
  4. Aggressive
2. How is this dog most likely feeling?
  1. Dominant
  2. Submissive
  3. Frightened
  4. Alert
3. A dog with its tail tucked between its legs is most likely:
  1. Excited
  2. Relaxed
  3. Aggressive
  4. Afraid
4. How are these dogs most likely feeling?
  1. Playful
  2. Aggressive
  3. Fearful
  4. Submissive
5. What is this dog most likely feeling?
  1. Curious
  2. Frightened
  3. Dominant
  4. Aggressive
6. A dog that is leaning forward is most likely:
  1. Alert
  2. Submissive
  3. Frightened
  4. Anxious
7. What behavior are these dogs most likely showing?
  1. Aggression
  2. Play
8. Do raised hackles always signify aggression?
  1. Yes
  2. No
9. What is this dog most likely feeling?
  1. Afraid
  2. Relaxed
  3. Aggressive
  4. Nervous
10. What might it mean when a dog pants?
  1. The dog is nervous.
  2. The dog is relaxed.
  3. The dog is hot and trying to cool down.
  4. Any of these.
11. What is this dog most likely feeling?
  1. Playful
  2. Afraid
  3. Alert
  4. Relaxed
12. What does it mean when a dog turns away and avoids eye contact?
  1. Playfulness
  2. Submission
  3. Dominance
  4. Aggression

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Understanding Dog Body Language

What is a friendly dog’s body language? A happy dog generally wags their tail! That’s the most classic and well-recognized canine behavior. A relaxed dog will have soft eyes that aren’t wide open, and you probably won’t see their whites. Sometimes, a happy dog might also pant or “smile,” but that smile is only positive if they’re also wagging their tail.

An excited dog will perk their ears up and face them forward. If an excited dog is playful, they’ll probably “bow” or get low on their front legs while sticking their butt in the air. Sometimes, a dog can be excited and curious, and they’ll perk their ears while wagging their tail low.

What does a stressed dog look like? Stressed dogs generally make themselves small. They’ll crouch, flatten their ears, and tuck their tails, which tells other dogs that they’re not a threat. Stressed dogs might also pant, yawn, or lick their lips.

When a dog is alert, they’ll stand straight and lean slightly forward with their ears perked.

What does an aggressive dog look like?
Aggressive dogs usually have wide, stiff postures. They’ll often show their teeth and flatten their ears to tell you that they’re not happy, and might snap if you make the wrong move. They’ll also “raise their hackles,” which means the fur on their back stands on end.

Do all dogs show these signs?
Most individual dog body language signs, like yawning, panting, or even smiling, have multiple meanings, and the best way to “read” them is by also reading the situation, context, and other physical cues the dog is showing you. While many of these cues are instinctual, not every dog follows them all to the letter, so it’s always best to practice caution around dogs you don’t know very well.

What about cats? Is their body language different from dogs?
Happy cats have perky, forward-facing ears; upright, swishing tails; and round or partially closed eyes. Stressed cats stoop low to the ground, with low tails and flattened ears. Scared cats bunch themselves up, bristle their fur, wrap their tails, and flatten their ears. Angry cats make themselves large, like they’re standing on their tippy toes with their backs arched and fur bristling.

What are the 7 types of animal body language? Experts sometimes say the 7 types are:

  • Facial expressions
  • Eye contact & movement
  • Body gestures, like shivering or turning away
  • Posture
  • Proximity, or how close the animal is comfortable getting.
  • Touch
  • Vocalizations

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