Dog Body Language Quiz 2: Answer Key

A preschooler sits cross-legged and rests a hand on a lying tan dog, whose ears are pinned back and mouth tightly closed.

Question 01

2 points

What do you see? Select all that apply.

✓
Ears pinned back
Body is cowering
Whale eye
✓
Tightly closed mouth

A baby on its tummy reaches up to touch the chest of a beagle lying stiffly and looking straight ahead.

Question 02

1 point

How would you describe the dog's eyes?

Whale eye
Blinking eyes
Soft eyes
✓
None of the above

A seated baby leans toward a sitting schnauzer mix that yawns with its ears back.

Question 03

2 points

How can you tell the dog is not comfortable with the baby being so close? Select all that apply.

Back legs are way back
✓
Ears back
✓
Yawn
Sit instead of a down

A golden retriever puppy sits beside a baby with a smooth forehead and a loose, relaxed tongue.

Question 04

3 points

How can you tell this puppy is relaxed? Select all that apply.

✓
Smooth forehead
✓
Relaxed tongue
Top teeth showing
✓
Relaxed sit

A laughing toddler sits close to a French bulldog in a sweater, whose body is relaxed and eyes are soft.

Question 05

2 points

How can you tell the dog is comfortable with the baby being so close? Select all that apply.

✓
Soft eyes (no direct eye contact)
Hard stare
✓
Relaxed body
C-shaped forward mouth

A baby sits on the floor near a standing dog whose tail is tucked under its body.

Question 06

1 point

This dog's tail is tucked under. Looking at the tail, the whole body, and the crying baby nearby, what might the dog be feeling?

Unsure
Scared
Anxious
✓
All of the above

Question 07

2 points

Roma licks the baby twice, before the baby touches her paw and after. What kind of licks are these? Select all that apply.

✓
Affection licks first, “stay away from me” next
Both are affection licks
✓
First licks are soft licks. Licks after the baby touches the paw are pushy.
Both licks are dismissing

Watch the switch

Same dog, same baby, two different messages. Before the baby touches her paw, Roma's licks are soft. Once her paw is touched, the licks turn pushy. That's Roma saying “stay away from me.”

Question 08

2 points

What does Lily's behavior mean? Select all that apply.

Licks and play bows at the baby to invite the baby to play with her
✓
Is conflicted and a bit unsure. These are appeasement licks.
These are doggie kisses. She is so happy the baby is playing with her!
✓
Baby's new mobility is a bit unsettling. Lily keeps her distance from the baby the whole time.

What's happening

Lily is unsure about the baby's new mobility. She tries behaviors like a play bow, which work in dog-to-dog communication. The baby doesn't respond the way a dog would, so Lily grabs a toy and moves away.

Question 09

1 point

Charlie runs up to the baby to:

Give the baby doggie kisses
Invite the baby to roll together
✓
Calm the baby down (or calm himself down)
Show his affection

Q10 video coming soon

Question 10

1 point

The baby is cruising along the furniture. The dog wags their tail and lies down. What is happening?

The dog is very comfortable and relaxed in the baby's presence
✓
The dog is showing subtle signs of stress, like a whale eye and a furrowed eyebrow
The dog is waiting for the baby to plop next to them and cuddle
The dog is cheering the baby on

Commonly missed

A wagging tail and a dog lying down can look relaxed. Look at the face instead. The whale eye and furrowed brow show this dog is uneasy while the baby is on the move.

Q11 video coming soon

Question 11

1 point

How would you describe this dog's behavior?

Feels comfortable next to the baby
Wants to kiss the baby secretly, but it upsets the mom
✓
The nose/lip licks are a sign of stress
Is very neutral

Question 12

1 point

How would you describe the dog's behavior?

Stressed and worried
✓
Curious, investigative, some drive-by licks
Ready for fight or flight
Feeling trusting and playful

Quiz 2 Answers

What do you see? Select all that apply.

How would you describe the dog's eyes?

How can you tell the dog is not comfortable with the baby being so close? Select all that apply.

How can you tell this puppy is relaxed? Select all that apply.

How can you tell the dog is comfortable with the baby being so close? Select all that apply.

This dog's tail is tucked under. Looking at the tail, the whole body, and the crying baby nearby, what might the dog be feeling?

Roma licks the baby twice, before the baby touches her paw and after. What kind of licks are these? Select all that apply.

What does Lily's behavior mean? Select all that apply.

Charlie runs up to the baby to:

The baby is cruising along the furniture. The dog wags their tail and lies down. What is happening?

How would you describe this dog's behavior?

How would you describe the dog's behavior?

Seeing the signal is the easy half.

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