Dog Behavior & Training Glossary

Dog behavior can be confusing, especially when the same behavior gets described ten different ways online. Search by term, category, or the signs you are seeing.

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5 terms found

Behavioral Issues

Fearfulness

Fearfulness is an emotional response to something a dog perceives as threatening, unsafe, or difficult to understand.

AvoidanceBarkingFreezing

Leash and Movement

Fixation

Sustained visual or physical focus that makes it difficult for a dog to disengage and respond to the handler.

Closed MouthHard StareLeaning Forward

Canine Communication

Freeze Response

A freeze response is a sudden reduction or stop in movement when a dog is processing threat, conflict, uncertainty, or intense focus.

Closed MouthFixed StareLoss of Movement

Canine Communication

Freezing

A sudden pause or complete stop in movement that may signal uncertainty, conflict, fear, guarding, or preparation to act.

Closed MouthHard StareHeld Breath