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.
58 terms found
Behavioral Concerns
Separation Distress
Distress that appears when a dog is left alone or separated from a particular person.
Canine Communication
Shake-Off
A full-body shake that may occur after tension, restraint, play, grooming, or a stressful interaction.
Canine Communication
Slow Recovery
A prolonged return to normal breathing, movement, attention, and behavior after a stressful or exciting event.
Canine Communication
Snapping
A rapid bite motion that may or may not make contact and often functions as a warning or distance-increasing behavior.
Canine Communication
Tucked Tail
Holding the tail low or under the body, commonly associated with fear, uncertainty, discomfort, or appeasement.
Household Behaviors
Urine Marking
Depositing small amounts of urine on vertical or socially meaningful surfaces.
Canine Communication
Warning Signals
Signals that communicate increasing discomfort and may precede defensive behavior.
Canine Communication
Whale Eye
Visible white around the eye caused by turning the head while keeping the eyes oriented toward a concern.
Vocal and Attention Behaviors
Whining
A high-pitched vocal behavior that may occur with anticipation, distress, frustration, attention seeking, pain, or uncertainty.
Canine Communication
Yawning
Opening the mouth widely and inhaling, which may occur with tiredness but can also appear during stress or social pressure.