Animal Behavior Flashcards
What does it mean when a dog’s hackles are up?
The dog is likely feeling aggressive or scared
Hackles refer to the hair along the back of the dog that stands up when it is aroused.
What does dilated pupil size in dogs indicate?
It can indicate fear, aggression, or excitement
Changes in pupil size are often a response to emotional states.
What does it signify when a dog’s eyes are bulged?
The dog may be feeling threatened or aggressive
Bulging eyes can be a physiological response to arousal.
What does it mean when a dog shows its teeth?
The dog is displaying aggression or a warning
Teeth showing can be a precursor to a bite if the dog feels cornered.
What behavior is indicated by a dog growling?
Growling can indicate aggression or a warning
It serves as a vocal signal to communicate discomfort or threat.
What does a tail tucked between the legs signify in dogs?
The dog is feeling scared or submissive
This is a common body language cue indicating fear.
What does barking often indicate in dogs?
Barking can indicate alertness, fear, or aggression
The context of barking is important to understand the dog’s emotional state.
What does it mean if a dog cowers in the corner?
The dog is likely feeling scared or threatened
This behavior is often a sign of extreme fear or submission.
What does urination indicate in dogs?
Urination can indicate fear or submission
Dogs may urinate when scared or as a sign of submission to a more dominant figure.
What does it mean when a cat has its claws out?
The cat is likely feeling aggressive or defensive
Claws out is a common signal of readiness to fight or defend.
What does hissing in cats signify?
Hissing indicates fear, aggression, or a warning
It is a vocal warning to stay away.
What does a fuzzed out appearance in cats mean?
The cat is feeling threatened or aggressive
Fuzzed out refers to the fur standing on end as a defensive posture.
What behavior might indicate an angry or aggressive cat not coming out of its carrier?
The cat is likely feeling scared or defensive
This behavior can occur when a cat feels threatened in its environment.
What does it mean when a horse has its ears back?
The horse may be feeling angry or aggressive
Ears pinned back is a clear signal of irritation or aggression.
What does a tense body posture indicate in horses?
The horse is likely feeling nervous or threatened
Tension in the body can indicate a readiness to react defensively.
What does it signify when a horse’s eyes are wide and the whites are showing?
The horse is feeling scared or anxious
This can be a sign of extreme stress or fear.
What does flared nostrils indicate in horses?
The horse is likely feeling excited or fearful
Flaring nostrils can indicate heightened emotional states.
What does it mean when a horse won’t stand still?
The horse may be feeling nervous or anxious
This behavior can indicate a desire to flee from perceived threats.
What does it indicate if a horse is described as jumpy?
The horse is likely feeling nervous or scared
Jumpy behavior is often a sign of anxiety.
What does a timid horse exhibit?
A timid horse shows signs of fear or submission
Timidity can be a result of poor socialization or past trauma.
