Table 1.

The fixed list of individual behavioural terms and their written definitions as used by observers to assess shelter dogs in 12 video clips.

Terms	Definitions
Content	Satisfied, positive activity (eg. play, affiliative behaviours), relaxed
Uncomfortable	Uneasy, depressed, may be in pain
Playful	Actively engaged in play, inviting others to play, happy, may vocalise and jump
Depressed	Unresponsive, not interested in/ unwilling to interact with its environment, resigned, empty stare, apathetic, may be in pain
Relaxed	No vocalisation, interested in its surroundings, not nervous, may move around in a relaxed manner or lie down, not depressed
Restless	Impatient, jittery, move around excessively, may vocalise, may seek attention. Play is not included.
Alert	Attentive, eager, actively interested
Bored	Inactive, uninterested, passive
Sociable	Seeks for contact/ interaction, friendly, positive interaction with other dogs
Nervous	Unsure, shy, fearful, may have the tail tucked under the abdomen, may vocalise
Expectant	Alert, wagging the tail, may vocalise, focused, may be restless
Hesitant	Reluctant, withdrawn, vigilant
Trustful	Familiar, affectionate, friendly, seeks attention
Aggressive	May vocalise, shows signs and posture of defensive or offensive aggression
Energetic	Active, may vocalise, insistent
Frustrated	Conflict behaviour, uneasy, irritable, stressed, may vocalise
Curious	Positively interested, alert, exploring, attentive
Calming	Calming signals (e.g. yawning, licking lips/nose, turn the head away, turning the side of the body towards other dog, tail in a low position, ears back, sniffing the ground)
Indifferent	Does not seek contact/interaction, does not vocalise, uninterested, not depressed
Stressed	Nervous, uneasy, may show repetitive (stereotypic) behaviour