| Body turn |
Dog rotates its body (or head only) to the side, away from owner/trainer, in an attempt to avoid him/her, following an action such as looking at, approaching, or talking to the dog. Dog is in a tense or low posture. Ears are usually back. Tail can be down. Can be accompanied by lip licking or paw lift. |
| Move away |
Dog takes one or a few steps away from owner/trainer (can be with rear or hind paws only), in an attempt to avoid or escape, following an action such as looking at, approaching, or talking to the dog. Dog is in a tense or low posture. Ears are usually back. Tail can be down. Can be accompanied by lip licking or paw lift. |
| Crouch |
Dog lowers body (or head only) towards floor, usually lowering its head relative to torso (can be accompanied by blinking and dog’s head can generally be turned away), bending legs and arching its back, following an action of owner/trainer, such as looking at, approaching, or talking to the dog. Ears are usually back. Tail can be down. Can be accompanied by lip licking or paw lift. |
| Lying on side or back |
Dog lies down on its side or back with the head close to (or in) the ground, in an attempt to avoid confrontation/manipulation by owner/trainer. Legs may be open, exhibiting the ventral region. Movement towards the position is usually slow and gradual. Tail is still and can be curled between the legs. |
| Vocalizations |
| Yelp |
Short duration, load, high pitched vocalization. |
| Whine |
Long duration, high pitch vocalization. |
| Other stress-related behaviors |
| Fear-related elimination |
Expelling of faeces or urine immediately after an action of owner/trainer towards the dog. |
| Salivating |
Emitting saliva from the mouth. |
| Body shake |
Vigorous movement of whole body side to side. |
| Yawn |
Mouth opened wide briefly, then closed (may not close completely). |
| Scratch |
Dog scratches itself with mouth or paw. |
| Paw lift |
One fore limb only is lifted, usually in a slow movement, and either immediately returned to rest on the ground or remaining lifted for a brief period. It is not directed at any person, animal or object and all other limbs remain on the ground. It is not caused by manipulation from trainer/owner (e.g., pulling the leash upwards) or by the dog adjusting its posture or trying to reach or follow a toy or food. Dog is in a tense or low posture. |
