If a situation is escalating, crate any dogs that might indicate a ____.

• A. Play.
• B. Calm.
• C. Scuffle.
• D. Anger.

Answer: (C)

Recognizing when tensions are rising and intervening early is key. When a situation is escalating between dogs, you want to identify those showing clear signs of potential aggression—stiff bodies, direct stares, raised hackles, baring teeth, lip curling, or a low growl—and crate the ones that might start a fight. Crating creates space and a brief timeout, which helps lower arousal and prevents an actual altercation. The word that fits best is scuffle because it describes a possible, upcoming physical clash that you’re aiming to stop. Play would be relaxing and informal, not a risk of fighting, and calm isn’t the warning state you’re addressing here. Anger is a mood, not a specific escalation outcome, while scuffle captures the concrete risk you’re managing—an imminent fight you want to prevent.