Which is an appeasement signal?

• A. Turn away look away yawning sniffing nose licking lifted paw body shake.
• B. Staring, stiff body, whale eye.
• C. Growling, low bark.
• D. High tail and ears back.

Answer: (A)

Appeasement signals are calming, non-threatening cues dogs use to defuse tension and invite space. The behaviors in this option—turning away or looking away, yawning, sniffing, nose licking, lifting a paw, and a gentle body shake—are classic calming signals that communicate “I’m not a threat; please back off.” They show submissive intent and help prevent confrontation by signaling that the dog wants to de‑escalate.

In contrast, the stare with a stiff body and whale eye conveys a threat or challenge, not appeasement. Growling or a low bark is a warning, signaling potential aggression rather than peaceful intent. A high tail with ears back can indicate arousal, fear, or tension, which isn’t a clear appeasement signal.