Which is NOT a distance-decreasing signal?

• A. Relaxed mouth.
• B. Submissive grin.
• C. Play bow.
• D. High tail and/or body.

Answer: (D)

Distance-decreasing signals are actions that invite closer contact by lowering tension and signaling friendliness. A relaxed mouth shows calmness and non-threat, helping the other dog feel safe to approach. A submissive grin is an appeasement cue that communicates submission and nonaggression, which also encourages coming closer. A play bow explicitly invites interaction and signals playful intent, often leading to closer contact. In contrast, a high tail and/or an upright, stiff body indicates alertness or dominance; it signals strength, readiness, or potential threat, which tends to keep distance or provoke a cautious response rather than inviting contact. So the behavior that is not a distance-decreasing signal is the high tail or raised body.