Which is NOT a sign that play is not okay?

• A. Lying down to rest
• B. Stiffness
• C. Freezing
• D. Distances increasing

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is how to read when play is turning uncomfortable for a dog. During play, dogs communicate with body language to keep things fun; when one dog starts to feel uneasy, certain signals show up clearly.

Lying down to rest is not a sign that play is not okay. It’s often just taking a break to recharge or cool down, a calm pause rather than a rejection of the interaction.

Other cues, like stiffness, show tension and readiness to escalate or stop the play, signaling discomfort. Freezing is a withdrawal cue—the dog stops moving and may be signaling fear or a wish to end the interaction. Distances increasing indicate the dog is actively choosing more space, a clear sign that continuing the play is not welcomed.

So, lying down to rest isn’t an indicator that the play is not okay; the other signs more directly point to a problem in the interaction.