Which of the following is an aggression signal?

• A. Relaxed posture with eye contact.
• B. Staring, stiff body, whale eye, low growls, intense chasing, air snapping, full mouth snarl, and freeze.
• C. Play bow and wagging tail.
• D. Yawning and sniffing.

Answer: (B)

Aggression signals are warning cues a dog uses to tell others to back off before things escalate. The example described—direct stare with a stiff body, whale eye showing the whites, a low growl, plus actions like intense chasing, air snapping, a full mouth snarl, and freezing in place—conveys clear threat and readiness to escalate toward contact. This combination signals that the dog is feeling threatened or dominant and wants distance or to defend itself, making it the strongest indicator of aggression in this set.

Relaxed posture with eye contact reads as friendly or curious rather than threatening. A play bow with a wagging tail indicates playful intent and social engagement, not aggression. Yawning and sniffing can accompany stress, uncertainty, or attempts to calm and de-escalate a situation, not to threaten.