Which of the following signals is a distance-decreasing signal indicating the other dog should come closer during play?

• A. Play bow, soft wagging tail, relaxed mouth, submissive grin, and a hip nudge.
• B. Lip licking, lower tail, stiff mouth, growl, low bark, hackles, marking, air snapping, high tail.
• C. Staring, stiff body, whale eye, full mouth snarl.
• D. Eyes wide, teeth bared, ears pinned back.

Answer: (A)

Distance-decreasing play signals are friendly invitations that tell the other dog to move in for closer interaction. The play bow is the classic opener, showing, “Let’s play.” When this is paired with a soft wagging tail and a relaxed mouth, it communicates cheerful, non-threatening intent. A submissive grin reinforces that the dog is inviting closeness without challenge, and a light hip nudge offers gentle contact to encourage the other dog to approach. Together, these cues form a clear, inviting signal that the dogs can reduce the distance safely.

The other sets of cues convey tension, warning, or fear. Lip licking with a lowered tail, stiff mouth, a growl, low bark, raised hackles, or other displays can signal discomfort or potential escalation, which tends to push dogs apart. Staring, whale eye, and a full-mouth snarl demonstrate a real threat, while eyes wide with bared teeth and ears pinned back indicate fear or aggression—again, increasing distance rather than inviting closer contact.