Which behavior indicates stress in a dog during grooming?

Which behavior indicates stress in a dog during grooming?

• A. Eager tail wag with loose body
• B. Licking the air
• C. Lip licking, yawning, and trembling
• D. Purring

Answer: (C)

During grooming, dogs show stress through a mix of body signals and coping behaviors. Lip licking and yawning are calming or displacement signals—ways the dog tries to ease tension when touched or restrained. Trembling is a more direct fear response. When you see these behaviors together, it’s a reliable indication the dog is stressed in the grooming environment. In contrast, an eager tail wag with a loose body signals relaxation and friendliness, not stress. Licking the air isn’t a clear, dependable stress cue in dogs, and purring isn’t a dog behavior at all, so it doesn’t fit as a stress indicator. If you notice the stress signals, pause, give breaks, and adjust handling to keep the dog comfortable.

During grooming, dogs show stress through a mix of body signals and coping behaviors. Lip licking and yawning are calming or displacement signals—ways the dog tries to ease tension when touched or restrained. Trembling is a more direct fear response. When you see these behaviors together, it’s a reliable indication the dog is stressed in the grooming environment. In contrast, an eager tail wag with a loose body signals relaxation and friendliness, not stress. Licking the air isn’t a clear, dependable stress cue in dogs, and purring isn’t a dog behavior at all, so it doesn’t fit as a stress indicator. If you notice the stress signals, pause, give breaks, and adjust handling to keep the dog comfortable.