The term calming signals is often used for behaviors such as looking away, lip licking, yawning and curved movement. These behaviors are not a fixed code and can have ordinary physical explanations, so use them as prompts to pause and observe.
Start with the full picture
Focus on sequence and function instead of assuming the dog is trying to calm a person or another dog. Ask whether the behavior appears during pressure and whether space changes it.
What to compare
| Observation | What to note |
|---|---|
| Timing | Did the signal begin during approach, staring, touch or conflict? |
| Alternatives | Could food, sleep, scent or health explain it? |
| Effect | Did the dog or other participant gain distance or reduce tension? |
A low-pressure next step
Lower social pressure and give the dog choice. A conservative response is useful even when the exact internal state is uncertain.
Example in context
A dog yawns and turns away as another dog approaches directly. Allowing a wider curve respects the possible space request without claiming the yawn has one universal translation.
When to ask for help
Use a veterinarian for new physical or behavioral changes and a qualified professional when repeated signals precede warnings, panic or conflict.
Sources and limits
Dogs Trust: signs a dog may be stressed provides background for reading this pattern. The guidance cannot establish the cause of a new behavior or rule out pain and illness. This guide is an observation aid, not a diagnosis or a promise that every dog uses the signal in the same way.