Glossary

Calming signals

Subtle behaviors such as yawning, turning away and sniffing that dogs are said to use to ease tension and avoid conflict.

Also called: appeasement signals, appeasement behavior, Turid Rugaas calming signals, cut-off signals

The term comes from Norwegian trainer Turid Rugaas, who described dozens of small signals, such as yawning, lip licking, turning the head, sniffing the ground and slow movement, as ways dogs calm themselves and others. The ideas are widely taught in dog training.

Scientists generally prefer the terms stress signals or appeasement behavior, since the same actions often show that a dog is itself uneasy, and it is not proven that other dogs always read them as calming. Their value for owners is practical: they are early warnings that a dog is uncomfortable.

They should be read in context, along with the rest of the body and the situation. Do not assume a yawn is boredom or a sniff is curiosity. When the signs build, give the dog space.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Stress signals Small changes in behavior, such as panting without heat, yawning, shaking off or a tucked tail, that show a dog is uneasy. Lip licking A quick tongue flick over the lips or nose that, outside mealtimes, often signals a dog is nervous or uncertain. Whale eye A look in which a dog turns its head away but keeps its eyes on something, showing a crescent of white, and is often uneasy. Play bow A posture in which a dog lowers its front legs and chest while keeping its rear up, signalling an invitation to play.