Multiple Choice
- According to Joan, what was the dog in the news broadcast trying to do before the bite occurred?
A. Establish dominance
B. Avoid interaction and move away
C. Test boundaries
D. Protect the handler
Correct answer: B
- Joan points out that one major contributor to the bite in the news clip was:
A. The dog being recently rescued
B. Multiple people petting the dog while restricting movement
C. The presence of cameras
D. The dog’s breed
Correct answer: B
- According to Joan, once a dog reaches a high stress state, how much time may exist between a warning signal and a bite?
A. A couple of seconds
B. Several minutes
C. 10–15 seconds
D. There is always a clear escalation period
Correct answer: A
- Joan describes the dog’s situation in the news clip as:
A. A learning opportunity
B. Poor handling but manageable
C. A dominance challenge
D. A completely untenable position
Correct answer: D
5.In the Caesar Millan “Shadow” clip, what does Joan emphasize about the dog’s body language?
A. The dog is calm but assertive
B. The dog is asserting dominance
C. The dog is showing extreme stress and shutting down
D. The dog is successfully being rehabilitated.
Correct answer: C
True or False
- Joan agrees with the interpretation that Shadow’s behaviour represents dominance and submission.
Correct answer: False
- According to Joan, a dog that freezes is relaxed and compliant.
Correct answer: False
- The word “fine” is a reliable indicator that a dog is comfortable and happy.
Correct answer: False
Short Answer
- Joan describes “freeze” as an important moment in dog behaviour. Why is freezing especially concerning?
Expected answer:
Freezing indicates the dog has stopped coping and is no longer using avoidance strategies. It often precedes escalation and leaves very little time to intervene safely.
- Why does Joan say the term “fine” is one of the most dangerous words when describing dogs?
Expected answer:
Because “fine” often means the dog is not actively reacting, not that the dog is relaxed or happy. It can hide significant stress.
Application / Understanding
- In the Caesar Millan clip, the dog Shadow is restrained and forced to the ground. Using Joan’s framework, why is this approach dangerous?
Expected answer:
Because it suppresses behaviour through force instead of reducing stress, ignores attempts to diffuse, and creates shutdown rather than safety or learning.
- Joan repeatedly emphasizes rewarding avoidance behaviours. Why is this critical in preventing bites?
Expected answer:
Because avoidance is a safe choice that diffuses conflict. If avoidance doesn’t work, dogs may escalate (growl, snap, bite) because nothing else makes the pressure stop.
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