Puppy Calming Signals: What's Actually Behind the Term
Quick answer
"Calming signals" was coined by a dog trainer, not originally scientific — the behaviors it describes are real and commonly seen around discomfort or uncertainty, but the theory that dogs deploy them deliberately to calm another party has only preliminary scientific testing.
Where the Term Came From
Turid Rugaas popularized it in her book describing roughly 30 behaviors, based on her own extensive observation as a trainer, not originally controlled research.1
What's Been Tested Since
A peer-reviewed pilot study has examined whether these signals actually reduce aggression intensity during dog-to-dog interactions.2 Being a pilot study, it's preliminary, not a settled conclusion.
What This Means Practically
The individual behaviors are worth watching for. What's less settled is whether a dog is intentionally signaling versus simply displaying an involuntary response. This doesn't change what you should do (give space, reduce pressure) — only how confidently you should state the mechanism.
The Common Behaviors Grouped Under This Term
- Lip/nose licking — often around uncertainty, but also just normal grooming.
- Yawning — can indicate stress, but obviously also just tiredness.
- Turning head/body away — commonly interpreted as de-escalation.
- Moving in a curve rather than straight at another dog or person.
Using This Practically
Read alongside body posture and context — see Puppy Body Language for the full framework.
Quick Reference
| Behavior | Commonly associated with | Also normal in other contexts |
|---|---|---|
| Lip/nose licking | Uncertainty, mild stress | Routine grooming |
| Yawning | Stress in a tense moment | Simple tiredness |
| Turning away | De-escalation attempt | Just looking at something else |
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Common Mistakes
- Presenting this as fully settled science.
- Treating a single yawn/lick as proof of distress without context.
- Ignoring the behaviors because the terminology is imperfect.
Safety and Behavior Red Flags
If these signals cluster with other escalating stress signs, see Signs of Stress and Puppy Fear.
Sources
- Turid Rugaas, "On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals" (2nd ed., 2006), as described via Psychology Today (Stanley Coren, PhD)
- Mariti, C., et al. (2017), "Analysis of the intraspecific visual communication in the domestic dog: A pilot study on the case of calming signals," Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 18, 49–55