Conflict Behavior in Dogs: Interpreting Body Language Correctly

What does conflict behavior in dogs mean?

Conflict behavior in dogs encompasses all the nonverbal signals a dog displays when it finds itself in an ambivalent or stressful situation—that is, when two motivations are active at the same time or when a threat is perceived that the dog cannot clearly resolve by either approaching or fleeing. Conflict behavior is not disobedience, but rather a stress response.

Typical manifestations include displacement behaviors (actions unrelated to the context, such as sudden scratching, yawning, or shaking), appeasement signals (licking lips, turning the head away, lifting a paw), and redirection behaviors (sniffing the ground, sudden interest in trivial things). These signals are not signs of poor training, but rather indications that the dog is actively communicating the conflict. Recognizing conflict behavior in dogs early on can often prevent it from escalating.

Background and Academic Context

The scientific basis dates back to the ethology of the 1950s. Konrad Lorenz and Niko Tinbergen were the first to systematically describe displacement behaviors. Applying this to domestic dogs, Bonne Beerda and her research group at Utrecht University have categorized stress-related behaviors. Beerda et al. (1998) identified measurable stress indicators such as lip licking, yawning, paw lifting, and a lowered body posture—both in terms of behavior and through cortisol correlates.

Mariti et al. (2017) studied conflict and appeasement signals in dog-dog interactions and demonstrated that these signals are used in a targeted manner, meaning they serve a communicative function. Dogs that receive appeasement signals often reduce their tension—a genuine social-regulatory function.

Schilder et al. (2014) added that conflict signals must be interpreted differently depending on the context: licking the lips can indicate stress, anticipation, or physical discomfort. Interpreting these signals in isolation is insufficient—conflict behavior in dogs must always be interpreted as part of a cluster of behaviors.

Vitomalia-Position

We recommend always taking conflict signals seriously rather than ignoring them. Anyone who pushes a dog toward a stimulus despite the dog clearly showing signs of appeasement risks escalation and a loss of trust. We reject training methods that dismiss conflict signals as "acting" or "avoidance" and consequently ignore or punish them.

Our professional stance: Conflict behavior in dogs serves both as a diagnosis and an early warning system. It indicates that the demands placed on the dog exceed its current coping resources. The solution: increase distance, shorten the duration of the stimulus, and take a break.

When does aggressive behavior in dogs become a concern?

This becomes relevant in many everyday situations: visits to the vet, encounters with unfamiliar dogs, interactions with children, train stations, putting on a muzzle, and encounters with other dogs while on a Leash. Conflict behavior also often arises during training if an exercise is too difficult or too long. Ignoring conflicts risks triggering classic escalation patterns leading to reactivity or aggression.

Practical application

1. Interpreting clusters: At least two or three signals occurring simultaneously or in quick succession are a clear indication of conflict.
2. Putting things into context: What exactly is happening? What stimulus, what distance, what state?
3. Recognize and respect the threshold: When the dog shows signs of distress, the stress threshold has been reached—see threshold.
4. Create some distance: The best approach to conflict—not confrontation.
5. Schedule breaks: Recovering from stress often takes longer than expected; see cortisol.
6. Self-reflection: What did the dog just communicate? Did I notice it in time?

Common Mistakes and Myths

• "If he yawns, he's tired." Not necessarily. Yawning can also be a clear sign of conflict—consider the context.
• "Lifting a paw is cute." It's often a signal of appeasement. People who take photos instead of keeping their distance are missing the bigger picture.
• "My dog shakes himself because he's wet." Shaking without being wet is a classic stress-relief behavior following stressful situations.
• "You have to train away conflict signals." That is categorically wrong. Calming down is a form of communication. Training them away means suppressing an early warning system (similar to growling—see aggression).
• "My dog doesn't show any signs of conflict." Most likely, you're overlooking them. Subtle signals such as micro-licking of the lips or briefly looking away go unrecognized in 60–80 percent of cases (Mariti et al. 2017).

State of the art in 2026

Consensus: Conflict signals are reproducibly measurable and correlate with physiological stress markers. They should be understood not as manipulation, but as a form of communicative adaptation. More sophisticated studies on micro-signals (eye area, respiratory rate, tail posture) are currently on the rise, for example through video analysis using machine learning tools. It remains unclear to what extent individual breed characteristics (brachycephaly, short tail, thick coat) reduce readability—and what consequences this has for owner-horse communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a conflict signal and an appeasement signal?

Appeasement signals are a subset of directed conflict signals. They are aimed at de-escalation. Other conflict signals (deflection, reorientation) tend to indicate internal ambivalence.

How many warning signs does a dog typically show before snapping?

Studies show that there are often three to ten warning signs, lasting anywhere from seconds to minutes. Those who ignore the early warning system will only see the end result.

Should I ignore conflict?

No. Ignoring the dog makes it feel like it can't communicate. Respond = create distance, don't overwhelm it.

How can I learn to better recognize signs of conflict?

Analyzing videos in slow motion, documenting your dog's behavior, and attending training sessions with behavior therapists.

Related terms

• Body language
• Calming Signals
• Reactivity
• Stress
• Cortisol
• threshold
• Aggression

Sources and further reading

1. Beerda, B., Schilder, M. B. H., van Hooff, J. A. R. A. M., de Vries, H. W., & Mol, J. A. (1998). Behavioural, saliva cortisol and heart rate responses to different types of stimuli in dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 58(3-4), 365-381.
2. Mariti, C., Falaschi, C., Zilocchi, M., 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.
3. Schilder, M. B. H., Vinke, C. M., & van der Borg, J. A. M. (2014). Dominance in domestic dogs revisited. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 9(4), 184-191.
4. Mariti, C., Gazzano, A., Lansdown Moore, J., et al. (2012). Perception of dogs' stress by their owners. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 7(4), 213-219.
5. Pastore, C., Pirrone, F., Balzarotti, F., et al. (2011). Evaluation of physiological and behavioral stress-dependent parameters in agility dogs. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 6(3), 188-194.