Non-threatening intent — Dogs

The story behind the answer

The dog’s body is loose and slightly curved with averted gaze and soft facial muscles. The tail is low with a relaxed, sweeping wag, and there’s no stiff, forward-leaning stance or hard stare. Together these say, “I’m not a threat.” It’s not the dramatic play bow (front end down, rear up), nor the tight, crouched, tail-tucked posture of fearful submission, and it lacks the stiffness and high tail associated with dominance.

Dogs often use appeasement—or calming—signals like curved approaches, head turns, lip licks, and ground sniffing to keep interactions friendly, especially during greetings. Memory tip: curves mean courtesy; straight-and-stare means challenge. Bow means play; tuck means fear.