Name displacement behaviors and why they occur.

• A. Scratching — Observed during calm states.
• B. Yawning; Lip licking; Scratching — Conflicted or stressed.
• C. Tail wagging; Barking; Jumping.
• D. Panting; Licking; Sniffing.

Answer: (B)

Displacement behaviors arise when a dog is experiencing conflicting drives or uncertain, stressful circumstances and can’t express a direct, appropriate action. In that moment, the dog may show small, incongruent actions that help release tension rather than address the trigger.

Yawning is a common sign of stress or conflict, not just tiredness, and signals the dog is trying to calm itself in a tense moment. Lip licking often reflects uncertainty or submission and serves as a calming cue to diffuse tension. Scratching can interrupt rising arousal and give the dog a moment to regroup. Put together, these signs indicate the dog is coping with competing feelings or mild stress rather than being fully engaged or relaxed.

Other behaviors like tail wagging with barking or jumping tend to reflect excitement or active interest, which aren’t classic displacement signals in the same way. Panting can accompany stress but isn’t as diagnostic of displacement, and licking or sniffing can occur for many normal reasons without signaling internal conflict. So, the combination of yawning, lip licking, and scratching best illustrates displacement behaviors and why they occur.