Which of the following is NOT a displacement behavior?

• A. Yawning
• B. Tail wagging
• C. Lip licking
• D. Scratching

Answer: (B)

Displacement behaviors are actions that dogs perform to relieve internal tension when they’re conflicted or highly aroused but cannot act on the primary drive right away. They’re like harmless, out-of-context coping moves that don’t serve a direct communication goal in that moment.

Yawning, lip licking, and scratching all fit that pattern. A dog may yawn or lick lips as stress cues or conflict signals, and scratching can be a self-soothing grooming action when the dog is tense or uncertain. Each of these occurs as a non-goal-directed way to reduce internal pressure.

Tail wagging, by contrast, is a purposeful social signal. It communicates the dog’s emotional state to others and helps coordinate interaction, whether the dog is happy, excited, or alert. Because its primary function is communication with others, not to alleviate internal tension, it isn’t considered a displacement behavior.