Interacting with a scared dog can be challenging. These animals may respond aggressively, run away, or freeze in fear. If you’re a dog lover who wants to help a frightened pup, take this quiz to assess your skills.

Question 1

You spot a dog shaking and whining on the street. What should you do?.

• A. Call animal control immediately and report the dog’s location.
• B. Walk towards the dog and approach it cautiously with your hand extended for sniffing.
• C. Observe the dog from a distance and wait for it to calm down before approaching it.

Question 2

You ask a dog’s owner if you can pet their dog. The owner says yes, but as you reach out to pet the dog, it growls and barks at you. What should you do?.

• A. Retreat and avoid contact with the dog.
• B. Push the dog’s head down and say “No!” firmly to assert your dominance.
• C. Try to pet the dog again, this time from a different angle or with a treat.

Question 3

A dog at a pet adoption event cowers in a corner of its cage when you approach it. How should you respond?.

• A. Ignore the dog and move to the next cage.
• B. Reach into the cage to pet the dog and speak in a calm voice to reassure it.
• C. Wait for the dog to come to you and offer treats.

Question 4

You take a walk with your dog and encounter a dog that keeps growling and barking at your pet. What should you do?.

• A. Pull your dog away and walk in the opposite direction.
• B. Yell at the other dog to stop its behavior.
• C. Stay put and let the dogs interact until they calm down.

Question 5

You need to take your dog to the vet, but it’s afraid of going into the car. What can you do to make it easier?.

• A. Drag your dog into the car, forcing it to comply.
• B. Offer your dog treats and positive reinforcement to encourage it to step into the car.
• C. Give up and postpone the vet visit.

Question 6

You approach a dog who has bitten someone in the past. How should you behave?.

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• A. Keep your distance and avoid eye contact with the dog.
• B. Speak in a confident tone to show the dog who’s in charge.
• C. Offer the dog treats and attempt to make friends with it.

Question 7

Your dog runs away during a thunderstorm and hides in a corner. What should you do?.

• A. Punish your dog for running away.
• B. Leave your dog in the corner and wait for the storm to pass.
• C. Comfort your dog and offer it a safe place, like a crate or your lap.

Question 8

You’re walking your dog when someone approaches you with a dog on a leash. The other dog looks aggressive and barks loudly. What should you do?.

• A. Ignore the other dog and keep walking.
• B. Tell the other person to control their dog.
• C. Cross the street or change your direction to avoid a confrontation.

Question 9

A friend brings over a scared dog, and your dog becomes territorial and growls at the new dog. What should you do?.

• A. Ignore the territorial behavior and let the dogs work it out.
• B. Dominantly speak to your dog to show it who’s in charge.
• C. Separate the dogs and introduce them slowly and carefully.

Question 10

You’re at a park, and a dog approaches you, wagging its tail. What’s the best way to react?.

• A. Pet the dog immediately, regardless of its behavior.
• B. Observe the dog’s body language carefully before approaching it.
• C. Ignore the dog and continue on your way.

Quiz Results

You answered:.

• Question 1: [Your answer here]
• Question 2: [Your answer here]
• Question 3: [Your answer here]
• Question 4: [Your answer here]
• Question 5: [Your answer here]
• Question 6: [Your answer here]
• Question 7: [Your answer here]
• Question 8: [Your answer here]
• Question 9: [Your answer here]
• Question 10: [Your answer here]

Now, check how well you did:.