Inhibition

the passive gathering of information.

This is an extreme passive response where a dog shuts down and shows no overt behaviours. Low intensity inhibition is often seen when a dog tolerates, puts up with, is very well behaved or is “fine” (but not happy) during an interaction or event.

Higher intensity inhibition is seen as a more still posture, with increased muscle tension in the body and face (some people refer to this as “freezing”). If a perceived threat persists when a dog shows high intensity inhibition, the dog is likely to change strategy and can rapidly switch to repulsion. If this happens, repulsion can seem unprovoked or unexplained, and can result in injury.