Which option is NOT part of the three dispute-resolution strategies (Avoidance, Appeasement, Submission)?

• A. Appeasement
• B. Aggression
• C. Avoidance
• D. Submission

Answer: (B)

In dispute situations, dogs (and many animals) commonly use three de-escalation strategies: avoidance, appeasement, and submission. Avoidance means retreating or turning away to avoid contact. Appeasement involves calming signals that reduce perceived threat, like a relaxed face, soft eyes, or a submissive posture. Submission is signaling non-threat through deference and lower posture to acknowledge the other as dominant. Aggression, on the other hand, is an escalatory response aimed at controlling or harming the other party rather than reducing tension. It doesn’t fit as one of the de-escalation strategies, which is why it’s not part of the trio.