Questions tagged [piloerection]
What does it mean when a dog's hackles are raised?
Category: Posture
When a dog's hackles are raised, it refers to the involuntary erection of the hair along the back of the neck, spine, and sometimes the tail. This phenomenon is scientifically known as piloerection, and it occurs when tiny muscles at the base of each hair follicle contract, causing the hair to stand...
What does it mean when a dog raises its hackles?
Category: Communication and Body Language
When a dog raises its hackles, it is a physical response that involves the involuntary erection of the hair along the dog's back, neck, and sometimes tail. This phenomenon is scientifically referred to as piloerection, which is similar to what humans experience as "goosebumps." The hackles are the s...
What does a dog's raised hackles indicate?
Category: Communication
A dog's raised hackles, also known as piloerection, is a physiological response where the hair along the dog's back, neck, and sometimes tail stands up. This reaction is caused by the contraction of tiny muscles at the base of each hair follicle, which is triggered by the autonomic nervous system. W...
What does it mean when a dog’s hackles are raised during play?
Category: Interpreting Behavior
When a dog’s hackles are raised during play, it can indicate a range of emotions or physiological responses. Hackles, also known as piloerection, refer to the involuntary raising of the hair along a dog’s back, neck, or shoulders. This phenomenon is caused by the contraction of tiny muscles at t...
How does an aggressive dog use its hackles to communicate?
Category: Posture
When a dog raises its hackles, it is a form of communication that signals heightened arousal, stress, or aggression. Hackles are the hairs along a dog's back, neck, and sometimes tail that stand up when the dog is emotionally stimulated. This physiological response is called piloerection, and it is ...
What does a dog’s raised hackles indicate?
Category: Communication
A dog’s raised hackles, also known as piloerection, is a physiological response where the hair along the dog’s back, neck, and sometimes tail stands up. This reaction is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which means it is involuntary and not something the dog consciously controls. Rais...
Why do some dogs raise their hackles, and what does it indicate?
Category: Communication and Body Language
Dogs raising their hackles, also known as piloerection, is a common but often misunderstood behavior. This phenomenon occurs when the muscles at the base of a dog's hair follicles contract, causing the fur along the back, neck, and sometimes the tail to stand up. While it is often associated with ag...