Which descriptor indicates a dog that may shut down and show scared, avoidance behavior of the handler?

• A. Proprioception
• B. Soft temperament/Low pain titration
• C. Aggression
• D. Internal Receptors

Answer: (B)

The behavior described—shutting down and showing fear/avoidance of the handler—points to a dog with a soft temperament and low pain titration. A soft temperament means the dog is highly sensitive to pressure, constraint, or aversive stimuli and tends to withdraw rather than push through discomfort. Low pain titration describes a lower threshold for discomfort, so the dog is more likely to shut down or avoid in response to training pressure, rather than remain engaged with the handler. This combination makes avoidance and freeze responses more likely when stressed.

Proprioception is about sensing the body’s position and movement, not about fear or avoidance. Aggression is an active, threatening or combative behavior, not the avoidance/withdrawal pattern described. Internal Receptors isn’t a standard descriptor for this kind of behavioral response. So the descriptor that best fits a dog that may shut down and avoid the handler is soft temperament/low pain titration.