{"id":14204,"date":"2023-03-24T18:33:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-24T18:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/?p=14204"},"modified":"2023-03-26T14:24:22","modified_gmt":"2023-03-26T14:24:22","slug":"do-dogs-really-smile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/do-dogs-really-smile\/","title":{"rendered":"Do Dogs Really Smile?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As dog lovers, we imagine all sorts of conversations with our beloved canine friends. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We play and talk to them in our cute voice as if they comprehend every piece of what\u2019s been said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet, it is obvious that they understand our intention. Dogs can recognize our emotions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is demonstrated when they respond to our commands even without treats. They also seem to mimic our gestures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They deeply observe us and adapt our behavior little by little with all their love. It is also said that sometimes, dogs and owners grow to look alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do Dogs Smile?<\/h2>\n\n\n

\"do-dogs-smile\"<\/p>\n\n\n

Don\u2019t we get ever so excited to be home and be greeted by our buddy? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There they are, tippy tapping their paws while waiting for you to enter the gate and vigorously wagging tails. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generous licks on your face. Enthusiastic jumps. Belly waiting to be rubbed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And perhaps, a smile?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are all familiar that the equivalent of smiling in dogs is wagging of their tail. For owners, it\u2019s like a happy flag. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A friendly wag is when they wiggle their hips; the tail whips freely from side to side. An excited wag is a fast whip or spin that seems to vibrate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But there is, in fact, another expression that\u2019s close to a human smile. It\u2019s when they slightly open their mouth, and tongue lolls over teeth. Their snout may be curved a bit upward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do Dogs Laugh?<\/h2>\n\n\n

\"do-dogs-smile\"<\/p>\n\n\n

Dogs also laugh, and we can observe that during playtime. It begins with a smile \u2013 mouth open, no facial tension, tongue out \u2013 accompanied by a huffing sound. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dogs run around in hyper mode, do their zooms, all whilst panting. You can even see some drools dripping from their mouth after a day\u2019s fun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But did you ever notice your dog grinning or smiling from ear to ear? As a common notion, it represents aggression when dogs show their teeth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet, you feel that this kind of teeth-exposing grin isn\u2019t any close to hostility but rather friendly with a couple of tail wags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It may be several things. It may depend on the kind of smile you are getting and when they show it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Submissive Grin<\/h2>\n\n\n

\"\"<\/p>\n\n\n

The \u201csubmissive grin\u201d is when a dog shows his teeth like a smile. He also wags his tail with some hip action, lowers his head and ears, and squints his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It could give off different meaning depending on who they\u2019re greeting:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A visitor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When there is a new person in their territory, your dog may be seen exhibiting a submissive grin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This, along with a lowered tail, lifting a paw, licking his lips, or averting his gaze. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They display this behavior to appease the person, asserting that he is not a threat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But at the same time, he may be wary of that person\u2019s presence. This is especially true if that person is seen to be close to you and the dog can sense no danger in the surrounding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it could also mean that your dog disturbs himself and feels threatened. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a defense mechanism, there\u2019s barely a tail wag. Here, your dog grins in a much lower stance and almost looks away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This might be the scenario if the person is a stranger and seen interacting with you and your dog within the territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other canine<\/h3>\n\n\n

\"do-dogs-smile\"<\/p>\n\n\n

Similar to the visitor situation, they also grin at other dogs. In a relaxed posture, your dog smiles while greeting other canines outside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is a gesture to show no unfriendliness and entice a positive response from the other dog. T<\/p>\n\n\n\n

his is sometimes followed by their butt-sniffing ritual of saying, \u201cHello. Who are you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dog owner, family, and known friends<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Mostly, your dog grins because he is genuinely happy and excited to see you. This is a not so common greeting behavior. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But it might be just a product of your routine. With the repeat of positive signals, there comes the joy of anticipation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might – unknowingly or intentionally \u2013 engraved this attitude with your dog. You might have come home with all smiles and greets your dog excitedly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can call this \u201coperant or instrumental conditioning,\u201d wherein you associate a behavior with a corresponding reward or consequence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you continuously link a smile to positive enforcements like coming home, treats, playtime, walks, and so on, this will finally be a cue to your dog that something fun is about to happen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now your dog learned to connect smile to fun and does the same. Your dog most likely continued to do it since he has gotten positive reactions from you and your family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, in some cases, dogs do the \u201cgrin\u201d signal that they are guilty of misbehaving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Usually, this is done while sitting or hunching, with lip-smacking and squinty eyes while looking at you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You cannot spot the difference immediately until seeing the mess he made in the house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Imagine arriving home with your dog grinning ear to ear, and you thought they are just so excited. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The usual scenario until you step inside and the \u201cgood boy makes the disaster.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Own a dog, they said; it\u2019ll be fun, they said. Well, it\u2019s still fun, whatever the case. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The key is just observing and understanding what your dog\u2019s grin means. Looking out for other body motions could be of huge help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aggressive Smile<\/h2>\n\n\n

\"do-dogs-smile\"<\/p>\n\n\n

Not to confuse the submissive grin, this is close to a snarl. Your dog bares its teeth as if ready to bite any time. You can tell them apart by these body signals:<\/p>\n\n\n\n