As we know, a dog uses his or her body language as a way of communicating with us. There are different kind of tail wags that mean completely different things, hair shackles rise and fall in fear or aggression, or even the angle of the ears can mean different things. But what about a smile? Can a dog smile at us when they feel joy, or was it just a muscular reflex that we saw? Here’s what we found out.
Yes, dogs can smile!
Each dog is unique in what they feel deserves a smile and will have an individual response to each situation. Typically, a dog smiles when they are in a calm, relaxed state. They can even show their front teeth when excited which is usually accompanied by a tail wag. We know showing teeth is usually a sign of aggression, however when you take in the dog’s body language you know in that moment the front teeth signal happiness.
Do dogs always smile when they’re happy?
A dog’s “smile” can sometimes mean something other than happiness. It can mean a dog is anxious, nervous, or feeling discomfort. This type of ‘smile’ is typically paired with their ears back, making themselves small or narrowed eyes. Taking in your dog’s body language as a whole is key to really knowing if your dog is okay.
Should we smile back?
If it’s our own dog or a dog we know, they will understand that our facial expression means no harm and is, in fact, a positive thing. However, for a dog you are just meeting or dogs who are unsure, it is better to keep your face in a neutral expression. Sit calmly on a chair, ignore the dog and allow them to sniff you. Dogs are still animals after all, and you have to respect their space as well as their feelings.
Not all dogs smile, and that’s okay! Recognize the signs of a relaxed, calm dog and you will know your pooch is feeling content. Understanding the meaning behind a dog’s body language and smile can help strengthen your bond. Pay attention to their happy cues and the two of you will have a lifetime of smiles.
