Even aggressive baring of the teeth can be mistaken by some as a friendly greeting. However, most of the time when dogs smile, they are indeed happy, so it's easy to relate that expression to human smiles.
Many experts believe that dogs have learned to smile because they've seen humans do the same or because we reward them for doing so. At any rate, it usually means your dog is contented and happy. The doggy smile is also known as a submissive grin, or a sign that your dog wants to appease you.”
This “dog smile” usually occurs in situations when they are relaxed and appear happy, which is why dog owners think it is a smile. These “dog smiles” also often occur in response to a human smile, which is a phenomenon called laughter contagion. Dogs may appear to smile because we smile at them.
Your dog's smile could also be a nervous grin or a sign that your pup is stressed, uncomfortable, or sending a warning. Therefore, when your pup appears to be sending a smile your way, assess their body language.
Because it resembles an aggressive expression called a “tooth display,” it can freak people out. However, this kind of smile has absolutely nothing to do with aggression. In fact, it's a social expression.
Any dog can smile, and according to veterinary behavior specialist Dr. Lore Haug, some breeds are even genetically predisposed to smile more than others (Doberman Pinschers, terriers and cattle dogs, to name a few).
The researchers conclude that their data shows that dogs find being in the vicinity of their owner is rewarding. Dogs will learn to do behaviors just to gain access to their owner and will remain in their owner's presence even when there are no interactions between the human and the dog.
Experts in dog behavior believe that, in general, dogs do not like being embraced. However, every dog has a unique personality. Some may dislike hugs more strongly than others, and some may actually adore them. The closest thing our furry family members do to a hug is something referred to as 'standing over'.
Licking is a natural and instinctive behaviour to dogs. For them it's a way of grooming, bonding, and expressing themselves. Your dog may lick you to say they love you, to get your attention, to help soothe themselves if they're stressed, to show empathy or because you taste good to them!
The French Bulldog, Samoyed, Papillon, Bichon Frise, Alaskan Malamute, Shiba Inu, Icelandic Sheepdog, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Australian Shepherd, and the Basenji are all expressive breeds that generally live their lives with a smile dancing across their faces.
That said, most researchers believe dogs can remember important people and significant events in their lives for years, perhaps until death. So, yes, your dog remembers your scent, your face (especially your eyes), and your voice and associates them with happiness, love or snuggling, or maybe just with food.
Just as humans stare into the eyes of someone they adore, dogs will stare at their owners to express affection. In fact, mutual staring between humans and dogs releases oxytocin, known as the love hormone. This chemical plays an important role in bonding and boosts feelings of love and trust.
Remember, just because a dog is showing their teeth does not mean they are smiling. If their ears are pinned back and they are sitting down or leaning away from you, that's a scared grin. If their ears are forward and their bodies are tense and leaning towards you, they are snarling and might be angry.
Like their human counterparts, dogs develop favorite people over time based on positive experiences and positive associations with that person. Some people use tasty treats and other rewards to create strong bonds with pets, but the best way to build a healthy relationship with your dog is through play.
When you kiss your dog, you may notice signs that indicate they know that the kiss is a gesture of affection. As puppies, this is not something that dogs would recognize, although they would feel you doing it. However, as they get older they associate the kisses and cuddles with you being happy with them.
Do Dogs Like When You Talk to Them? Yes! Research published in Animal Cognition found that both puppies and adult dogs are attentive to the high-pitch voice we use with babies and the more even-toned language used with adults.
Cuddles & Sleepy Snuggles ?
Dogs choose to sleep where they feel most comfortable and at ease, so if your dog enjoys sleeping in your bed, or likes to snuggle up to you for a nap, they feel trust in you that they will be safe to do so.
For you to be happy
Above all else, there is nothing more important to your dog than your happiness—this selfless love is one of the reasons you adore your pup so much! Because of this, they can be very sensitive to your emotions, Olshavsky says.
These close canine observations result in a form of communication. As most pet owners acknowledge, our dogs recognize our facial expressions. A frown tells a pup something is amiss and a smile makes his tail wag. Now, there is scientific evidence to validate our observations.
Dogs, too, respond to human smiles with a complex neurological process. But, in short, when you smile at your dog, he recognizes your emotion, empathizes with your happiness, and responds to you with expressions of happiness.