If you’ve never seen your dog bare their teeth before, it might catch you off guard the first time it happens. This behavior can be alarming, and more importantly, confusing. What is your dog trying to tell you?
Dogs, like humans, have a complex language of their own. Just like we express our feelings by smiling, frowning, or grimacing, dogs also communicate their emotions through facial expressions. But while a wagging tail or a playful bow might be easy to decipher, other signals like bared teeth can be more challenging to interpret.
In this article, we’ll explore the possible reasons behind a dog’s bared teeth and help you understand this behavior so you can respond appropriately.
Interpreting Bared Teeth
When your dog bares its teeth, it’s their way of communicating with you. Dogs have a wide range of emotions, and baring their teeth is an expression of those feelings.
Bared teeth can mean a variety of things. It could be a sign of aggression, a submissive grin, or simply an expression of discomfort. It’s crucial to decode these signals accurately to ensure your dog’s well-being and maintain a harmonious relationship with your pet.
Aggression
The most common interpretation of a dog showing its teeth is aggression. Many times, teeth-baring is a defensive response, a clear signal that your dog is feeling scared or uncomfortable. When a dog feels threatened, they may bare their teeth as a warning signal. It’s their way of saying, “Back off, or I might bite!” This fear can stem from various sources – a new environment, unfamiliar people, or even a sudden, loud noise.
Another common cause of aggression is resource guarding. Dogs are instinctively protective of their food, toys, and territory. If they perceive someone (or another pet) as encroaching on their ‘property,’ they might bare their teeth as a defensive mechanism. It’s essential to recognize and address this behavior to prevent any potential harm.
The Submissive Grin
Contrary to the aggressive snarl, a dog baring its teeth can also be a sign of submission, often referred to as a “submissive grin” or a “submissive smile.” It’s their way of saying, “I mean no harm!” It can also be a sign of appeasement, or even excitement. You’ll often see this when your dog is excitedly greeting you after a long day.
A submissive grin is often seen in dogs when they are interacting with humans or other dogs that they perceive as more dominant. The dog pulls back its lips, bares its teeth, and often looks away to avoid direct eye contact. It’s their way of indicating that they acknowledge the other’s dominance and do not pose a threat.
A submissive grin can also be a response to scolding or punishment. It’s their way of apologizing and asking for forgiveness. In such cases, it’s essential not to misinterpret this as aggression and respond with understanding and calmness.
Responding to Your Dog’s Bared Teeth
Understanding the meaning behind your dog’s teeth-baring is the first step, but knowing how to respond is equally important. If your dog is baring their teeth out of aggression, it’s crucial to defuse the situation safely.
Firstly, never punish your dog for this behavior. Remember, they’re communicating their discomfort or fear. Instead, try to identify and remove the source of their stress. If it’s a stranger causing the reaction, ask them to step back. If it’s a loud noise, try to reduce it or move your dog to a quieter location. It’s your job to protect your pet, so it’s crucial to try eliminating the threat. If your dog’s warning is ignored, the behavior could progress to snapping or biting.
If your dog is baring his teeth aggressively, and you can’t figure out why, it’s a tough situation to be in. The first step is not to panic. Dogs are sensitive creatures and they can pick up on your anxiety, which might exacerbate the situation. Try to observe any changes in their environment that might be causing stress. Even small changes can affect your dog’s behavior. A thorough understanding of your dog’s regular habits and routines can be beneficial in identifying any unusual behavior and pinpointing the trigger.
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If the aggressive behavior persists, it’s advisable to consult a professional. Vets or professional dog trainers can help identify the root cause and suggest appropriate behavioral interventions. Remember, aggressive behavior is not something to be ignored and should be addressed promptly to ensure the safety of both your pet and those around him.
When faced with the submissive grin, your response should be different. This is a positive sign and should be encouraged. Respond with calm, positive reinforcement to let your dog know you understand their message.
Can You Train Your Dog to “Smile” by Teeth-Baring?
If your dog bares his teeth in a submissive grin, it’s possible to teach him to “smile” by baring his teeth on command. Remember, training should always be a positive experience for both you and your dog.
Start by identifying the trigger that naturally causes your dog to “smile.” This could be a specific toy, a type of treat, or a particular phrase that excites them. When they bare their teeth, reward them with a treat and a verbal cue like “good smile.” Repeat the process until your dog associates the cue with the action.
A note of caution: It’s important to consider the potential confusion this trick might cause. Remember, baring teeth is a form of communication for dogs. If you train your dog to “smile,” they might start using it to communicate different meanings, which can be confusing for other dogs or people.
Conclusion
Your dog’s teeth-baring is a form of communication, not an act of defiance. Whether it’s an expression of fear, discomfort, submission, or excitement, it’s their way of telling you how they feel. Remember, aggression or fear are often indicative of underlying issues that need to be addressed. And while a submissive grin might look cute, it could be a sign of stress. Always respond to your dog’s body language with empathy and patience, and when in doubt, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. By understanding what your dog is trying to communicate, you’re not just becoming a better dog owner, you’re becoming a better friend to your furry companion.
