Dog language, what does this really mean?

[Boxers]

Was watching on FB a top ten of guilty dogs. So the dogs had chewed kitchen roll, or a shoe or whatever and were 'looking guilty' tail down, ears down, avoiding eye contact etc

However the No 1 dog was grinning and shutting his eyes. His lips were drawn back to show his teeth, but he was not snarling. It really looked like he was grinning, trying to make it all better.

But I just wonder what the 'grinning' really means in dog language? We humans do have a tendency to anthromorphise (sp) what our animals are doing.

 

[Pinkvboots]

Someone I worked for had 8 jack russells and some of them did this, most people think it is snarling but your right it is a type of grinning, they mainly did it when pleased to see you like some sort of greeting, would be interested to see if anyone else knows what it means, she used to have to warn people they were not snarling pretty scary having half a dozen grinning dogs running towards you

 

[Dobiegirl]

I have a Lancashire Heeler and have had 2 in the past and they are a breed renowned for their smile. Only one of mine did it and only to me but she was very much my dog, she would greet me every morning with a smile and if I had been out would smile on my return. It was definately a greeting and being extra happy.

 

[stargirl88]

Its an appeasement gesture. If my dog displayed so e of the body language I've seen in those vids I wouldn't be shoving a cam in their faces and having a good ol laugh. The dogs don't really see the funny side of it.

 

[Boxers]

Its an appeasement gesture. If my dog displayed so e of the body language I've seen in those vids I wouldn't be shoving a cam in their faces and having a good ol laugh. The dogs don't really see the funny side of it.

Agree, have to admit I felt a bit uncomfortable because some of the dogs were obv submissive and scared. Made me wonder if they got a slap when the camera went off. I expect they were responding to owners tone of voice and prob didn't understand why the owner was dominating them in such a way.

 

[CAYLA]

Its an appeasement gesture. If my dog displayed so e of the body language I've seen in those vids I wouldn't be shoving a cam in their faces and having a good ol laugh. The dogs don't really see the funny side of it.

This^^^ and you see it in all breeds but predominantly in the breeds we commonly see display submissive behaviour (springer spaniels being) high up the on the list
One of mine does it (he is not a springer) and he definately does it to appease, it almost looks like embarrasment on the dogs behalf

 

[Honey08]

My friend's dog does it, he is a highly nervous, shy dog. I always put it down to that.

 

[Alec Swan]

.......

But I just wonder what the 'grinning' really means in dog language? We humans do have a tendency to anthromorphise (sp) what our animals are doing.

How right you are, and how we do! Dogs greet us in various ways (watch the puppies when they film The Wild Dogs of Africa", and watch how they greet returning adults).

How often have you heard others say that when they return home, and they view the carnage of the kitchen, that the dog knows what it's done. IT DOESN'T know what it's done. It's awaiting the "Oh Fer ***k's sake". We've all done it, and that's why the dog awaits a response!! The reality and the test is, that when we come home, and the place is as it was left, we get the same greeting.

I remember once my Mum had a dog, we'd left her in a huge sitting room, and she (the dog), had found a large, and well stuffed feather pillow. You've never seen anything like it. With flock wall paper, the scene which greeted us had to be seen to be believed! It looked like a scene from Snow White! My mum sat down and cried.

Alec.

 

[PorkChop]

I find dog's body language fascinating, I have read a little on it, particularly concerning gundog training.

For example I never knew that when they yawn it is a calming signal.

 

[stargirl88]

LJR - you can sometimes get your dog to yawn by yawning yourself! Well, some don't take a blind bit of notice but I've known plenty that do, but it just had always gone un noticed

 

[KatandBasher]

Yawning when not tired is a sign of stress, as is panting when they aren't hot or tired from exercise. My two will both pant and yawn when they need to go out to toilet.