Dog Body Language: Bared Teeth

 

You've likely witnessed a dog baring its teeth, and while your instinct might have interpreted it as a signal to "stay away," understanding the nuances of this behavior is crucial. Does it signify aggression or is the dog smiling? Let's explore the meaning behind a dog baring its teeth and how to interpret this aspect of canine body language.

Understanding Dog Teeth-Baring:

Definition: When a dog bares its teeth, it involves the curling back of the lips to reveal the teeth, serving as a reflexive action in response to specific situations.

Message: In most cases, bared teeth in a dog serve as a warning, signaling a clear message to back off. It's a communication method indicating, "I will use these teeth if you don't cease." This warning behavior is often accompanied by vocalizations like growling and snarling, along with aggressive body language such as erect ears, a rigid posture, and a rapidly moving tail. Ignoring this warning might lead to escalated aggression, potentially resulting in snapping or biting.

Dogs display aggression for various reasons, including fear, feeling overwhelmed, pain, overstimulation, resource guarding, and territoriality. Regardless of the trigger, bared teeth suggest that the dog is being pushed past its comfort zone. If you encounter a dog exhibiting this behavior, it's advisable to give the dog space, avoid eye contact, and carefully step away.

Occasionally, a dog may bare its teeth without aggression, indicating a submissive grin or smile. This is characterized by non-threatening body language, such as lip licking, an averted gaze, a relaxed posture, and ears sitting flatter against the head. The submissive grin serves as an appeasement gesture to defuse tension in a situation. While uncommon, it's essential to pay close attention, as it may also indicate stress or anxiety in some pets.

How to Respond: If a dog is baring its teeth, assessing its overall body language is crucial. If uncertainty arises or if the teeth-baring appears aggressive, carefully remove yourself and/or your dog from the situation. Seek assistance from dog professionals, including trainers, behaviorists, and veterinarians, especially to rule out any pain-related or medical issues. Swift action is vital before the situation escalates to a bite.

If unsure whether the dog is exhibiting a submissive smile or aggression, consulting a professional dog trainer or behaviorist is recommended. These experts can discern subtle cues in a dog's body language, prioritizing safety.

If confident that the dog is genuinely smiling and displaying submissive body language, there may not be immediate cause for alarm. However, ongoing observation is crucial to ensure the dog remains comfortable and does not exhibit signs of discomfort or nervousness. Additionally, avoid inadvertently reinforcing fear or anxiety in the dog.

Training Dogs to Smile: For dogs that genuinely smile, owners can train them to do so on cue. This involves capturing the behavior, rewarding it, and associating a cue word like "smile." It's essential to confirm that the dog is genuinely smiling and not displaying signs of aggression before introducing this cue. Pay attention to the dog's comfort level and avoid reinforcing fear or anxiety during training.