You’ve likely seen a dog bare its teeth at some point and assumed it was a warning to keep your distance—and you were probably right. But what exactly does it mean when a dog shows its teeth? Can some dogs actually smile? If your own dog does this, is it a sign of aggression or a friendly gesture?

When a dog bares its teeth, it’s using body language to communicate. Understanding canine body language is key to interpreting what your dog is trying to convey.

Definition:

In dogs, “bared teeth” refers to when a dog exposes its teeth by pulling back its lips. This is an instinctive response triggered by specific situations and is often a warning signal.

Why Do Dogs Show Their Teeth?

When a dog bares its teeth, it’s usually a clear warning to stay away, signaling potential aggression. This behavior is often accompanied by growling, snarling, raised ears, a stiff posture, and a high, rapidly wagging tail. If not heeded, it may escalate to snapping or biting. Dogs might show aggression due to fear, pain, overstimulation, or territorial behavior.

Sometimes, a dog may bare its teeth as a submissive grin, paired with non-threatening body language like lip licking and a relaxed posture. This gesture aims to calm a situation but can also indicate stress or anxiety. Monitor the context closely, and if you notice signs of stress, try to address the source of discomfort to avoid reinforcing anxiety.

While submissive grins are rare, they can be normal for some dogs. However, if the grin is due to stress, it could eventually lead to defensive aggression if the dog feels threatened.

How to Respond:

If your dog is baring its teeth at you or someone else, observe its overall body language. If you’re unsure of the cause or suspect the teeth are bared aggressively, calmly remove yourself and/or your dog from the situation. It’s important to consult a professional, such as a dog trainer, behaviorist, or veterinarian, to rule out pain or medical issues. Act promptly to prevent the situation from escalating to a bite.

If you’re unsure whether your dog is showing a submissive smile or becoming aggressive when baring its teeth, it’s best to consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. These experts are skilled in interpreting subtle cues in your dog’s body language and behavior. Prioritizing safety is always the wisest choice.

If you’re confident that your dog is simply smiling and their body language seems otherwise submissive, there’s likely no need for concern. However, it’s crucial to continue monitoring your dog to see if they become uncomfortable or anxious in the situation. Also, keep observing to ensure you’re not misinterpreting the signs.

Training Dogs to Smile:

In dogs that genuinely smile, many owners can train them to smile on command. This is typically done by capturing the behavior and rewarding it while associating a cue word like “smile.” However, ensure that the dog is indeed smiling and not displaying aggression before starting this training. Additionally, be careful not to inadvertently reinforce signs of fear or anxiety, as some dogs may show this grin when they are nervous.