40 Hilarious Dog Posts To Put A Smile On Your Face (2024)

FAQs

Does a dog smile mean it's happy? ›

Fact #1: Dogs Do Indeed Smile!

Dogs notice humans smile when happy, and they will often mirror our jovial facial expressions to appease us and indicate they are also happy. A dog will pull back their lips and lift their brows to smile, and they may even wag their tail to complete the gesture.

A great example of this is the submissive grin. The ASPCA noted, "This is also a gesture where a dog shows his front teeth, but a smiling dog is doing just that. He usually shows a lowered head, wagging tail, flattened ears, a soft body posture and soft, squinty eyes along with those teeth.

Most dogs love pleasing their owners and know that smiling is human body language for happiness. The majority of dogs are very good at interpreting human body language. They can tell when we are pleased, sad, or disappointed. They also know that our happiness often means extra attention, treats, and fun time for them.

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.

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!

Dogs really do love us unconditionally. Your dog follows you everywhere. If you feel like you can not take a step in the house without your dog at your heels, consider yourself loved. Dogs cling to you for more than just security.

Dogs may also smile when they're feeling guilty, or when you're trying to get them to do something they don't want to do, like take a bath. If they're doing this submissive grin when they've done something wrong, it's because they want to avoid getting in trouble or a hostile confrontation with their owners, Haug says.

Why does my dog smile at me when I come home? ›

Smiles are often given when greeting people the dog adores, especially if the dog hasn't seen the person for some time. The smiles seem to indicate that the dog is over the moon about the reunion, and about the opportunity to greet the person.

There is a lot of debate among animal behaviourists about this but most agree that no, dogs can't laugh. At least not in the sense that humans can laugh. However, dogs can make a sound that is similar to a laugh, which they typically do when they are playing. It's caused by a breathy panting that's forcefully exhaled.

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.”

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.

Every dog is different and will learn at their own pace. If your dog doesn't seem to be getting the hang of it, try breaking the training down into smaller steps and using more positive reinforcement. With time and patience, your dog will likely learn to smile on command.

Swimming, playing fetch, or going on brisk walks are some daily exercises that will let your furry friend burn off some excess energy. Toys and games that are mentally stimulating (like a puzzle toy/feeder) are great ways to exercise your dog's mind.

Similar to humans, dogs can also experience feelings of happiness. However, they may have different ways of showing it—in other words, they may not communicate this feeling of happiness or contentment just by smiling.