A perfect example of the dichotomy between dog-to-dog and dog-to-human facial expressions is eye contact.
Understanding what your dog’s facial expressions really mean also involves knowing what it means when your pooch breaks eye contact.
Understanding what your dog’s facial expressions really mean also involves knowing what it means when your pooch breaks eye contact.
You’ve probably wondered why your dog makes weird faces. It could be because something is wrong.
When your dog raises one eyebrow—or both—while making eye contact, it’s a sign of alertness and interest, says Schoeff.
A dog who avoids eye contact is likely having trust issues. “Dogs are aware that eye contact with humans signals trust and comfort,” Schoeff explains.
That adorable head tilt? It’s exactly what it looks like, according to Schoeff: It means your dog is curious.
When your dog lowers or bows its head while gazing up at you, it’s an act of submission, explains Schoeff.
Watch it: This isn’t a good sign. If you see a dog pulling both ears tight against his head, it could be a sign of aggression or of fear.
Yes, a yawn could indicate tiredness, Bernal says. But it can also be associated with moments of stress, so look for context clues to figure out what your dog’s facial expressions really mean.
A dog that’s licking its lips can be communicating a desire to submit to its human, Bernal tells us. Or it could indicate anxiety or dehydration, depending on the context.
Yes, dogs smile, although it doesn’t necessarily signify happiness, contentment, or agreement.
You don’t need a dog expressions chart or canine behavioral specialist to recognize when your dog’s smile is more of a snarl, says Bernal.
In humans, we understand the difference between a smile and a grimace. The same applies to dogs.