DO DOGS…?
Smile?
I know this question’s been around the block, but I wondered if I could dig up some damning evidence to end speculation. After much research, I am happy to say….
its debatable. Sorry guys. It seems that there are as many answers to that question as there are theories on why dogs do the things they do, as many answers as there are theories on why people do the things they do. Is it a single expression in the intricate play of dominance and submission? Is it a result of operant conditioning, the dog repeating a motion clearly enjoyed and rewarded by he/she who feeds him?
I don’t know. I do know that Stranger smiles when i bring out the leash, when i unexpectedly give him a treat, when i scratch his ears, and mostly when i roll down the back window for him. I smile too, wondering if the phrase ” as the wind rushed through my fur” is running through his puppy head.
Ps: send me pictures of your dog smiling! Im hoping to do a sunday smiling dog segment.
June 4th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
I’ve seen a few dogs that actually bring their lips back into a human-like smile. It’s pretty creepy.
June 4th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Our dog Daisy smiles all the time. She shows her teeth like a human smile. It looks kind of strange almost like a growl but there is no aggression. It happens when she is relaxed or comfortable. She also will smile when I return after being away from home for a few days. Likewise she will mope around when she sees suitcases being packed. Who says dogs do not have human like emotions?
June 5th, 2008 at 1:47 am
Ace doesn’t smile. My parents’ golden does sort of a smile when she gets excited, like when people come over or if she’s about to play with a favorite toy. But I don’t think it’s the same kind of smile people have.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:31 am
They absolutely smile! I dont care what some dumb old scientist says, my dogs smile!