Some Australian Shepherds tend to “grin”, not to be mistaken for baring their teeth, when feeling silly or goofy. It's a sign of appeasement! A dog will grin if it senses you his owner needs to be calmed down or when they are excited by greeting people or guests.
Dogs smile when they're happy and excited. They will also loosely wag their tails, do a happy dance and have relaxed ears when greeting someone they know and like.
A dog will grin if it senses you are being angry, or if the dog is unsure or stressed, to try to calm you down. It's a calming signal they will use with each other too, but more often with people. Many other Aussies and Minis who do grin do it when they are excited and greeting their people or guests.
If you're wondering how your Aussie is showing you his love, cuddler or not, here are some signs to watch for. Bringing you toys. If your dog is bringing you his favorite things, he wants to play with you and make you happy. Since he feels happy with his toys, he assumes you will, too.
Even aggressive baring of the teeth can be mistaken by some as a friendly greeting. However, most of the time when dogs smile, they are indeed happy, so it's easy to relate that expression to human smiles.
Your dog's smile could also be a nervous grin or a sign that your pup is stressed, uncomfortable, or sending a warning. Therefore, when your pup appears to be sending a smile your way, assess their body language.
Aussies can be very clingy. They crave human companionship and love being included in pretty much everything you do, including being involved in all family activity. Since they require an active lifestyle, they will want to join in everything and anything that is going on around them.
Australian Shepherds are known for their fierce loyalty with one person, that doesn't mean every Shepherd will act like that. Some Shepherds might not build a particularly strong bond with any one family member. Others might like one of you more than another, but they don't sit on you to show it.
Known as “Velcro Dogs,” Aussies may form an almost fanatical attachment to their family. This can lead to his mistrust of, and misbehavior toward, strangers. It's important to properly socialize your Aussie as a puppy and to keep introducing him to others outside his immediate family.
Australian Shepherds are known to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, and are renown for their obedience, agility, and excellence in herding and other active sports.
The breed is considered highly intelligent and easy to train. Aussies are known for being especially eager to please their owners. True to their herding instincts, Aussies are very protective of their families and territory and will let you know if strangers approach, but they are not considered aggressive.
Why Do Australian Shepherds Whine? Australian Shepherds by their very nature are vocal dogs. As herders, they have to be, as their barks and stern noises could keep other animals in check.
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.
Just as humans stare into the eyes of someone they adore, dogs will stare at their owners to express affection. In fact, mutual staring between humans and dogs releases oxytocin, known as the love hormone. This chemical plays an important role in bonding and boosts feelings of love and trust.
Loyal. Aussies are very smart, loyal, and love having someone to be with at all times. Loyalty is a necessary trait for any service dog. Besides being extremely friendly and energetic, Aussies are usually very easy to train and can make great emotional support animals or service dogs.
Aussies are very sociable dogs. They can feel lonely when they're left alone often and are prone to suffering from separation anxiety. This is when dogs feel an overwhelming sense of anxiety over being apart from their owners.
Australian Shepherds will act very protectively around their owners and immediate family. Outsiders may make the Aussie cautious and guarded and sometimes even aggressive depending on whether you've socialized your dog.
They Want to Comfort You
If you're feeling any of these emotions, they may try to cheer you up by pawing at your hands or feet to give you extra love. By understanding why a dog puts a paw on you, you're able to build a bond with your dog or strengthen the one you have, so don't push it away always.
Laying on their back while getting some shut-eye helps dogs cool off. Unlike people who sweat to control their body temperature, dogs perspire through the pads of their feet.
Dogs with their tails pointing down to the ground or even tucked between their legs are feeling fear and stress. Dogs with their tails held up like a flag are feeling confident, perhaps even aggressive. Relaxed dogs hold their tails in a neutral position, but neutral depends on the breed.
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!
Your dog may show its teeth when smiling at you while letting you know it accepts that you're the leader. It's a sign of respect, not of aggression. You can typically tell the difference by looking at your dog's posture. If it is relaxed, then there's nothing for you to worry about.
When you kiss your dog, you may notice signs that indicate they know that the kiss is a gesture of affection. As puppies, this is not something that dogs would recognize, although they would feel you doing it. However, as they get older they associate the kisses and cuddles with you being happy with them.