Instruction: why a dog «smiles» by showing its teeth.

1. Understanding Canine Communication

1.1 Body Language Signals

Dogs communicate through a complex set of visual cues, and the exposure of teeth is a central element of that system. When a dog bares its teeth in a relaxed, open‑mouth posture, the behavior often resembles a human smile, yet the underlying meaning differs from aggression. This expression signals a state of contentment, invitation to play, or a non‑threatening greeting, depending on accompanying signals such as relaxed ears, a wagging tail, and a soft gaze.

Key body‑language components that accompany a “smiling” mouth include:

Ears positioned forward or slightly relaxed, indicating attentiveness without tension.
Tail movement that is loose, sweeping, or gently wagging, reflecting a positive emotional state.
Body posture that is loose, with weight distributed evenly and no signs of stiffness.
Vocalizations that are low‑pitched, breathy, or accompanied by occasional playful bark.

The teeth display itself varies in intensity. A slight, brief flash of incisors combined with a relaxed jaw suggests a friendly invitation. A broader, more forceful exposure, especially if paired with stiff limbs or a raised hackles, typically denotes warning or fear rather than a smile.

Understanding the full context of these cues enables owners and professionals to differentiate between genuine affiliative signals and potential threats. Accurate interpretation reduces miscommunication, promotes safe interactions, and supports the dog’s welfare by reinforcing appropriate social behavior.

1.2 Facial Expressions in Dogs

Dogs communicate through a repertoire of facial signals that convey emotional state, intention, and social hierarchy. The display of teeth, often interpreted by owners as a “smile,” is a nuanced expression rather than a simple sign of happiness.

When a dog bares its teeth in a relaxed, slightly open mouth, the surrounding musculature-especially the levator labii superioris and zygomaticus-creates a gentle curvature of the lips. This configuration reduces tension in the jaw, lowers the ears, and may be accompanied by a soft gaze. In this context, the gesture signals appeasement, invitation to interact, or a non‑threatening acknowledgment of a familiar human.

Conversely, teeth exposure combined with a stiff posture, direct stare, or snarling sounds indicates aggression, fear, or defensive intent. The distinction lies in accompanying body language: relaxed shoulders, wagging tail, and loose movements denote a friendly “smile,” whereas rigid limbs, raised hackles, and a closed mouth suggest hostility.

Key factors influencing the benign tooth display:

Social familiarity: Dogs more comfortable with a person or conspecific are likelier to use the appeasement version.
Contextual cues: Play sessions, grooming, or reward scenarios increase the probability of a relaxed grin.
Breed-specific morphology: Breeds with shorter muzzles may appear to show teeth more prominently, affecting human perception.

Understanding these subtleties helps owners interpret canine signals accurately, preventing misreading of a friendly grin as aggression or vice versa.

2. The "Smile" Phenomenon in Dogs

2.1 Historical Observations

Historical records reveal that humans have long interpreted a dog’s exposed teeth as a facial expression resembling a smile. Ancient Egyptian tomb paintings depict domesticated canines with relaxed jaws and visible incisors, suggesting a friendly posture. Greek writers such as Aristotle and Theophrastus noted that dogs “show their teeth when pleased,” linking the behavior to a state of contentment. Medieval bestiaries describe the “grinning hound” as a symbol of loyalty, reinforcing the association between tooth display and positive affect. In the 19th century, naturalist Charles Darwin recorded observations of domestic dogs that “open their mouths and reveal teeth while awaiting their owners,” interpreting the act as a social signal rather than aggression. Early ethologists, including Konrad Lorenz, documented that puppies frequently exhibit a relaxed bite and wide mouth during play, a precursor to the adult “smile.”

Key historical observations:

c. 2500 BCE - Egyptian tomb art: relaxed canine faces with visible teeth, interpreted as amicable.
4th century BCE - Aristotle’s History of Animals: dogs “show their teeth when glad.”
13th century - Bestiary manuscripts: the “grinning hound” emblem of faithful companionship.
1868 - Darwin’s The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication: dogs open mouths in anticipation of human contact.
1935 - Lorenz’s ethological studies: puppies display a “play grin” characterized by an open mouth and exposed teeth.

These accounts demonstrate a persistent cross‑cultural perception that a dog’s tooth display functions as a communicative gesture akin to a smile, rooted in observations of relaxed posture, social bonding, and playful interaction.

2.2 Anthropomorphism vs. Canine Behavior

Dogs expose their teeth in a facial expression that humans often label a “smile.” This behavior emerges from a complex set of social signals rather than an emotional mirroring of human happiness. In canine communication, a relaxed jaw, slightly exposed incisors, and a soft mouth tone indicate low‑risk interaction, invitation to play, or a calming signal to defuse tension. The visual cue functions alongside body posture, tail wag, and vocalizations to convey intent.

Anthropomorphic view: interprets the tooth display as a direct analogue of human smiling, implying shared emotional states such as joy or friendliness. This perspective simplifies interspecies communication and can lead to misreading of a dog’s readiness for interaction.
Ethological view: treats the same facial pattern as a context‑dependent signal. The presence of relaxed ears, loose body, and a gently open mouth distinguishes a benign invitation from a threat display, which would involve stiff posture, raised hackles, and a snarling mouth.

Research on domesticated canids shows that the “smile” often accompanies play bows, side‑to‑side movement, and vocalizations like soft whines. When these elements co‑occur, the tooth exposure functions as a de‑escalation tool, reassuring conspecifics and humans that the interaction remains safe. In isolation, a similar facial expression without supporting cues may signal discomfort or a submissive response to a higher‑ranking individual.

Understanding the distinction between human‑centric interpretation and species‑specific signaling prevents erroneous assumptions about a dog’s emotional state. Accurate reading relies on integrating facial expression with the full behavioral context, reinforcing the principle that canine communication operates on its own repertoire, not on a direct translation of human affect.

3. Interpreting Teeth-Showing in Dogs

3.1 Submissive Grin

As a canine behavior specialist, I observe that the “submissive grin” is a specific facial expression dogs display when they feel lower in a social hierarchy. The dog pulls back its lips, reveals the teeth, and often holds a relaxed jaw. This posture signals that the animal acknowledges another’s dominance and wishes to avoid conflict.

Key elements of the submissive grin include:

Teeth exposed without tension in the jaw muscles.
Ears positioned forward or slightly flattened, indicating attentiveness without threat.
A soft, open mouth that may accompany a slight whine or sigh.
Body posture that is lowered, with the tail tucked or wagging low.

The expression differs from an aggressive snarl, which features tightened jaws, bared teeth accompanied by a rigid neck, and a forward-leaning stance. In the submissive grin, the muscles remain loose, and the dog’s overall demeanor is calm. This contrast helps human observers and other dogs interpret the intent correctly.

Evolutionarily, exposing teeth in a non‑aggressive context evolved as a safe way for subordinate individuals to communicate appeasement. By showing vulnerable parts of the mouth, the dog demonstrates trust and a willingness to accept corrective signals from a higher‑ranking counterpart. The behavior reduces the likelihood of escalation, preserving group cohesion.

For owners, recognizing the submissive grin prevents misreading the gesture as a warning bite. When a dog presents this expression, the appropriate response is to maintain a gentle tone, avoid direct eye contact, and reward the calm demeanor. Reinforcing the behavior with positive feedback encourages continued use of the signal in tense situations, thereby enhancing the dog’s confidence and the human‑dog relationship.

3.1.1 Context and Accompanying Signals

Research on canine facial expressions shows that tooth display can function as a friendly signal when it occurs within a specific behavioral package. The gesture typically appears during relaxed interactions, such as play sessions or greeting rituals, and is accompanied by a relaxed body posture, soft eye contact, and a slightly lowered head. In these moments the dog’s tail is often wagging at a moderate tempo, and the ears are positioned forward or slightly flopped, indicating a non‑aggressive stance.

Additional cues that reinforce the positive intent include:

A gentle, open-mouth pant that exposes the teeth without tension in the jaw muscles.
A slow, rhythmic breathing pattern that contrasts with the rapid, shallow breaths seen in fear or aggression.
Subtle vocalizations such as low‑pitched whines or playful “barks” that lack the harsh, staccato quality of warning calls.

When these elements co‑occur, observers can reliably interpret the tooth exposure as a smiling-like expression rather than a threat. Absence of these accompanying signals-tight muscles, stiff tail, fixed stare-suggests a different motivational state, often defensive or confrontational.

3.1.2 Examples of Submissive Teeth-Showing

Dogs reveal their teeth in a submissive manner to signal deference and to defuse potential aggression. This gesture differs from an aggressive snarl; the mouth is relaxed, the lips may be slightly pulled back, and only the front incisors are exposed. The following observations illustrate typical instances of submissive teeth‑showing:

A low‑ranking dog approaches a dominant pack member, lowers its body, and briefly parts the lips, exposing a thin line of teeth while maintaining a soft gaze.
After a reprimand from a human owner, a dog may lower its head, tuck its tail, and display a faint, non‑tense tooth flash as an appeasement cue.
During play, when one dog yields to another’s mounting attempts, it may present a mild tooth reveal combined with a rolling back of the neck, indicating willingness to continue without escalation.
In a veterinary examination, a dog that feels vulnerable may lift its lip just enough to show the incisors while keeping the jaw relaxed, communicating that it does not intend to bite.

These patterns are consistent across breeds and are recognized by experienced handlers as clear markers of submission rather than threat.

3.2 Play Bow and Open Mouth Displays

Dogs that expose their teeth during play are not exhibiting aggression; they are communicating a specific social signal. The behavior described as a “play bow” involves the front legs lowered while the rear stays elevated, often accompanied by an open mouth that reveals teeth. This combination functions as a visual invitation to interact, indicating that subsequent actions will be non‑threatening.

Key functions of the play bow and open‑mouth display:

Signals readiness to engage in reciprocal play, reducing ambiguity about intent.
Demonstrates emotional arousal without escalating to hostile confrontation.
Allows the partner to assess the initiator’s mood through facial expression and body posture.
Facilitates the transition from calm interaction to more vigorous activities such as chasing or wrestling.

The open mouth, sometimes interpreted as a “smile,” is characterized by relaxed jaw muscles, relaxed ear position, and a soft gaze. These elements collectively differentiate the display from a bite threat, where tension, stare, and stiff body language dominate.

Neurophysiological studies show that the release of endorphins during these displays reinforces social bonding. Behavioral experiments reveal that dogs respond more quickly to a play bow than to a simple tail wag, confirming the efficiency of the signal in prompting cooperative play.

In practice, observing the timing of the bow, the duration of the open mouth, and the accompanying body language provides reliable cues for trainers and owners to encourage appropriate play and to intervene before misinterpretation leads to conflict.

3.2.1 Playful Engagement

Dogs expose their teeth during play as a signal of friendly intent, not aggression. The behavior originates from ancestral pack dynamics where members used open‑mouth displays to invite interaction while maintaining social harmony. In a playful context, the canine mouth is relaxed, lips are slightly pulled back, and the tongue may be visible, distinguishing the gesture from a threat posture that involves tensed jaws and a direct stare.

Key characteristics of the playful teeth display include:

Relaxed jaw muscles - tension is absent, allowing a quick, fluid motion.
Open mouth with visible tongue - the tongue often protrudes, softening the expression.
Accompanying body language - wagging tail, loose posture, and playful vocalizations reinforce the invitation.

These cues combine to create a clear, low‑risk invitation for reciprocal play. When another dog or human responds with similar signals, the interaction escalates into chasing, mock biting, or gentle wrestling, reinforcing social bonds and providing physical exercise. Failure to recognize the relaxed nature of the display can lead to misinterpretation, potentially escalating to genuine aggression if the signal is confused with a warning bite.

Understanding the nuanced differences between play‑related teeth exposure and defensive snarling enables owners and trainers to facilitate safe, enriching activities that support canine welfare and strengthen interspecies relationships.

3.2.2 Difference from Aggression

Veterinary behaviorists recognize that a relaxed, open‑mouthed expression accompanied by a soft, slightly upturned lip constitutes a genuine canine “smile.” This display differs fundamentally from aggressive signaling in several measurable ways.

Muscle tone: During a smile, facial and jaw muscles remain loose; aggression involves tightened jaw, raised hackles, and a rigid muzzle. Electromyographic studies show reduced activity in the masseter and temporalis muscles when dogs exhibit a friendly grin.
Body posture: Smiling dogs maintain a lowered, wagging tail, relaxed shoulders, and a forward‑leaning stance. Aggressive individuals present a stiff, upright posture, tail held high, and may exhibit a forward‑lunging motion.
Vocalization: A smiling dog may emit low, contented sighs or soft whines. Aggressive dogs often produce growls, snarls, or bark bursts with increased amplitude and frequency.
Eye expression: The eyes appear soft, with a slow blink or relaxed gaze. In aggression, the eyes are hard, often showing a direct stare or “hard eye” with dilated pupils.
Dental exposure: The teeth are shown in a gentle, non‑threatening manner, usually only the incisors or a slight glimpse of the canines. Aggressive displays feature a full, forceful baring of the canines, sometimes accompanied by a snapping motion.

These criteria enable practitioners to differentiate genuine affiliative signaling from hostile intent, ensuring accurate interpretation of canine communication and appropriate handling.

3.3 Warning or Aggression

As a canine behavior specialist, I explain that a dog’s display of teeth often signals a warning rather than a friendly grin. The oral exposure functions as a visual cue that the animal perceives a potential threat or is preparing to defend itself. When the teeth are shown in a stiff, upright posture, the expression is typically a warning; if accompanied by a low, rumbling vocalization, the risk of escalation to aggression increases.

Key elements that differentiate a warning from a full‑blown aggressive act include:

Body tension: Rigid shoulders, a forward‑leaning stance, and a tight core indicate a defensive posture.
Tail position: A tail held high and possibly bristling suggests heightened arousal.
Ear orientation: Ears pinned back or rotated forward signal focus on a specific stimulus.
Vocalization: Low growls or snarls accompany a warning; louder, more intense barks often precede an attack.
Eye contact: Direct, hard stare combined with teeth exposure points to a serious intent.

Interpretation requires assessing the entire context. A brief, relaxed tooth flash while the dog’s body remains loose may be a playful gesture, but when the surrounding cues align with the list above, the dog is communicating discomfort or intent to defend. Responding with calm, non‑threatening body language and giving the animal space reduces the likelihood of escalation. Training that reinforces alternative signals-such as “leave it” or “sit”-provides the dog with safer ways to express unease without resorting to teeth exposure.

3.3.1 Threat Displays

Dogs often expose their teeth as a component of a threat display, a signal that conveys intent to defend resources, establish hierarchy, or deter perceived danger. This behavior is rooted in ancestral canid communication systems, where a visible dentition functions as an honest warning of potential aggression.

The mechanics of the display involve several coordinated actions:

Raising the head and stiffening the neck to enlarge the facial profile.
Tensing the jaw muscles while the lips are drawn back, revealing the incisors and canines.
Accompanying vocalizations such as growls or snarls that reinforce the visual cue.

When a dog performs this sequence in a relaxed setting, observers may interpret the exposed teeth as a friendly “smile.” However, the underlying purpose remains defensive. Context determines meaning: the same dental exposure during play is paired with loose body posture, wagging tail, and soft vocalizations, whereas a genuine threat display features rigid posture, direct stare, and heightened arousal.

Understanding the dual nature of tooth exposure aids owners and trainers in distinguishing harmless play from an escalating confrontation. Recognizing the accompanying signals-body tension, ear position, and vocal tone-provides a reliable framework for interpreting canine intent and responding appropriately.

3.3.2 Identifying Aggressive Intent

When a dog bares its teeth, observers often interpret the gesture as a friendly “smile.” In reality, the same facial expression can signal the onset of aggression. Accurate assessment hinges on recognizing the broader behavioral context and accompanying cues.

Key indicators that tooth exposure reflects hostile intent include:

Rigid, forward‑leaning posture; the dog’s weight shifts onto the fore‑limbs, reducing mobility for retreat.
Direct, unblinking stare aimed at the target, often accompanied by narrowed eyes.
Ears pinned back or rotated forward, creating a tense silhouette.
Elevated hackles along the back and neck, indicating heightened arousal.
A slow, deliberate wag of the tail that remains stiff, contrasting with the loose, sweeping motion seen in play.

Conversely, a genuine play smile is characterized by a loose body, relaxed shoulders, and a tail that sweeps in wide arcs. The dog’s mouth may be open, showing teeth, but the expression is accompanied by a “play bounce” and a vocalization pattern that includes high‑pitched bark or whine rather than low growls.

Veterinarians and behaviorists advise observers to evaluate the entire package of signals before attributing benign intent to a toothy grin. Misreading aggressive intent as play can lead to escalation, injury, and breakdown of trust between human and canine.

3.4 Learned Behavior from Humans

Dogs often display a relaxed, open‑mouth expression that observers label as a “smile.” This behavior does not arise spontaneously; it is frequently reinforced through human interaction. When owners respond positively-praising, petting, or offering treats-while the dog shows its teeth in a non‑aggressive manner, the animal learns to associate the gesture with reward. Consequently, the mouth‑opening becomes a conditioned signal for affection rather than a warning.

Key mechanisms underlying this learned response include:

Positive reinforcement: Immediate praise or treats after the dog exhibits the soft‑mouth posture increase the likelihood of repetition.
Modeling: Children and adults who mimic a smiling face while speaking to the dog provide visual cues that the dog matches with its own facial display.
Social referencing: Dogs monitor human facial expressions; a smiling human often signals safety, prompting the dog to mirror the expression to maintain rapport.

Research indicates that this conditioning modifies the neural circuitry governing facial muscles, making the teeth‑showing gesture more frequent in familiar, low‑stress contexts. The phenomenon demonstrates how canine communication can be shaped by human feedback, turning a neutral oral posture into a socially meaningful cue.

3.4.1 Reinforcement of "Smiling"

Research confirms that dogs can develop a facial expression resembling a smile when they learn that exposing teeth elicits positive responses from humans. The behavior is reinforced through consistent social feedback, which shapes the animal’s expectation of reward.

Key mechanisms of reinforcement include:

Verbal praise: A calm, upbeat tone delivered immediately after the dog shows the expression strengthens the association between the gesture and approval.
Physical affection: Gentle petting or a light scratch at the moment the dog displays the teeth‑showing face increases the likelihood of repetition.
Treat delivery: Providing a small food reward within seconds of the expression creates a clear operant link between the action and a tangible benefit.
Facial mirroring: Humans who mirror the dog’s expression by smiling back reinforce the social bond, prompting the dog to repeat the gesture in future interactions.

Consistency across these reinforcement channels is essential. Variable or delayed feedback weakens the learned association, while immediate, predictable responses solidify the behavior. Over time, the dog integrates the teeth‑showing expression into its repertoire of social signals, using it to communicate friendliness, solicit attention, or defuse tension.

3.4.2 Mimicry and Association

Dogs frequently reveal their teeth in a relaxed, open‑mouth posture that observers label a “smile.” This expression emerges from two interrelated processes: mimicry of human facial cues and learned associations between dental exposure and positive social outcomes.

Mimicry operates through observation and replication. When owners display a grin, dogs attend to the curvature of the mouth, the exposure of teeth, and the accompanying vocal tone. Neural pathways linked to the mirror‑neuron system trigger a matching response, prompting the animal to adopt a similar mouth shape. Over repeated interactions, the canine facial configuration becomes a reflexive echo of the human gesture.

Association builds on reinforcement history. In play sessions, a dog that shows its teeth often receives encouragement-verbal praise, petting, or continuation of the game. The act of exposing teeth thus acquires a rewarding value. Classical conditioning links the visual cue (teeth visible) with the expectation of enjoyable interaction, while operant conditioning strengthens the behavior through positive feedback.

The convergence of mimicry and association produces a reliable signal that functions both as a social bridge and as a behavioral cue. The sequence can be summarized as follows:

Human displays a grin → dog observes facial pattern.
Mirror‑neuron activation → dog reproduces open‑mouth, teeth‑showing posture.
Owner responds positively (praise, play) → teeth exposure becomes associated with reward.
Reinforced pattern repeats, solidifying the “smile” as a communicative habit.

Understanding this dual mechanism informs training and welfare practices. Handlers can deliberately use a gentle grin to encourage a calm, teeth‑showing response, thereby fostering rapport without triggering aggression. Conversely, recognizing that teeth exposure may stem from learned reward rather than threat helps prevent misinterpretation of the signal in unfamiliar contexts.

4. Other Reasons for Exposed Teeth

4.1 Flehmen Response

The Flehmen response is a specialized facial expression that occurs when a dog detects potent chemical cues, typically pheromones, in the environment. The animal lifts its upper lip, curls the tip of the nose backward, and often bares the teeth, creating a visual pattern that observers frequently describe as a “smile.” This posture directs air through the vomeronasal organ, enhancing the detection of volatile compounds and facilitating rapid hormonal signaling.

Key characteristics of the response include:

Upper lip elevation exposing the incisors and canines.
Nasal tip retraction forming a pronounced curl.
Sustained exposure lasting from a few seconds to a minute, depending on stimulus intensity.
Accompanying behaviors such as head shaking or sniffing to maximize scent intake.

When a dog exhibits this configuration in the presence of a strong odor-such as a female in estrus, a novel animal scent, or certain food aromas-the exposed teeth are not an aggressive warning but a physiological adaptation. The visual similarity to a human smile can mislead casual observers, yet the underlying mechanism is rooted in chemosensory processing rather than social signaling. Understanding this distinction clarifies why the dental display occurs in contexts unrelated to threat or dominance.

4.2 Medical Conditions

Veterinary specialists recognize that the appearance of a dog’s teeth in a relaxed‑looking expression can be a symptom of underlying pathology rather than a deliberate social signal. When the mouth is opened and teeth are visible, the underlying condition often involves pain, inflammation, or neurological disruption that forces the animal to adopt a facial posture resembling a smile.

Common medical triggers include:

Dental disease - periodontitis, abscessed teeth, or fractured crowns generate discomfort that leads the dog to keep the mouth open, exposing incisors and canines.
Oral mucosal inflammation - stomatitis, ulceration, or neoplasia irritate the gingiva, prompting a persistent, slightly open mouth.
Neurological disorders - facial nerve paralysis, trigeminal neuropathy, or central vestibular disease alter muscle tone, resulting in an involuntary grin‑like expression.
Respiratory distress - upper airway obstruction, laryngeal paralysis, or severe coughing cause the animal to breathe with an open mouth, revealing teeth.
Gastrointestinal pain - acute pancreatitis or severe colic can produce a grimace that mimics smiling as the dog attempts to alleviate abdominal pressure.

Differentiating a true affiliative grin from a pathological display requires careful observation of accompanying signs: pawing at the mouth, drooling, reluctance to eat, changes in vocalization, or altered gait. A thorough oral examination, radiographic imaging, and, when indicated, neurologic assessment are essential to identify the precise cause. Prompt treatment of the underlying condition typically eliminates the misleading tooth‑showing behavior and restores normal facial expression.

5. Proper Interpretation for Dog Owners

5.1 Observing the Whole Picture

Observing the whole picture is essential when interpreting a dog’s grin, a behavior that often confuses owners. A canine displaying its teeth does not automatically signal aggression; the meaning emerges from a constellation of signals that include ear position, tail wag, posture, and vocalizations. By integrating these elements, one can distinguish a friendly invitation from a warning.

The facial expression alone provides limited insight. A relaxed jaw, slightly open mouth, and soft eyes suggest a social cue meant to convey approachability. In contrast, a taut muzzle, direct stare, and stiff body typically accompany a threat display. Evaluating the surrounding context-such as the presence of familiar humans, other dogs, or novel stimuli-further clarifies intent.

Body language contributes the most reliable data. Key observations include:

Tail held low or wagging loosely, indicating comfort.
Ears positioned forward, showing attentiveness without tension.
Weight shifted forward, signaling readiness to engage rather than retreat.

When these markers align with the teeth‑showing gesture, the behavior functions as a “play grin,” an invitation to interaction. If they diverge, the same dental display may serve as a defensive warning.

Evolutionary considerations reinforce this interpretation. Wolves and early canids used tooth exposure both to establish hierarchy and to reinforce social bonds. Domestic dogs retain the dual function, adapting it to human‑centric environments where the grin often signals a desire for play rather than conflict.

In practice, observers should record the full suite of cues before assigning meaning to a dog’s smile. A comprehensive assessment prevents misreading, reduces unnecessary fear, and promotes harmonious human‑canine relationships.

5.2 Seeking Professional Advice

As a certified canine behavior specialist, I advise owners who notice a dog exposing its teeth to treat the behavior as a signal that requires professional interpretation. The display may indicate play, discomfort, fear, or an early stage of aggression; only a qualified expert can differentiate these contexts reliably.

When seeking professional guidance, follow a structured approach:

Record the episode. Capture video and note the environment, triggers, and the dog’s body language before, during, and after the teeth exposure.
Compile health information. Include recent veterinary visits, vaccinations, medications, and any signs of pain or illness.
Identify patterns. Document frequency, duration, and any correlation with specific stimuli such as toys, strangers, or confined spaces.
Choose a specialist. Prioritize veterinarians with behavior certification or certified applied animal behaviorists. Verify credentials through professional boards.
Prepare questions. Focus on the meaning of the teeth display, risk of escalation, and recommended training or medical interventions.

During the consultation, present the collected data succinctly. Expect the professional to assess the dog’s overall health, evaluate the behavioral context, and propose a treatment plan that may involve behavior modification, environmental adjustments, or medical evaluation. Implement the plan consistently and schedule follow‑up appointments to track progress. If the behavior persists or intensifies, revisit the specialist for reassessment.