Can dogs laugh?
When a dog is content and happy, its owner is happy too. Some dogs seem to beam in certain situations positively, but can dogs laugh or smile? And does that mean they're happy, or is there something else behind the grin? Can a dog's "laughter" be compared to human laughter? You'll find the answers in this article.
Do dogs feel happiness and excitement?
When you come home from work and see your dog, you can usually tell at a glance: the joy at your return is immense. This is not only visible from the outside, but also measurable.
Several studies have shown that oxytocin levels increase in dogs after a positive interaction with their owners. But that's not all: scientists also observed an oxytocin surge in the dog owners.
How do dogs show that they are happy?
There are several signs that your dog is happy. He might, for example, wag his tail in a relaxed manner. He will also increasingly seek your company and invite you to play.
Can dogs laugh or grin?
An open mouth, flashing white teeth, pulled-back lips, and squinted eyelids – a dog's laugh is very similar to a human laugh. But while most dog owners assume their dog is smiling at them brightly, there could be other behaviors behind it.
Is dog laughter equivalent to human laughter?
Admittedly, your dog's "laughing" can look quite genuine. However, you should never equate this behavior with your own laughter. This is because canine communication relies heavily on gestures and facial expressions—and is sometimes quite different from human communication.
What does it mean when my dog smiles?
A smile can certainly mean that your dog is happy. However, a dog's laugh can also mean something completely different, as the following examples show. It is therefore vital to always pay attention to the dog's entire body language and to include the overall situation in your interpretation.
Stress as a cause
If your dog pulls its ears back and pants heavily at the same time, it is a vital sign that it is under stress. Another sign is the "stress line": it can appear between the eyes and lips in stressful situations. So remember: panting is not smiling!
Signs of submission
In some dogs, the seemingly happy facial expression is actually a so-called submissive grin. This means your dog is smiling because he is submitting to you, the usually dominant one.
Interestingly, wolves also exhibit this behavior. However, unlike domesticated dogs, they display this submissive grin towards dominant pack animals.
"Smiling" as a threatening gesture
Have you ever observed your dog displaying a threatening behavior? For example, when the unpopular postman stood at the gate? Then you've probably seen your dog present its teeth as a threatening gesture, looking as if it were smiling.
Whether your dog feels threatened or aggressive, it can be clearly identified by other signs. These include, for example, the erection of the back hair.
Can dogs understand human emotions?
Many dog owners are convinced that dogs understand when they are happy or sad. A 2016 study came to a similar conclusion. In this study, dogs were shown pictures of people and other dogs expressing different emotions.
Result: Dogs can distinguish between joy and sorrow
The study results show that dogs can differentiate between positive and negative emotions in both other dogs and humans. This is advantageous for our four-legged friends, as understanding emotions not only helps your dog communicate with you and other dogs, but also helps them understand their own emotions.
Conclusion: Dogs can laugh
That dogs can laugh is undeniable for dog owners. However, there are differences between dog laughter and human laughter. A dog's "laughter" often conveys something different than you, as a dog owner, might interpret it.