The Definition of “Bared Teeth”
In dog terms, “bared teeth” simply means showing their teeth on purpose. Dogs do this by curling their lip back. It’s often a warning, but it can also be a reflexive action in certain situations. This is why it’s important to understand the rest of the message your dog is sending.
The Message
Aggression
Most of the time, when a dog shows their teeth, it’s a clear warning signal that the dog is uncomfortable and you should back off. Most people heed this warning, give the dog some space, and the interaction ends there.
Baring teeth is a rung on the canine ladder of aggression. Showing teeth is a precursor to more serious aggressive behaviour. If you ignore the warning, the dog may progress to snarling and growling, and eventually biting. However, you will notice other signs of aggression, like stiff posture, a high-held tail, and erect ears.
There are numerous reasons that dogs show aggression. Fear is one of the most common, but it can also happen when a dog is feeling overwhelmed, experiencing pain, or is overstimulated. Resource guarding, protectiveness, and territorial behaviour can also trigger aggression.
Regardless of the reason for the aggression, if a dog shows their teeth and shows aggressive body language, the best thing you can do is leave the dog alone. Even if it’s your own dog, avoid making eye contact and slowly back away. Giving the dog space will de-escalate the situation and prevent anyone from getting hurt. You can determine the reason for the behaviour later; for now, let your dog calm down.
Submission
Sometimes dogs show their teeth without any aggression behind it. In fact, they bare teeth in submission, which is the total opposite of aggression. This type of teeth baring is often referred to as “smiling” or a “submissive grin.”
This type of teeth-baring is accompanied by other non-aggressive body language, like lip licking, a diverted gaze, ears flat against the head, and a relaxed posture.
Submissive grinning is a dog’s way of calming a situation, but it can also indicate anxiety or stress. Stress can cause aggression, too, so it’s extremely important to pay attention to your dog’s cues when you see teeth.
It’s not common for dogs to show a submissive grin unless they are anxious and trying to defuse a situation. While this alone isn’t concerning behaviour, if anxiety is left unchecked, it can quickly turn to aggression.
How To Respond To Your Dog Showing Teeth
If your dog is baring teeth, you need to assess the context and other body language your dog is exhibiting. If you’re unsure, the best thing to do is give your dog space. This is also what you should do if you think the teeth-baring is aggressive.
Usually, dogs show aggression as a method of defence, and they don’t want to escalate the situation. This is why knowing the rungs on the ladder of aggression is so helpful. There are several cues your dog will give you before showing teeth and growling. The problem is that many people don’t recognize these cues and then think their dog has suddenly become aggressive.
The Ladder of Aggression
Way before your dog growls or shows their teeth, they will give you hints that they are “escalating.” As an owner, if you intervene at one of these first signs that your dog is uncomfortable, you can often avoid displays of aggression altogether.
Yawning, nose licking, excessive blinking. These behaviours seem benign, and most people don’t recognize them as aggressive. Because they’re not. But they are a sign that your dog is uncomfortable with the situation.
Turning head and body away from a perceived threat, pawing the ground, pawing their owner. This is where owners who are in tune with their dogs will notice that something’s up. If your dog suddenly starts pawing your leg, they are trying to get your attention and your help.
Hiding, retreating, walking away (or attempting to). Dogs who feel threatened will try to remove themselves from the situation before they act out aggressively. Keep in mind that what you see as a threat isn’t the same as what your dog finds threatening. For some dogs, it’s the presence of another dog, or a person they don’t know. All dogs are individuals and have different anxiety thresholds.
Tail tucked under, stiffening, staring. If you haven’t picked up your dog’s cues thus far, your dog will now move into more aggressive behaviours. Stiffening and staring are usually the precursor to teeth-baring, growling, snapping, and biting.
Submissive Grinning
If you are certain that your dog is showing their teeth is submission, there’s probably no need to be concerned or to intervene in the moment. Some dogs do this more than others, particularly if they are dogs prone to anxiety.
It may also be that your dog is feeling stressed in the moment. If it’s an obvious cause, like a thunderstorm, give your dog the space to feel safe. But keep an eye on the behaviour, as prolonged periods of stress can lead to aggression.
Final Thoughts
Dogs show their teeth to either show submission or aggression. Since these are total opposites on the behaviour spectrum, it’s important to read the context and other body language your dog is exhibiting. Understanding the progression of aggressive behaviour can help you to intervene and stop aggression from happening. However, if you are unsure of the reason for the behaviour, always err on the side of caution and give a teeth-baring dog space.
Does your dog show their teeth? Let us know in the comments below.
