I've always wondered about this, as when I go to the cupboard for the treats, his Eyes sparkle, and he gives me a lovely smiley grin looking back, saying that's a good idea!
Or when he gazes into my eyes when he is cozying up on the sofa.
My partner doesn't believe the dog smiles at us; however, I'm afraid I massively have to disagree. They do love us as we love them, correct? So a cheesy grin now in then is possible. Well, keep reading. I have the answer to this question.

Emotions in Dogs are the same as in Humans?
What is a smile? It's straightforward just moving your mouth up in a turned-up position; sometimes you show your teeth; times, you don't but instantly feel better and happy for choosing to move your mouth in this way.
You will often smile without even knowing you're doing it, for example, when you win a tenner on the lottery or your dog does something Cute.
Other times a smile is very intentional, like when you meet someone new, Or show someone you care and are happy:) But is this the same when it comes to our much-loved pets?

The Science Bit
The limbic system within the brain is responsible for various functions, including motivation, behavior, memories, and emotions. Strong evidence shows the human brain is the most developed, but the canine species are so far behind.
Many research/studies have been done to look into our non-human family members and their ability to experience, show, and process their emotions. The results have shown our dogs can show emotions and different behaviors to help get our attention and have been shown to express these well.

So like always, I was right:) Yes, my dog smile at me as your dog will smile at you; however, the real question does the smile mean the same thing as we seem to think?

Try making your dog smile.

If you are a pet owner, you know our pets can be big show-offs! They love and crave our attention and always looking for more of it; Happiness is like a drug for dogs; they want MORE, Or Happiness is their favorite treat or walk or BEST pet toy. Showing off also typically gets an excited wag of the tail, and a happy response from us, only intensifying the joy of your dog's emotions. To us, a smile means Happiness or joy. To your dog, it means the same thing.

We all want to be happy and content
and feel better with a smile

Lots of things in life will bring your dog or puppy happiness. Think about how they act when treats or their favourite toy is present. They are filled with joy and excitement. This knowledge is a great tool when training your dog.
Use whatever makes them happy for training. I use my Ovo Egg rather than treats because he wouldn't stop wanting treats and would never be ending sometimes a treat, but mostly use his favourite toy to get the best out of him. and reward him with a cuddle and a smile:)

Dogs believe you are their champion of this world and that you are the best person that walks on this earth; no matter what, your dog is very forgiving after you have left him at home while you go to work; he isn't mad when your back he is just happy to see you.

A dog can read your body language and sense how you are feeling when watching a sad movie, and you give a little tear; he tries to comfort and kiss the tears but works when you are over the moon; he wants to be happy with you! Dogs will try to mimic your behavior.
Dogs will smile for so many different reasons. So get out there, get them smiling; you will be pleasantly surprised just how much they make you smile too!
It is January, and we have just PASSED the saddest day of the year!
So put your happy face on and smile and your dog! Go for walks, go for Runs, and Enjoy Happiness with your PET!
He will give you 10x Happiness back to you!