Aussie Grin Reactions

by jcrply
(Florida)

My pup does the delightful "AUSSIE GRIN". If you have seen one, you know what I mean. If you have not, it is difficult to explain. She gives the grin as a happy greeting to people and other pups and dogs. To those of you who have one of the rare Aussies who grins, have you ever seen another dog react to the grin? I can see that it might be possible for a person to misinterpret it as a snarl, but I thought dogs could read body language well enough to know that it isn't. My pup met for the first time a dog on Saturday that has a reputation as a very gentle therapy dog. This dog works in nursing homes and with tiny children, but this dog reacted violently to my pup - pushed through a gate, jumped on her, chased her. My pup wasn't doing anything at all, but I think that she must have given this other dog the Aussie grin. My pup was terrified at the response of this huge dog. It is the first time I have ever seen her scared. Do you think it could have been the grin? The owner of the dog was mortified and kept apologizing. I would really like to hear from anyone who has any thoughts on this. It was a bizarre incident.

---

Questions About Your Aussie? Australian Shepherd Lover's Guide To Australian Shepherd Training & Care