Not a Vicious Dog
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Tig the black lab mix frequently strikes fear into people’s hearts because of her intense "submissive smile." This is a wolf behavior that most dogs don’t exhibit, but many do. She is very submissive and this is one of the appeasing/puppy behaviors that wolves and dogs do to show that they are submissive and not a threat, thereby heading off any aggressive behavior on the other animal’s part. Other similar appeasing behaviors are: lying down with belly exposed, submissive peeing, and licking other animals’ mouths.
Tig is wearing a Gentle Leader head-collar, not a muzzle—it’s a management tool for dogs who pull on leashes.