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The Aussie Grin

the Aussie Grin  calming signals Faithwalk Aussies Miniature Amercan Shepherd Breeder Michigan
"SMILE FOR THE CAMERA!"

I wanted to have a little space to explain a trait common in some lines of Aussies and Mini Americans.  Other breeds and mixes do it as well.   It's often called "grinning", where a dog shows it's teeth, sometimes just front ones and sometimes all of them in an open mouthed grin. To the uninformed, this may look like a sign of aggression, but it's quite the opposite.  It's a sign of appeasement!  A dog will grin if it senses you are being angry, or if the dog is unsure or stressed, to try to calm you down.  It's a calming signal they will use with each other too, but more often with people.  

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      Many other Aussies and Minis who do grin do it when they are excited and greeting their people or guests.  I just want to make sure anyone who may encounter this trait sees it for what it is and doesn't mistakenly assume the dog is being aggressive. Some Aussies grin so hard they sneeze, and they often wiggle their whole bodies and make silly noises as they do their best grin. 

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Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, rejoice!


Philippians 4:4

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