Ok thought I'd ask this here because it has puzzled me a while. We have trained Max to 'give a paw' for his food or titbits, but he curls his lip and shows his teeth when he gives you his paw. We can't think why he does this, its as soon as his paw is in your hand he shows his teeth. He's always been a bit sensitive about his paws but we were wondering why he gets so upset about us handling his paw. He seems to do it more with my dad and mum. Anyone got any ideas ?

Sounds as though it could be a submissive reaction. Does he growl or anything when doing it, if he doesn't I shouldn't worry too much.

Yes I thought of that, a submissive grin, apparently some Dalmations have this habit, but yes he does growl, while giving the paw. He growls louder when giving it to someone else other than me. Some of the time he 'talks', licking his lips and groaning/growling after he has shown his teeth. We are so puzzled we have no idea why he is so upset about giving his paw.

Banger, very many (I'd say about 40%) of dalmatians will "smile" like this. And yes, it is a smile - the whole body language is entirely different to a snarl. I've known labradors and some terriers do it too, as well as vocalising at the same time. So don't immediately think it's anger or discomfort! Read the rest of his body language too.

Border collies and Rough collie grin as well .One of mine sings at me while she is grinning from ear to ear.Gillian

I have known a dobe and a BSD Tervueren both so this, and in the latter case accompanied by growly groaning!

One of my bitches does it a little, but usually when on her back! Her half brother vocalises a lot with pleasure, and this can at first be mistaken for a growl.

ive seen rotts and gsd doing this--in my and the owners veiw the dog was doing what was requested!!! BUT!!! was hating every bit of it,the gsd the most frightening case, the owner used to ask for a cuddle in which she grabbed the dog tight around its neck--she couldnt see the dog as he was facing away from her-trust me it was horrific, the lip was curled as far as it could be-the eyes and expression furious. it didnt like it one bit!! she never would believe us how menacing he looked
my sisters rott male is great with everyone, if you ask him for a kiss, he stiffens, drops his head and grumbles, i think its their male ego gets hurt!!! :rolleyes:

My male GSP grumbles all the time, (well when he's not whinging). He loves a cuddle and has a dreamy look on his face, but still grumbles about it. When I first got him at a year old it used to worry me but after 2 years I've realised it's just one of his little quirks. Ingrid

Maybe the first time he did it somebody laughed at him, or rewarded him in some way that he's learnt the behaviour as a variation on the theme? Or maybe it is a doggy smile as the others have said?..

hubbys spaniel smiles-theres no mistaking the submissevness when hes doing it, -the rest of his body should give you a clue

Difficult to work out his body language as he is always sitting, so its quite difficult to work out. Maybe it's just one of his weird habits and yes dizzy sometimes Max does the same when asked for a kiss, drops head and groans sometimes. Sometimes he jumps up and gives you a kiss on the cheek, there's no telling with Max, he's so unpredictable. The only thing is his growling/groaning isn't a deep growl, is more like a medium pitch so probably more a moan than growl.

Tim :D

hows it in general with him now ? did it get much better???

Yes he's much better. The main problem we had with him was barking at the neighbours and anyone going past our fence. With the aid of a behaviour program and an audible training collar we have just about managed to get Max out of these annoying habits. Although we still have a problem with strangers and dogs. But having said this we are now taking Max to the groomer every two months to get him used to different people. The last time he was at the groomers, the handler said he was 'a wonderful dog, a real pleasure to handle' and he was giving him kisses when on the grooming table. I personally think he must have given him a sedative :D

think if i was his groomer id of slipped him one too

If you say to Barney giz a kiss you either get a dirty look or he legs it :D