All animals possess an innate ability to communicate with their own species, the doggie behavioural experts at Wag, a dog-walking and information site, tell Reader’s Digest.
A perfect example of the dichotomy between dog-to-dog versus dog-to-human facial expression is eye contact. Between dogs, eye contact signals aggression.
Part of communication via the eyes includes breaking eye contact. Dogs stare at each other until one or the other breaks the gaze—and a fight could break out.
If a dog blinks while making eye contact with you, he may be contemplating what you’re thinking, according to Dr. Danielle Bernal, a veterinarian with Wellness Natural Pet Food.
Squinting and repetitive blinking may mean something entirely different when a dog is not looking into your eyes, Schoeff explains. Squinting can signal pain or illness.
When your dog raises one eyebrow or both while making eye contact, it’s a sign of alertness and interest, says Schoeff.
A dog who avoids eye contact is likely having trust issues, Schoeff says. “Dogs are aware that eye contact with humans signals trust and comfort,” he explains.
That adorable head tilt? It’s exactly what it looks like, according to Schoeff: It means your dog is curious.