The research pushes back against the belief that animal facial expressions are largely unconscious movements, that reflect internal sentiments, rather than a way to communicate. Their expressions are responsive to humans – not just to other dogs. The men who live as dogs: 'We're just the same as any person on the high street' Read moreBut the presence of food had no impact on the animals’ expressions. That suggested canine facial expressions were not just down to excitement, and cast doubt over whether dogs use their facial expressions to twist their owners around their paws, said Waller. Scientists now have some fascinating answers | John Bradshaw Read more“[The research] tells us that their facial expressions are probably responsive to humans – not just to other dogs,” said Waller.

Source: The Guardian October 19, 2017 13:00 UTC