But, what about the other way round? How easily can humans “read” our dogs’ facial expressions? She was very curious and posted a request for volunteers in a local, dog-centered Facebook group. She made appointments with over 30 mostly total strangers and their dogs.

She photographed the dogs first, letting them sit on a small podium. Owners had to interact with them, telling them phrases they know the dogs will react to. Of course they got lots and lots of praise and treats so they quickly stopped caring about the lights or the camera. “It was important that dogs stayed calm and relaxed, so they could show their natural behavior and weren’t frightened,” she said. After the dogs were photographed, the owners had to interpret and mimic. Ines noticed that dog people get really good at interpreting their own dogs. “It’s really a fascinating thing because we’re two completely different species after all,” she said.

Almost 3 years ago I adopted a puppy out of the blue

 

I quickly noticed her amazing ability to pull off almost human-like facial expressions

 

She even learned to smile like a human, whenever I rub her belly, she rolls around with a huge smile from ear to ear

 

But, what about the other way round? How easily can we humans “read” our dogs’ facial expressions?

 

I was very curious, so I invited over 30 people with their dogs to participate in this project

 

I noticed that dog people are really good in interpreting their own dogs’ often very subtle mimics

 

It’s really a fascinating thing, because we’re two completely different species

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And finally, this is the image that started it all. My dog Fleur and me. Thanks for reading!