Our own submissive grin is almost identical. Also in times of fear, dogs and humans alike give a slight backwards movement of the body. Other signals of submission include raising one forepaw, rolling over onto one side, and, especially in young dogs, releasing a little urine. Most dogs grow out of submissive urination. Punishing the dog for urinating is not only unjustifiable, it can reinforce the behavior.
All dogs present their hindquarters as a friendly, submissive gesture.
Dogs nuzzle each other in the flank, and we can mimic this behavior simply by placing one hand gently on the dog s loin. This is the canine equivalent of the human handshake. Humans can reciprocate the hug with a large dog, and most dog owners return kisses in one way or another. When a child or adult mimics the bowing, panting, and grinning actions of the dog, one will establish immediate rapport with a friendly and familiar dog. When two dogs meet and investigate each other, one remains still while the other sniffs.