Is Your Dog Happy? Here's How You Can Tell
Because humans and dogs don’t speak the same language, it can be tough to determine whether or not your dog is in a happy mood. However, there are other tell-tale signs we can monitor that communicate our dog's demeanor.
As a dog owner, all you have to do is be aware of certain patterns your dog exhibits and recognize them as they come. Ready to learn? Here’s how you can tell if your dog is happy.
Lifestyle Factors That Make A Happy Dog
While many factors contribute to canine happiness, there are several that you can control as a dog owner. These typically have to do with daily habits and routines. Here are 4 daily actions that will support your healthy, happy dog.
- Consistent daily walks
- Stimulating playtime or daily exercise
- Healthy nutrient-dense meals
- Adequate rest
To keep your dog consistently happy, create a daily regimen that includes these basic habits. All of these tips will ensure your dog’s basic needs are nurtured in the home environment.
Dog Happy Habits and Behaviors
In addition to daily habits, basic behaviors also indicate your dog’s mood. By getting to know your dog’s behavior, you can be aware of how their feelings fluctuate from day to day or even during daily activities. Here are some dog happy behaviors to make note of.
- Relaxed Ears and Gaze: When dogs are distressed, happy, alert, or playful, they’ll use their eyes and ears to express themselves. For example, an alert dog’s gaze may be focused with their ears perked up. While a happy dog’s ears will appear relaxed with a soft gaze, indicating a happy mood.
- Happy Faces: Dogs can sometimes express a smile when happy. Their mouth will open, and the corners will turn up to resemble a grin. Just be sure not to confuse the open mouth with panting!
- Happy Hopping: During your visit to the park or when greeting a fellow furry friend, your dog might hop from side to side in a playful manner. This can indicate that they’re happy and excited to see their friend. Or they’re energized and in a playful mood.
- Bowing or Downward Dog: If your dog comes up to you with their arms extended out, chest to the ground, and butt in the air, this is a great way to tell your dog is happy. This says, “I’m happy and ready to play!”
- Friendliness or Affection: When your dog is highly affectionate and super friendly, this means they want to interact and connect. This also indicates that they’re in a happy mood and ready to be loved.
For most dogs, these behaviors are normal and easy to spot, making it helpful for owners looking to understand their moods. The next time you’re hanging out with your pooch, keep an eye out for these behaviors. Your dog will likely exhibit one of these telltale signs of happiness!
Increased Activity For Boosted Happiness
Looking to go the extra mile with your dog? Try taking them out for special training or exercise. You can even use treats to reward them. Creating daily training sessions will stimulate your dog’s mind, reward them, and make them feel more confident. And the added physical activity will also release serotonin, the neurotransmitter that stimulates happiness!
Get Joy: Fueling Happy, Healthy Dogs
Your dog deserves the absolute best. And with Get Joy’s healthy, nutritious meals, they can feel their best too. If you’re looking to elevate your dog’s diet, we’ve got you covered.
Get Joy specializes in healthy foods made from fresh ingredients so your dog can live an energized life by your side. To learn more, check out our Fresh Meal Plan today!
