How to Know If My Dog is Happy


A happy dog winking

I get it. You humans just want what’s best for us, and being happy is right up there with proper nutrition, a warm bed, and lots of snuggle love. So, what are the signs of an unhappy dog and what are some things you can do to help improve their overall mood and wellbeing?

Your dog is happy when showing a healthy and consistent appetite for their food, refraining from destructive actions while you’re away, showing signs of a relaxed body, and when looking at you with those big “puppy” eyes. While other factors are at play, these are the most common indicators of your dog’s happiness.

Not having the ability to verbally communicate with your dog poses a certain complexity when it comes to understanding one another. However, the more you’re around each other, the more you begin to understand your pup and the signs they’re showing you.

I wrote a brief synopsis based on dog and human communication a while back. I’ll link it here if you’re interested.

Disclaimer: The Can My Dog articles contain information based on the individual research and opinions of the author of the site – who just so happens to be a dog. How you utilize the information given is completely up to you. Proceed at your own risk.

Signs Your Dog is Happy

We (dogs) are relatively simple creatures. We make communication as basic as possible for you humans.

I’ll break down some of the more notable signs of happiness that dogs have a tendency to show through behavioral actions.

Let’s get to it.

Your Dog’s Tail Wag is a Bit Out of Control

Often times people wrongly assume that just because a dog is wagging their tail, that they’re happy. This is not always the case.

When a dog is exploring new territory or meeting a new dog friend for the first time, you may notice their tails wagging but in a more rigid or stiff position.

When your dog wags their tail and their entire body wiggles along with it, you can be sure they’re telling you that they are happy and relaxed!

He Gives You Those Big “Puppy Dog” Eyes

When a dog exhibits those renowned precious puppy dog eyes, they’re showing signs of comfort and happiness. This is actually an evolutionary behavior learned over the course of hundreds of years.

Dogs have realized this elicits adoration in their humans and is exactly why we reveal these eyes to you when you happen to be chowing down on a freshly made sandwich.

You can’t help but to share.

I digress.

A soft and relaxed gaze indicates that your pup is happy.

Your Dog Sleeps Often and Through the Night

A happy dog is a comfortable dog. And a comfortable dog is a sleepy little koala.

A sign of a happy pup is one that sleeps….a LOT.

On average, a healthy and happy dog will sleep around 16-18 hours each day. Also note that the puppers who sleep with their tongues out are even more relaxed and happy. A sure sign of comfort!

More on why your dog sleeps so much.

No Signs of Destructive Behaviors

A dog showing signs of stress, boredom, and anxiety will often release tensions through destructive behavior.

Chewing shoes, digging at the door, and destroying the backyard with landmine-like holes are all common signs of unhappiness. You may see these when you return home from having to leave your pup during the day.

Destruction is often a sign of stress and boredom.

A happy puppy leaves things alone.

If your pooch isn’t getting enough mental and physical stimulation throughout the day on a regular basis, they can rebel in ways that are less than desirable for the humans.

Ensure that you’re exercising your dogs and giving them the attention that they need to refrain from destructive and outlandish behaviors.

Your Dog Maintains a Healthy Appetite

You can tell a lot about the health of your dog by monitoring their food consumption on a daily basis.

Does your pup consistently have a healthy appetite and maintain a regular eating schedule?

This is a sign of a happy dog.

Pups like to eat. If their appetite stays consistent, you can rest assured they are happy and healthy.

A sudden drop or change in your dogs eating schedule or appetite is a sign of distress.

Dogs are annoyingly habitual. Food is one of those necessary habits for us. If this changes, we’re trying to tell you something.

Check out number 5 in this article I wrote about secrets we want you to know.

Your Dog Has a Shiny Coat

A happy dog is a healthy dog. And a healthy dog has a soft and shiny coat.

Like humans, dogs can show signs of stress or distress through their skin and hair. If your dog is unhealthy, unhappy, or anxious they may begin shedding more than usual.

Keep an eye out for thin patches and excessively oily feeling fur.

Your Dog Has a Relaxed Body

Dogs are intuitive creatures. They show signs of agitation, friction, anger, anxiety, stress, fear, comfort, and happiness all throughout their body.

A happy dog shows signs of comfort through relaxed body parts. Particularly in their ears, mouth, and body.

If your puppers eagerly allows you to roll him over on his back, he is happy and relaxed.

The ears should be relaxed as well. If your dog’s ears or pinned back, they may be feeling anxious.

A relaxed dog body is a happy dog body.

High Pitched Barks

High pitched barks are friendly barks indicative of a happy and playful dog.

Short and high pitched barks from your dog are signs of a happy pup. In comparison to longer and lower barks, which are an indication of an agitated and angry dog.

I’m going to link the bark tone article here again for your reference.

Your Dog is Social

Like humans, a happy pup will enjoy socializing with both people and other dogs.

Unhappy dogs will regress and either hide, cower, or in some instances, show aggression towards other dogs.

A happy dog shows signs of confidence and will look forward to walks with their humans or playtime with other pups.

Your Dog is Excited When You Get Home

This one may seem a bit obvious, but worth mentioning, nonetheless.

When you arrive home from work or another outing, does your dog greet you with ridiculous excitement at the door?

A happy pup is ALWAYS happy to see you get home.

Here’s a good test that only takes a few minutes to complete:

Go outside and leave your dog for 5 minutes at the most. Go back inside. How did they react? Smiling, wagging, and greeting you with their favorite toy?

Good news – they’re happy pups!

Things You Can Do To Help Improve Your Dogs Mood

Dogs are allowed to be in bad moods from time to time. This is normal and totally fine. There are, however, certain things you humans can do to ensure that us pups are set up for happiness success.

Intrigued? Let’s begin.

Never Stop Training Your Dog

Mental stimulation has been shown to increase neural receptors while releasing endorphins during training protocols.

The continuous engagement both increases our intelligence and understanding, while giving us something productive to do with our time.

This also wears us out. You know the saying – a tired dog is a good dog. This is very true.

A tired dog is also a happy dog.

Just remember, we learn best through repetition. So stay consistent and patient with us!

Quality Time

We’re social animals and we love our humans more than anything in this world.

Want to make us happy?

Spend lots of quality time with us.

Love us, humans. This is all we want!

It really is that simple. We know our humans are busy, but it would benefit the both of us if you would slow down long enough for some puppy hugs during the day.

Spending time with our humans and listening to you talk to us also makes us smarter.

Don’t believe me? Read my article on this very topic here!

Provide Stimulating Enrichment

What do I mean by this?

Toys.

I mean toys.

By providing us with stimulating chew toys and various other types of toys, you give us another form of mental engagement to satisfy us throughout the day.

New toys are very exciting to us. It’s something we can explore and discover over time.

Keep the new toys coming, humans!

Conclusion

You should have a general idea of whether your dog is happy or not just by paying attention to how they act on a daily basis.

If your dog begins to alter his daily routine or acts different in any other way, PAY ATTENTION – they’re trying to tell you something.

Remember, humans, we’re behavioral creatures and communicate with our entire body.

Just watch.

And as always, continue to Live, Love, Laugh, and Scratch our bellies often!

Love you guys,

JTB

P.S. If you’re new to this world, you may want to check out my Ultimate Guide for First Time Dog Parents. It’s a great reference to get you started on this journey.

This article has been reviewed by our Editorial Board and has been approved for publication in accordance with our Editorial Policies.

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