How do I know if my dog is happy? Have you ever asked yourself this question?
Many don’t realize it, but a dog’s body language and expressions can say a lot about his emotional state. To find out if your pup is really feeling safe and happy, you need to analyze a set of signs, which can often be very subtle.
If you want to find out how to know if your dog is happy, we have shared a lot of useful information below to help you. Check it out below!
Wagging the Tail is Not Always a Sign of Happiness
It is common for many owners to confuse excessive excitement with happiness. This is a big mistake.
When you come home after a long day at work and your dog welcomes you with a lot of euphoria, wagging his tail and jumping on you, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s really happy. Instead, it simply means that he is excited to see you. In this situation, your dog may also be trying to get rid of the anxiety that your departure may have caused him.
A genuinely happy dog has an open face, relaxed expression, no stress lines around the face, and most importantly, no tension in their body.
Read more: 3 Mental Disorders in Dogs
Factors that Affect a Dog’s Happiness
The dog’s breed and personality are two factors that can affect your dog’s happiness levels. In addition, when we think about making our dogs happy, we must also consider the following:
- What dogs need as a species.
- Breed specific traits and instincts.
- The unique personality of each dog.
First, you must find appropriate outlets for your dog to demonstrate natural behaviors of their species, such as sniffing, digging, and chewing. While you shouldn’t let your dog chew on your shoes, you should provide appropriate chewables such as yak cheese, bully sticks, or antlers.
It is also essential to consider behaviors specific to your dog’s breed and personality to make him truly happy. Most German Shepherds, for example, are more reserved. So taking a German Shepherd dog to parties or events with lots of people will not make him happy. To avoid this type of situation, incorporate activities in your dog’s daily routine that can make him completely happy and fulfilled, such as morning walks, long walks in the fresh air, games, and socialization activities with other well-balanced dogs.
But remember to provide balance so that your dog isn’t happy only while he is partaking in these activities.
Read More: Do I Need a Dog Walker?
Teach your Dog to Relax
A good strategy to keep your dog happy in your presence is to teach him to relax after a moment of excitement.
For example, if you are playing with your dog and you throw the ball for him to catch, you should not end the game when he returns with the ball. If you want to finish the activity, take the object, ask your dog to sit down, and wait for him to relax.
A truly happy dog is not one who can do what he wants, when he wants, all the time. You, as a responsible dog owner, must give your dog boundaries and structure so that he can feel truly happy, comfortable, and safe. Remember, a happy dog is a dog that is completely comfortable with everything around him.
Read More: How to Exercise Your Dog
Dog Walker Astoria
If you require help providing socialization opportunities for your dog and you live in Astoria, you can enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with Buster and Whiskers. We offer daily 1-hour Socialization Walks. If your pup is under-socialized, we will work with them to help desensitize them and get them ready for our Group Socialization Walks. You must live within our Astoria coverage area. In addition, your dog must be up-to-date on all required vaccinations. Laying a strong foundation in socialization is the best gift you can give your pup for a long and happy life together!
Buster and Whiskers is The #1 Dog Walking Service in Astoria, NY. If your dog needs more exercise or social interaction, enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with us. Contact us for a professional and reliable Dog Walker in Astoria! Follow us on Instagram.
