Is Your Dog *Truly* Happy? Pet Behaviorists Share 6 Sneaky Signs to Look For

Shelby Deering
·5 min read

Happy dog in field of flowers

Anyone who says that animals don’t have emotions clearly hasn’t spent a lot of time around animals. In general these days, the scientific community overwhelmingly agrees that animals, like mammals and birds, can absolutely experience emotion. And that definitely goes for dogs.

Dogs often display their emotions in plain sight. For instance, most dogs at an animal shelter don’t look all that pleased to be there. And according to research gathered by Scientific American in 2017, dogs, and other animals, grieve over the loss of loved ones.

While dogs frequently wear their hearts on their sleeves, sometimes, their emotions can fly under the radar as well. As a pet parent, you likely care very much about the well-being and general happiness of your favorite pooch. But what are the signs you should look for to find out if your dog is really, truly happy?

Related: 8 Subtle Signs Your Dog Is Lonely, According to Pet Behaviorists

What Are Some Things That Make a Dog Truly Happy?

Renee Rhoades, MSc, Applied Canine Behaviorist and Founder of R+Dogs, a virtual coaching platform for dog guardians, says that dogs are happy when they have the opportunity to have their needs met.

“Dogs are very similar to humans in that they need secure social connections, outlets for species-specific behaviors, to feel safe, and to have autonomy,” she says. “While each dog is an individual and deserves to have their unique needs met, when a dog guardian takes the time to understand dog behavior and is able to read dog body language, this puts them in a good starting position.”

Michelle Bernstein, ACAAB, M.A., Founder and Executive Director at Animal Behavior, Forensic Investigations, and Veterinary Medicine Services at VCA Animal Hospitals, adds that a dog will be truly happy from love, affection, trust, enrichment and encouragement.

Related: 10 Sweet Signs Your Dog Feels Safe With You, According to a Veterinarian

What Are Some Things That Can Make a Dog Unhappy?

Bernstein says that as an animal behaviorist, the clear signs of unhappiness she can spot in dogs typically result in behavior issues, which can include stress, aggression, boredom, anxiety and several other behavioral concerns.

“There are many factors that can cause a dog to become unhappy, including environmental or lifestyle changes, lack of animal welfare and neglect, and medical conditions,” she explains.

Related: Why Is Your Dog Licking You So Much? Here's What Vets Say

6 Sneaky Signs Your Dog Is Truly Happy

1. Lots of ZZZs

If your dog is happy, they’ll take a lot of naps. Rhoades says that dogs who have regulated nervous systems are able to relax and rest easily. “Adult dogs need around 16 hours of sleep, while puppies, adolescents and senior dogs need more,” she adds.

2. Good Body Language

Bernstein says that to understand any animal's happiness, you have to understand their body language.

“Body language is the best way to determine how any species is feeling,” she explains. “Clear signs of a happy dog are a loose body with no tension. Their head is above their spine with relaxed forward ears, and a smooth forehead. They have soft eyes with neutral eyebrows.” And of course, they will have that “fast-moving, wagging tail.”

3. A Big Grin

In addition to all that good body language, your dog will smile, just like a human does when they’re happy.

“A happy dog will display a smile, which means they are displaying the corners of their mouth with cheek teeth shown,” Bernstein says. “Their tongue might be out and loose.”

Related: 10 Little Ways To Show Your Dog You Love Them

4. Playtime is Frequent

Rhoades says that if your dog is happy, they will play. She explains, “Loose play can only happen when a dog is feeling comfortable and secure. If you see your dog tossing their toys around on their own, this is a sneaky way to know that they feel good!”

5. No Tummy Troubles

“Your dog doesn't have tummy troubles,” Rhoades says as another sign of a truly happy dog. “Dogs who experience stress, especially chronic stress, often have digestive issues as their nervous system, just like ours, is interlinked with their digestion.”

6. On Best Behavior

If your dog’s behavior isn’t an issue, they’re likely very happy. Rhoades says that dogs who bark excessively, lunge on a leash, destroy things, etc., are dogs who are saying, “I need help.”

“Behavior is information, and ‘bad’ behavior isn't a sign that your dog is ‘bad.’ It's actually a sign that your dog isn't happy,” she explains.

Related: What Your Dog's Favorite Toy Reveals About Its Personality, According to a Vet

If You Sense That Your Dog Isn’t Happy, What Should You Do?

If your dog isn’t showing all those happiness-indicating signs and their behavior is an issue, it’s time to help boost their happiness.

“My absolute best piece of advice for someone who believes that their dog isn't happy is to get professional, qualified help from an applied animal behaviorist,” Rhoades says. “Instead of scouring social media or the internet for generic information, working directly with [a behaviorist] means you get super-quick guidance on how to help your dog as an individual based on your lifestyle.”

Related: This Dog Breed Is Considered 'The Sassiest' By a Pet Behavioral Expert

Bernstein also recommends having your dog examined by a professional veterinarian to determine if any of these signs signaling unhappiness could be related to medical conditions. If the dog has been medically cleared, that’s a good time to start working with an animal behaviorist.

Bernstein goes on to say, “You know your dog the best. Not every dog is the same, like not every human is. Dogs, and all animals, have personalities that make them unique. Anything abnormal to your dog's personality should be a concern.”

Next up, This Is the #1 Sign Your Dog Is Stressed

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