Our dogs are more than mere pets; they are cherished members of our family. Their presence brings joy, comfort, and unconditional love into our lives every day. Whether they’re wagging their tails, showering us with affectionate licks, or cuddling beside us on the couch, their love is pure and heartwarming.
Yet, our dogs have limited control over their lives. We make crucial decisions on their behalf, from their exercise routine and diet to their playmates and all the significant and minor choices in between.
Among these significant decisions, one stands out: How can I make my dog happy? It feels like the least we can do for them, given all the happiness they bring to our lives. So, let’s delve into what happiness means for dogs and explore ways to bring it into their daily lives.
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOUR DOG IS HAPPY?
Dogs and humans share certain commonalities. Just like us, dogs have their hierarchy of needs, as outlined by Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. To experience genuine happiness, their basic needs must be met. These basic needs include food, water, warmth, rest, and, ascending one level on the needs pyramid, security. Providing these necessities for our dogs should never be in question, and we should never punish them by withholding any of these vital needs.
Once we’ve established this foundation, how can you determine if your dog is happy? Unless you plan to collect saliva samples to measure oxytocin levels (if only!), you must rely on your senses and observations. Here are some key signs to look for:
- A Relaxed, Waggly Body: Does your dog have a loose, waggly body posture?
- Soft Eyes: Instead of a fixed or staring gaze, do your dog’s eyes appear soft and relaxed?
- Happy Barking: When your dog barks, is it cheerful and chipper, rather than angry or defensive?
- Ear Position: Are your dog’s ears floppy and relaxed, indicating contentment?
- Willingness to Engage: Is your dog open to play, pets, walks, or other activities that typically bring them joy?
These indicators are general guidelines and may vary among breeds and individual dogs. However, they provide an excellent starting point for gauging your dog’s happiness. For instance, if your dog adores walks, and you grab the leash or ask them to go for a walk, and they don’t respond with enthusiasm, it may be a sign that something is amiss. Conversely, if your dog dislikes physical affection and resists petting, it may not necessarily indicate unhappiness.
Consider your dog within the context of these questions and create a happiness profile tailored to your pup. Also, familiarize yourself with common signs of stress in dogs to gain a comprehensive understanding of your dog’s emotional well-being.
WHAT BRINGS TRUE HAPPINESS TO A DOG?
I once wrote about the five love languages for dogs, offering playful suggestions for filling your dog’s cup. However, every dog is unique, much like us humans. What brings happiness to one dog may not work for another. While some general activities tend to make most dogs happy, such as walks, play sessions with toys, pets, treats, or snuggling on the couch, your dog may have unique preferences. It could be swimming, playing tug in the backyard, enjoying frozen yogurt, or indulging in a soothing massage. Discover what truly brightens your dog’s life and make time for it as often as possible.
MAKING YOUR DOG HAPPY
Genuine happiness in dogs stems from safety, security, love, trust, and, of course, bringing joy into their daily lives. Here are some small gestures I make to keep my dog, Cooper, happy:
- I occasionally add a fried egg to his breakfast.
- We let him lead us on a long hike, allowing him to choose the path and explore freely.
- I subscribe to BarkBox because squeaky toys are Cooper’s joy in life. He enjoys squeaking, chasing, tugging, and, of course, destuffing them all. (If you want to try BarkBox for your dog, you can double your box with [this link](BarkBox Link).)
- He receives a heating pad for his sore hips every night, providing him with relief and improved mobility.
For older dogs, happiness often revolves around security and comfort. Ask yourself these questions:
- Does your dog need a canine companion? (Though the answer is often no, it’s worth considering.)
- Does your dog prefer indoors or outdoors?
- Is your dog getting bored at home?
- Are you dedicating enough time to training?
- Is your dog receiving adequate exercise? (This is often an area where improvements can be made.)
- Are you due for a vet visit?
- Are you spending enough quality time with your dog, engaging in activities that matter to them?
There are countless choices! Get to know your dog’s unique preferences and fulfill their desires as often as possible. They unquestionably deserve it!
HOW DOES YOUR DOG EXPRESS HAPPINESS?
How does your dog communicate their feelings of happiness? What are the telltale signs that your dog is experiencing joy, contentment, or excitement? And what steps do you take to ensure your dog’s happiness? I’m eager to hear from you and expand this list of delightful ideas for all our beloved pups! After all, they truly deserve the very best!
