As a loving pet owner, we all want our dogs to be happy. However, dogs can’t speak the same language as us, so sometimes it is difficult to tell if they’re actually enjoying themselves or not.
In this video, you will learn 14 signs that indicate your dog is truly happy.












They mind their manners
Dogs who exhibit destructive or aggressive behaviors—such as tearing up furniture or carpet, snarling or biting —are generally under stress, anxiety, or perhaps even bored.
Conversely, if your dog is wellbehaved, it’s a sign that they’re happy.
You dog laughs when you play with them
Believe it or not, dogs laugh just like humans do, although it doesn’t sound exactly the same.
Dog laughter is also known as “play panting,”, and dogs make this sound when they’re especially happy.
The sound was discovered by animal researchers, who found that play panting has a different frequency than regular panting.
They Show Relaxed Body Language
When a dog is happy, their whole body and tail will look relaxed, and they often wiggle.
A happy dog’s whole body can wag along with their tail. A wriggling dog showing you their belly is likely to be a very happy and comfortable dog.
Happy canines will also often appear to smile. They will have a soft, relaxed mouth. A lolling tongue is also often a sign that your dog is content.
This is when dogs place their chest on the ground with their butt in the air. This playful gesture is a clear sign that your dog is excited and is trying to initiate play with you or another animal.
Your dog always looks you in the eye
Soft eye contact is a major sign of trust in canines. So those loving looks the two of you share while hanging out together on the couch are sure signs of a happy dog.
Your dog tries hard to obey the rules.
Dogs can be mischievous. But when your dog is feeling particularly grateful, they may follow your commands without question.
Some people think training a dog is all about the dog, but it’s actually about the bond shared on both ends of the leash. If a dog doesn’t trust their owner, they are less likely to respond well to training.
They cuddle up with you
If your dog curls up next to you, this is a reaffirming sign that they are happy. Dogs are pack animals and like to sleep next to the individuals that they’re bonded to. This behavior means they enjoy your company and want to be close to you.
Their appetite is healthy
In general, a dog who is eager to chow down is feeling happy, healthy, and content. If your canine companion refuses to eat or has a diminished appetite, it could be a sign that they’re not feeling well, or that they’re experiencing anxiety or stress. It could also be something more serious like an illness.
They expose their belly
If your dog rolls over and shows off their belly next to you, it is a sign that they are happy. Dogs who expose their belly are in a very vulnerable position. Asking for affection in the form of belly rubs shows comfort, contentment, and trust.
They appear relaxed and calm
Happy dogs aren’t always overt about their happiness, so if you’ve got a particularly chill dog, don’t worry. Being calm and relaxed are also signs that your canine companion is content.
Coat appearance
A dog's coat reflects their health and mental state. A shiny, clean coat is a sign of good health and an indicator that a dog isn’t experiencing any emotional or environmental stress. An unhappy dog will have uneven fur and disheveled look.
They are excited to see you
Another sign your dog is happy is the excitement and enthusiasm they get when you come home. A happy dog will look forward to seeing you and greeting you when you return home.
On that note, keep in mind that a happy dog gets excited about things like dinner, playing, walks, or whatever it is that they love. Some dogs also hop or bounce, which can look like dancing, to show their excitement.
They lean against you
Happy dogs make a lot of body contact. If your dog reacts, stays close, or even leans in toward you, this is a clear indication that your dog loves you and they’re enjoying the contact. In other words, your dog is happy to be with you.
If your dog is unhappy at something, or someone is making them stressed, they may try to hide, or take themselves off to another area if they can. They’ll even try to turn their head away from that person.
They are playful
Dogs that are happy are often very playful.
In order to enjoy play, dogs have to be carefree and relaxed. If they are stressed about something or in pain, they often won’t play much. They may hobble over to play with a ball but will quickly drop it and return to what they were doing. If your dog is uninterested in play time, they may be feeling unwell or in pain.
Hopping
Dogs hop when they are particular happy. Like when it is time to play, or when it is feeding time. Your dog is just really excited about what's currently going on, and they can't contain their happiness.