14 Signs Your Dog is VERY Happy and Healthy

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 well-behaved, 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.

[ceoabroad]

A happy dog is truly your best friend ❤❤❤

[sararichardson]

My dogs’ happiness makes me feel like I’m doing something right in life. It’s so affirming to see their good health and boundless good cheer.

[inspireme-hnoh]

I love my dog so much, dogs are important part of my life and always will be x

[mikebrody]

Your dog is a barometer of their masters life. When ur good -- ur dog is good. Both master and dog are 2 sides of the same genuine coin. I'm an old man now and most probably on my last dog and looking back the dogs 🐕 made the WHOLE TRIP MUCH WORTH IT --- I had no idea the beauty. Thank you 2 all my dogs 🐕 ESP BRODY ❤️

[mushu]

I am a proud mamma to four beautiful fur babies and can honestly say that they are the happiest babies all the time🐾🐾🐾🐾❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ and they are all rescues who didn't have a good start in life bit I'm am making sure they have the best lives now💓🤗🦋🐾❤️❤️❤️🐾🐾❤️

[mssramsunker]

When I return home from work, BEST MOMENT EVER when my boy greets me like I have been away forever! I loooove it! totally in love with my Peki boy ! sending love from South Africa!

[valkyriesardo]

Thank you for this. I get over anxious at times on whether or not my dog is happy. I adopted 3 puppies from a rescue litter. The 2 brothers died this year at age 11 so I worry about their surviving sister grieving. From what you describe, she is indeed a happy girl. When I take her for walks, strangers often remark on how calm she is. Closer acquaintances say that she adores me. She is consistent with every point on your list though she's never been one to roll onto her back, nor were her brothers. It would typically provoke a bout of sneezing. I am relieved to learn adult dogs can sleep as much as 16 hours. My dog takes so many snoozes that I wondered if her health was failing.

[robr]

My dog is 14/14...I don't know who is luckier, she or I. She's the best friend I have ever had.

[swingymcswing]

My dog, a black, male Pomeranian, 10 yo, hits all these points. He is so loved and just a joy to be around. He is my soul dog and will always be in my heart. There is nothing better than a dog and his love.

[Farrah]

I live with my parents and I can attest to the fact that dogs are happy when their owners come home. Charlie, our English Springer Spaniel is especially happy when my parents return home from town, especially with my father. They are practically best friends. Charlie is a sweet, and beautiful dog.

[angelapietras]

Just adore dogs, loved my Labrador’s to bits and miss them terribly.RIP Old fellas.

[jademoon]

I adopted a senior Yorkie that was supposedly old and slow and he was emaciated. Now he jack rabbits around, doing parkour off the side of the couch (like running up it and pushing himself off), runs freely, put on more than half a pound, no longer has skin issues, and he sounds like an absolute maniac when he plays with tennis balls and cat toys.

He does this thing where he'll lift his little paw and put it on my face, and then throw himself on his back in my arms and uses his front paws to pull my hand to his chest. It's the cutest thing ever. Little 22 mm (0.86") paws. He'll swipe at my screen if I'm not petting him too lol. He makes these little chirping sounds.

It might sound dumb but making this dog happy and healthy is one of the biggest motivating factors in my life. I feel like I'm making up for the first 7-9 years of his life. Dog lives like a king now.

I've had so many people be so shocked I haven't even had him for a year yet. He's so comfortable with me. Well he better be because I cook every meal he eats because he has no teeth and idk how much better his life could get lol.

The change between when I got him (he was so sick I had to use latex gloves from a hair dye kit and help him have a BM the first day, reeking of urine, it was like stuck in him and all boney) and now, he's a totally different dog. So social now too. He wants to meet and be friends with every dog, cat, and human be interacts with lol.

[helloits_morgan]

My dog is cuddled up with me on the couch, sleeping with his head on my lap, as I’m watching this ❤

[cynda]

My dog wasn't very playful for the majority of his life. He liked toys when he was a little puppy, but after that toys just didn't interest him. We eventually just got rid of them, and he even saw us do it. He never made a peep about his toys being gone; he didn't even miss them. It was always food that he loved. He liked to go on walks and nap near us, that was how he chose to spend time with us.

[nnnnnnnnnsssssss]

I own 1 cat and 1 dog . From the start i knew i will wanna give them the best home i could possibly give . And they are now 5-6 years old - happy, very healthy and very much loved 🥰
I wouldnt change this for anything, my life is complete ☺️🥰

[yasnaynavarrete]

Gentle reminder: If your pets are happy and your children (if you have them) are happy, then you have clearly succeed in life's most important bits ❤️💕

[billygreenbean]

I love my happy pit bull baby. Granted he has pointer in the mix, he is a true gift in this life. He checks all these boxes and then some. Nothing like the relationship between human and dog

[eyetrollin]

When I don't eat and I'm stressed no matter how much I love on my dog he won't eat either, then I pour myself a bowl of cereal and he runs to his bowl, he's such a wonderful empathic little companion

[dominiclane]

I fell out with my dog last night has i was watching this i noticed my dog hoping in his walk with a smile on his face . I love my dog seriously .hes a rescue dog american bulldog . Hes awsome, he was ill treated badly but now hes loving life

[philipwilkin]

If you're a dog person, you just know when they are happy, you have a rapport with them and they with you, it's intuitive.