Dogs bring love and joy to households in ways that are hard to compare. But just like people, dogs need a variety of things to feel happy and healthy. The key to a long and fulfilling friendship is understanding what makes your pup tick, so you can provide them with all they need to thrive.
Dogs that feel relaxed and happy often display a loose, waggy body posture. They’ll often present their favorite toy or a ball with their head down and front limbs in the air. This is called a play bow and it signals that your dog wants to have fun and interact with you.
The type of tail wag your dog exhibits can also be an indicator of how happy they are. Slow, side-to-side wags indicate a calm and contented dog, while a fast twitch-like wag indicates that your dog is aroused or excited, perhaps in a good way (think puppy playtime) or bad way (think barking at a stranger). The color of your dog’s eyes can also help you determine their mood. A tense face and eye gaze, or “whale eyes,” can signal that your dog is stressed or worried.
A dog that digs in the yard may be bored or anxious, or they could simply be a terrier with an instinct to mark their territory. If you suspect this is the case, try giving your dog more exercise, training, and treats that they enjoy, and creating a safe digging area for them to enjoy.