A Happy Dog

One reason that we connect so deeply with our beloved dog’s is that we share many common emotions and happiness is one. A happy dog will express their joy with great enthusiasm and animation. A happy dog just can’t seem to contain their joy. Most dogs if they have food, water and companionship are happier than many people. Happiness is at the heart of the dog just watch puppies play.

The Expressions of Happiness

We also share similar facial expressions of happiness with dogs. A dog’s contentment is expressed as a soft face, eyes and open relaxed mouth just like people.

Happy open mouthed pup and a fearful puppy

Dog’s are master greeters. I marvel at the heartwarming ,enthusiastic greeting with the same amount of energy every time. I always look forward to and count on the the wagging body, warm vocalization and pure joy of seeing one another. What a treat, no bad day here!

What We Can Give to Dogs.

Happiness can be transferred from dog to human, it can also go in the other direction. A dog can easily read our true emotional state and assimilates and reacts to our tension and anger. Not just quantity of companionship but quality! Therefore our own emotional states can easily be conveyed to the dog. One of the biggest gifts we can provide the dog is a sense of being a calm, peaceful guardian. A happy dog will live in an environment that is predictable and calm with a manageable level of stress.

Physical and Mental Stimulation

Dogs need physical exercise and mental stimulation. Years ago when most dogs lived outside they could roam free with plenty of entertainment. Now many dogs are left alone in a homefor a good part of the day and may not receive the necessary physical and mental stimulation that they need.

Accepting and Allowing

Know your dog as an individual and help them be the best that they can be. Since about 95% of the time I pick-up a mixed breed puppy it’s always fascinating and great fun to see the genetics soup get expressed in that wonderful fur ball! I sometimes think of them like a box of Crackerjacks which you know there’s a surprise gift inside, you just don’t know what it is yet. Allowing and accepting!! Key to the a happy dog is in part knowing what can be molded with training and the aspects that are the essence of that particular dog and should remain untouched.

So what else really helps a dog to experience happiness? A dog needs the basic physical requirements of food & water, shelter and free of pain. Feeling safe and staying safe is a fundamental need.

Dogs are social animals not pack animals and they suffer if locked away and cannot interact and have a relationship with a person or at least another dog. Most dogs will choose human companionship over their own species. That speaks volumes about how much dogs desire to be with people. Dogs need to be connected.

Every dog needs a purpose. If your dog loves to retrieve teach him to bring you the paper each day. Providing an activity that your dog likes to do will help them develop self-confidence an important factor for a content dog.


They make us happy and we make them happy. It’s an amazing relationship man and dog!

Every sentient being needs to belong and have the affection of someone who will always be by their side. Dogs are team players and have chosen to be with us. They have placed their trust in us to care for them, these magnificent creatures.

"Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their Universe. We are the focus of their love, faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made" Roger Caras

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