14 Clear Signs Your Dog Is Truly Happy

Dogs are one of the best companions you can have. They bring so much joy to every day life and become part of the family. If you’re a dog owner, you’ve probably wondered if your pup is truly happy. Dog behavior is complex, and since they can’t outright tell you how they’re feeling, how can you know if they’re content?

Fortunately, there are some telltale signs in your dog’s body language that you can read to decode your pup’s mood and get a sense of whether it is genuinely happy and at ease.

1. Relaxed Posture

A relaxed dog is a happy dog. When a dog has a soft, calm posture is a sign of happiness. Their body and tail should look at ease, and they may even wriggle their body to show excitement. A dog that’s tense and stiff is a major sign that they aren’t happy, and could instead be feeling anxious.

2. A Low, Slow Wagging Tail

When you see a dog wagging its tail, your first thought is probably that the dog is happy and excited. You may be surprised to learn that dogs who are feeling aggressive will also wag their tails in a short and quick manner. On the other hand, a dog that has a low tail that’s wagging slowly is one that’s content.

3. A Soft, Partially Open Mouth

While dogs don’t smile like humans do, they do smile in their own unique way when they’re happy. If a dog has a soft and open mouth that looks like a smile, that’s a sign they’re in a good mood. You’ll notice they have a calm and relaxed facial expression that’s free of any tension. Sometimes, a dog may bare its teeth in what looks like a smile, but this is often a sign of aggression.

4. Rolling Over and Showing Their Belly

There are several reasons a dog will roll over and show its belly—from leaving its scent in the ground to being itchy. It’s also a major indication that it’s feeling happy and in a good mood. A dog showing its belly is a big sign of trust and signals that it wants to play and have fun.

5. Relaxed Ears

Another thing to look out for when trying to gauge your dog’s mood is their ears. Floppy, loose ears or one ear that’s flopped down typically shows that your dog is relaxed and feeling content. Ears that are pinned back or appear stiff signal an extra alert or stressed dog.

6. Bowing Down

If you’ve ever noticed your pooch giving you a bow, this is a telltale sign that they want to play, and are feeling happy. Dogs lower their chest to the ground with their rear end up in the air to signal that they’re ready to play with you. This is a good time to play fetch with your pup, as they’re full of energy.

7. Leaning In

Does your dog love to lean on or into you? This could be a sign that your dog wants to be closer to you and is showing you affection. If they’re not asking to be fed, pet, or trying to protect you from something, them leaning in means that they’re happy and want to be near their beloved owner.

8. Happy Dance

You can be certain your dog is in a great mood if they do the happy dance. Dogs will move excitedly from side to side or hop and dance, which all point to a very happy and joyful pup. Dogs will often do this when they’re excited to see another canine friend or people they love and are ready to play.

9. Non-destructive behavior

When a dog excessively chews furniture or other items around the house, this could mean that they’re bored, unhappy, or anxious and need more attention. If your dog isn’t destructively chewing things when you leave the house, they’re most likely truly content and happy.

10. Zoomies

There’s nothing better than when a dog gets a case of the zoomies. Those adorable, random bursts of energy and laps around the coffee table are often a sign that your dog is full of excitement and happiness. Zoomies are a great sign that your dog is in a good mood if paired with other signs of happiness as well.

11. Asking for Affection

Dogs that are happy and content will ask their owners for affection. A dog who loves asking for belly rubs and pets is comfortable, content, and looking for attention. When your dog seeks out pets and cuddles, they’re genuinely happy and feel safe around you.

12. Sleeping Close to You

Another way to tell that a dog is truly happy is by where they sleep. If your dog sleeps close to you or even with you in the bed, this shows they have a strong bond with you. When a dog can sleep close to you at ease, they are content and feel they can trust you.

13. A regular appetite

A happy dog is one with a healthy, regular appetite. A refusal to eat could be a sign that something’s not right. Whether it’s illness, being in an unfamiliar place, or dental issues, your dog probably isn’t feeling their best if they’re refusing to eat. Be sure to check with your vet if your dog has lost its appetite to rule out anything serious.

14. A Bouncy Stride

When a dog is happy and relaxed, their body is at ease which makes their stride loose and bouncy. They won’t look stiff, and instead will look like they’re hopping up and down while walking. They’ll be eager to explore on their walk by sniffing plants and checking out their surroundings.