Ever wondered to yourself, is my puppy happy?
Sometimes, you can just tell what your puppy is feeling, other times it might not be as clear. The good news is your puppy is always sending you signs about whether they are happy or not; all you have to do is know how to look for them! Finding a balance of praise and discipline can be challenging, especially as you learn your puppy's individual personality.
As a former veterinary assistant, and now professional dog trainer, being able to identify signals of a stressed or happy dog is a crucial part of the job. While there may be some individual differences and breed deviations, most happy-signals are pretty universal.
This post will explain what behaviors, expressions and signs to help you determine if your pup is a happy pup!
Is my puppy happy?
When dogs are in a pack, they don't usually vocalize to communicate. They use subtle shifts in ears, eyes and their tail to talk to the other pack members. So, it's no wonder sometimes it's hard to pick up on what your puppy is feeling.
First, we'll address some of the body language dogs of all ages use to communicate.
1. Your puppy has a soft expression
Some signs for a happy and relaxed puppy are relaxed facial expressions. This dog is a happy dog! He displays a slight smile in the corners of his mouth, has soft eyes and relaxed ears.
This is the characteristic that will vary the most between breeds. Some dogs may have a naturally anxious look, especially if you can see the white of the dog's eyes regularly. Others may have a more droopy sad look, like a St. Bernard or Mastiff.
Related: 10 Taboo Ideas on How to Be a Good Dog Owner
A happy puppy will have relaxed eyes and slow blinks, especially after some good exercise. Eyebrows on a happy dog will also appear softer and less rigid than on a worried or anxious dog.
It's best to take notice of what is normal for your dog and look for subtle differences and shifts in their eye and take other clues into context.
2. Your puppy's ears are relaxed
Ears are going to vary between dog breeds and individuals. There are infinite ways a dog can hold their ears, each conveying a different message. Think of your dogs ears as satellites. They're going to point toward what they're thinking about since they want to pick up information.
As you get to know your pup, you'll learn that there's different ear positions based on their mood. Generally, when the ears are relaxed and back they are happy! If the ears are forward and engaged, they are focused. Ears that are off to the side could mean they are content. If the ears are back and rigid, the dog is scared or nervous.
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3. Your puppy smiles
Dog smiles have a range of meaning within the pack and individual. There's also a range of expression that we can classify as smiling in dogs. Some dogs smile with the corner of their mouth, some with their mouth open or closed and some smile with their teeth!
A classic happy smile is shown in the photo above. Panting with the corners of the mouth turned up indicates total happiness in dog language. Notice that the eyes are also bright and alert.
Some dogs smile by showing their teeth and keeping their mouth closed. This is rare in puppies and usually seen in more mature dogs. This can indicate that your puppy or dog is happy, but this can also be an indicator that your dog is extremely uncomfortable. It just depends on the dog!
This is a situation where you have to know your dog best. When in doubt it's a good idea to consult your veterinarian or dog trainer to determine what your dog is trying to communicate with you.
4. Tail wags!
The tail wag is a trademark happy puppy characteristic! However, just because a dog isn't wagging their tail doesn't mean they aren't happy. A really happy dog could wag their tail so much they're whole body wiggles with it! An upright, but not rigid tail is the sign of a dog who is ready to engage in some play time!
If their tail is still, some baby talk and encouragement should elicit a tail wag! On the other hand, a tail tuck would indicate fear or nervousness - Unless they're zooming! (See #9 for more information on Zoomies!).
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5. Your puppy plays
Puppy play is an indication that all other needs are being met. Play is where puppies learn skills like socialization, confidence, body language and proprioception (body awareness).
A puppy can focus on play once they know that food and water are provided, they are well rested, and they have a safe place. If your puppy plays regularly this is a sign that they are feeling safe, nourished and rested; all the ingredients for a happy puppy!
6. Your puppy gets excited
Whether it's a new toy, food time, car rides, walks, other dogs, treats or affection your puppy gets excited about something! If none of those things light your puppy up you might want to make sure the breeder didn't sell you a cat.. Just kidding! Cats can be very play, food, or affection driven too!
Related: New Puppy Vet Schedule PDF + 13 Must-Ask Questions for Your Vet
If none of those things make your puppy jump off the sofa or dog bed, it could be a good idea to consult your vet as your puppy might be feeling sick especially if there are any other symptoms accompanying a lack of energy or excitement. There are things that can affect a puppies health when they're young that could be very serious and even life threatening.
It's also a good idea to find out what motivates your puppy at this age! Ideally, you should be doing obedience training with your puppy and if you know what motivates them, you can target and customize rewards to what drives them!
7. Your puppy is okay being left alone
Helping your puppy feel okay about you being gone is one of the hardest parts about being a puppy parent. There's a reason there's an expression about "puppy dog eyes".
A dog who is comfortable being with you and away from you shows that he's developing a healthy sense of security and attachment and is happy in his environment.
Related: 3 Tips for Shelter Dog Training for the First 3 Weeks
Is my dog happy sleeping all day?
8. Your puppy sleeps well
In order to get good, quality rest a puppy must feel safe. For some pups this is easier than others. Some pups come home and the first day they feel settled at home! Others take a few days to weeks to adjust depending on their individual personality, breed and the lifestyle within the household.
If you suspect your puppy is having trouble sleeping or adjusting to their new home, introducing a crate or safe room for your puppy might help the adjustment period. Another cause for sleep disruption could also mean your puppy needs to go outside, they are feeling painful, or are just experiencing loneliness.
A good sleep = well rested puppy = puppy who can engage positively with their environment.
9. Your puppy greets you
A happy puppy should feel confident and excited to approach you! If your puppy gets a case of wiggle butt upon your arrival or howls in excitement that's a sign of a positive relationship you have with your pup!
In addition to greeting you, a happy puppy will seek you out for play time, food time or affection. There's a reason for the expression "man's best friend".
Are Zoomies a Sign of a Happy Dog?
10. Your puppy gets zoomies
If there were a poster child for a happy dog Zoomies would be in the running! Zoomies are bursts of speed, spins, stops and turns characterized by a butt and tail tuck and perhaps even a smile. It's a truly beautiful thing to watch when your dog get a case of zoomies and can be triggered by anything from a new toy, a best friend, or even a good poop! LOL.
11. Your puppy enjoys belly rubs
In the wild, a dog that shows their belly is communicating that they are submissive. Laying on their back is a very vulnerable position to be in. Very nervous dogs may quickly show you their belly as a sign of submission.
A well adjusted, happy dog will be happy to lay down and roll over for belly rubs and this conveys a sign of trust in the belly-rubber. Bonus happy points if your puppy falls asleep belly up while you're petting them!
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