How to Check if a Dog is Happy

Some dog owners may not know how to read their pet's body language. Dogs can't talk but they have particular ways of expressing their moods. You can, for example, look for signs that indicate whether your dog is happy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Watch your dog's body language. A happy dog may wag its tail, pant and stretch out to show a relaxed body, something the animal rarely does if it is tense and nervous.

2. Stroke your dog to see if it whimpers or flinches, possible signs of pain or sickness. If your dog seems "down," but just stretches and rolls over, it probably is tired.

3. Pet or stroke your dog and watch how it reacts. Dogs love to be affectionately touched. A happy dog will stretch its neck and move its head to nuzzle your hand. A dog that is sick or injured will pull away.

4. Take your dog on a walk or an outing in the park. Happy and healthy dogs love to be outdoors. A dog that is sick or injured will not want to walk. Instead, it will lie down or walk much more slowly than it usually does.

Tips & Warnings

• The more time you spend with your dog, the easier it will be for you to tell if it is happy or not.