Most people who onw dogss would probably love to know what their pet is going through theur minds. Unfortunately, our dogs can’t tell us what is going on, so it can be complicated to guess if they’re truly happy or just making do with their surroundings.
By the time no one can read a dog’s mind, veterinarians are the one closer to be dog interpreters ― and they say there are some behaviors and patterns that may explain if your dog is living a happy, content life. It mus be said that tail-wagging does not necessarily mean that your dog is full of gleem.
Among the essential points having basic needs met, havings a relaxing body language, a relaxed facial expresiona safe routine, and good exercise.
They Have their Basic Needs Met
It’s hard to be joyful if your basic needs aren’t met, and the same goes for dogs. Dr. Kate Anderson, a veterinary behaviorist at Cornell University’s Duffield Institute for Animal Behavior in New York explained that “when I think of ‘happy,’ I think about welfare and that a dog has all their needs met, and that idea goes back quite a ways, to the ’60s.”
Anderson referenced the five freedoms of animal welfare that are basic for their lifes: ç
- freedom from hunger and thirst
- freedom from discomfort
- freedom from pain, injury and disease
- freedom to exhibit normal behavior
- freedom from fear and distress
These days, our notion of dogs’ happiness goes far away than just a criteria like these, Anderson explained. However, having their basic needs met is a step in the right direction.
They have relaxed body language.
“They shouldn’t have any tension. Their ears shouldn’t be pulled back. You shouldn’t see the whites of their eyes. Their tail should be at, depending on their breed, a normal angle to their body like 90 degrees, or just relaxed”, Anderson explained.
In additio, Dr. Kristi Flynn, a relevant care veterinarian at the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine, added that their weight should be evenly distributed on all four limbs. They shouldn’t be leaning back or standing with a paw up. “We can think of the dogs just laying out in the yard in the sun, just laying on their side with their body all relaxed,” Flynn commented recently.
They have Relaxed Facial Expressions
Dogs and humans have close facial muscles, Flynn explained, that is why somefacial expressions can show if they feel content. These include “the absence of a furrowed brow,” she said, and whether they look “calmed around the eyes, relaxed around the mouth.” Think about it: By the time you’re upset, your mouth probably droops and you may squint your eyes. This is not the look of a happy person (or dog). So if you keep in calm, relaxed look across your dog’s face, it’s safe to say that they’re in a good mood.
The Set Routine for Your Pet
Just like toddlers and young children, dogs like things to be really easy to predict, Anderson said. “It’s not that they don’t want novelty and excitement, but they don’t want the whole world to be constantly diverse,” she noted. According to Anderson, the toughest times of the year for dogs are when human schedules are modificated. This can accur amid the holidays, a big trip or a return to the office.
During vacations are of course allowed ― and a return to the office is likely out of your control ― it’s relevant to stick to a routine as much as possible with your pet and to find a new routine when change has to happen.
They Take Part in Enrichment, Like Exercise, Training or Using Puzzle Toys
Getting your pooch plenty of exercise is basic; not only can it help keep their weight in a healthy range, but it can also provide them with much-needed enrichment. Apart from just exercise, this can include mental training. So for dogs, physically moving around counts, as does engaging with a puzzle toy or taking part in a training class.
“I advocate for and use evidence-based, humane training ways with my dogs and recommend that clients and pet owners use the same, just because it proves that it decreases stress and conflict,” Flynn said. Training can also maintain your dog’s mind sharp no matter how young (or old) they are, Flynn noted.
They have an Owner who is Willing to Advocate For Them
All dogs have their own way of being; some are social, and in the meantime others are introverted, she said. If you end up with a shy dog, it’s important to advocate for them by letting people know your pet’s preferences. For example, you might ask strangers not to pet your dog or tell friends to leave your dog alone when they come over.
This isn’t something that’s learned right away, but Flynn said it would be nice, overall, if folks could give each other’s dogs a little more space. Just as humans can have their preferences, dogs are too. And if you force your pet to go against their natural way or their one-of-a-kind personality, you’ll be taking away from their joy and no one wants that at all.
