9 Ways Georgians Can Tell Their Dog Is Happy
Your dog can’t say how their day’s going, but they can show you.
Georgia dog owners likely already know how to spot a few of them, but others are easier to miss.
Here are the signs your pup is feeling good.
Note: This is general information, not veterinary advice, so talk to your veterinarian about your dog.
1. Loose, Wiggly Body
The Animal Humane Society says a happy dog’s body goes loose and wiggly.
Its list of relaxed-dog signs also includes a wiggling bottom.
Yes, the bottom matters.
A guide to puppy body language from the veterinary hospital group VCA Animal Hospitals pairs a loose, wiggly posture with broad, wide tail wags.
A dog showing signs like these is ready to meet the other person.
Watch your dog’s hips the next time you come through the door.
2. Circular Tail Wags
A dog that wags its tail in a circle is very happy and joyful, according to a veterinary technician at Texas A&M’s veterinary college.
A gentle sway with a relaxed body typically signals contentment too.
Don’t stop there, though.
The American Veterinary Medical Association says the same gesture can mean different things in different dogs.
You’ll need the rest of your dog’s body to know which message you’re getting.
3. Soft, Squinty Eyes
The Texas A&M technician lists eye squinting and a soft, yet direct gaze among the signs of a content and calm dog.
Semi-closed, squinty eyes are a sign of a relaxed dog too.
If your dog watches you with soft, squinty eyes, that’s a good sign it’s relaxed.
4. Play Bows
A play bow is among the things a happy zooming dog may do.
A veterinary behaviorist writing for PetMD says the play bow is how a dog signals other dogs and humans to start playing.
So a dog that dips into a bow in front of you is likely inviting you to play.
5. Open, Relaxed Mouth
A happy dog’s mouth is relaxed and slightly open, according to VCA Animal Hospitals.
Dogs like this are often panting, with the tongue hanging out.
Texas A&M’s veterinary college lists an open, panting mouth among the signs of a content and calm dog.
Some dogs smile by baring their front teeth, which the hospital group calls a submissive grin.
Paired with a loose, wiggly body, the grin points to happiness.
Panting without exercise is also on the list of stress signs from Virginia Tech’s veterinary college.
If your dog hasn’t been running around, check the rest of its body before you read the pant as a smile.
Psst! How much do you know about reading a dog’s body language? Take our quiz and see if you can ace it.
Quiz
Dog Body Language IQ
Answer these questions on reading what dogs say without words. We bet you can’t get them all right. Prove us wrong?
Dogs shake off like they’ve just left a pool. What else does Texas A&M’s veterinary college say that shake can do?
6. Leaning on You
A content dog may lean on you, since the Texas A&M technician lists leaning on you among the signs of a content and calm dog.
The Animal Humane Society describes a relaxed, friendly dog as one that's moving or leaning toward the person, with a loose body and an open, relaxed mouth.
If your dog presses against your leg while you watch TV, you can read it the same way.
Consider yourself chosen.
7. Relaxed Ears
A happy dog's ears can point forward and relaxed or sit back and relaxed, according to Texas A&M's veterinary college.
The takeaway comes down to one word.
The word is relaxed.
Dogs that are happy and submissive may fold their ears back.
The Animal Humane Society's list of signs puts it as relaxed, neutral ears.
Perked-up ears fit the picture too.
How Breed Changes a Happy Dog's Signs
Some breeds look alert even when a dog is relaxed.
German shepherds' natural ear shape means their ears are often upright.
Husky and malamute breeds have curled-up tails, even when relaxed.
So you'll want to read the tail or the ears against how your dog looks when it's calm.
8. Rolling Onto the Back
A dog that rolls over onto its back can be telling you it's content.
Texas A&M's veterinary college counts rolling over among the signs of a content and calm dog.
The American Kennel Club says a dog with an open mouth, a lolling tongue and relaxed, open eyes probably wants a belly rub.
A nervous dog on its back looks stiff and tense or trembling.
If a dog is loose and wiggly, has an open mouth, or has relaxed eyes and ears, the roll is likely associated with a happy emotion.
So a loose, wiggly body points to a happy roll, while a stiff, tense one is worth a closer look.
9. Zoomies
Zoomies can be a sign a dog is happy, according to a behavior resident at Cornell's veterinary college.
In the happy version, the dog is loose and even wiggly.
A frightened dog zooms differently, with a tense body, wide eyes, a tightly tucked tail and a low head.
That kind of frenzy isn't a happy one.
A zooming dog is best kept away from stairs, slippery floors, obstacles and the road.
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