Signs of a Happy Dog

It doesn't take much to make your dog happy. Simply walking into the room is often enough for your sweet buddy to get excited. But there's happy, and there's absolutely, fur-standing-on-end, circle-spinning elated. And that's when you know you've gone above and beyond to really make your dog's day. Any of these sound familiar?

1. Your dog conks out early because she's had such a happy day.

^{"Sleepy Freddie" by Pedro Paulo Boaventura via Flickr. License info.}

If you and your dog have had an exciting day full of jogs, games of fetch and other fun activities, your dog may be so happy and satisfied that she doesn't have any energy left. Instead of pacing around the house like normal, she may be passed out on the bed — or couch or the middle of the kitchen floor — snoring contentedly.

2. He follows you from room to room, waiting with bated breath to see what you do next.

When you've really made your dog's day, he'll be happily anticipating the next fun thing you'll do. And then he'll follow you everywhere so he doesn't miss out!

3. Everything you do is exciting, even going to the bathroom.

^{"Suge the Boston Terrior" [sic] by Emily May via Flickr. License info.}

When you've made your dog's day, everything else you do next also makes your dog's day. You could go to the bathroom or get a glass of water and your dog will dance with joy.

4. Your dog tries extra hard to obey the rules.

^{"Tulo showing off his sit!" by Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center in Lenexa, KS via Flickr. License info.}

Dogs can be mischievous. But when your pup's feeling particularly grateful, she may do everything you ask without question. You might suddenly make it through a whole meal without any begging at the table. When you please her, she works extra hard to please you.

5. He dances around in a wriggling mass of joy and excitement.

^{"Dancing Dog" by Bev Sykes via Flickr. License info.}

Little actions can make your dog's day, but some owners go the extra mile. Expect to be showered in joy when you do the unexpected.

6. She cuddles up — right on top of you.

^{"Therapy on the couch" by Monique Gidding via Flickr. License info.}

Sometimes, your dog has to love you with her whole body. You may be sitting on a chair made for one person, but your 90-pound dog insists on trying to fit on there with you. Who says big girls can't be lap dogs?

7. Your dog sacrifices his favorite chew toy — to you.

^{"Milo and his strawberry" by Chris Gladis via Flickr. License info.}

Have you ever been typing away on your computer, only to suddenly feel a furry presence nearby? There's your dog with his favorite chew toy, smashing it into the back of your hand while you're trying to work. Your dog might normally never want to relinquish his favorite toy, so giving it over to you is a sure sign of gratitude.

8. Your dog is constantly smiling.

You can see it not just in the shape of her mouth, but in the way her eyes beam and her ears perk up when you enter a room. Even during the most mundane of activities, like when you're just sitting on the couch reading a book or talking on the phone, she's "all smiles" in your direction.

9. He ensures your lap is his and his alone.

You sit down to watch TV, but your dog's so grateful that he jumps in your lap, blocking your view — and any one else in the room from getting to you. He's there to show you that he loves you the most.

10. Your dog snuggles up close at night.

^{"award-winning snuggles" by hillary h via Flickr. License info.}

A grateful dog may cuddle as close as possible while you sleep. And in the morning, instead of jumping up early for food, she may delay eating to get a little extra snuggle time. No complaints there!

There's never a dull moment when your dog's happy!