10 Signs Your Hound Is Happy
Understanding your canine companion can be tricky if you don't know what signs to look for. Of course, like all good pet parents, you provide the necessary food bowls, treats, adventures and cuddles, but how can you truly know if your hound feels he is living his best life?
After all, it's not like they can tell you, or can they? While dogs obviously lack the ability to talk, they use their body language to express emotions like anger, fear and happiness. The physical signs can help you determine just how content and satisfied they feel.
10 Signs Your Dog Is Happy
- Tail Wagging
Hounds use their tails as a way of expressing themselves. When they're in a great mood, they show this by wagging their tails vigorously from side to side.
- Playful Behavior
If your hound loves chasing his toys, running around with other dogs and responds well to dog training, this is another sign that he's feeling content.
- Soft Eyes
A happy dog will often have soft, relaxed eyes and look around without particular agitation or restlessness.
- Floppy Ears
A happy, relaxed hound's ears rest naturally and are loose and floppy. However, when their ears are stiffly pricked up, it shows they are hyper-alert which can be a sign of stress or fear.
- Relaxed Body Posture
An easygoing body language indicates that your hound feels comfortable and doesn't feel it necessary to be on the defence.
- Yawning
While most say yawning is a dog's way of showing stress, this can also signify affection. If your hound regularly yawns in your company, they feel safe and comfortable in your presence!
- Licking
If your hound licks you, friends or strangers, it doesn't necessarily mean they are trying to show dominance. Instead, it's their way of showing happy affection to the humans they love.
- Jumping Up & Down
This behavior is usually joyful and indicative of their happy state, especially when it's in response to seeing you!
- Belly Showing
A happy hound may roll on their back and expose their belly to you. This is their way of saying, "Hello, my favorite human, I'm so happy, and I trust you completely; how about a nice belly scratch?"
- Panting Lightly
When a dog pants slowly, it often indicates they are relaxed and happy in their environment.
Happy Hound Equals Happy Human
It's no secret that having a pet can be incredibly beneficial for humans when it comes to our emotional well-being, with studies showing that owning a dog can lower stress levels and even improve overall physical health.
Therapy dogs have become increasingly popular over the years due to their ability to help those battling depression or anxiety. These specially trained pups are used in hospitals, nursing homes and psychiatric institutes to provide comfort and support to individuals who need it the most.
Are Dogs Ever Sad or Anxious?
On the other hand, or rather paw, it's important to watch for signs your dog is depressed or suffering from anxiety.
Some common symptoms of a low or anxious hound include:
- Excessive barking
- Refusing food
- Destructive behavior
- Uncontrolled urination
- Becoming withdrawn
- Lack of energy
If your furry friend displays these behaviors, it's important to seek advice from a professional dog trainer to ensure they aren't suffering from depression or anxiety.
Can Dog Training Improve Hound Happiness?
Proper obedience training techniques are essential for creating a well-balanced, contented hound. Teaching dogs basic commands can boost their happiness significantly as it gives them confidence when interacting with humans or other animals. Of course, hound training requires quality training accessories like a reliable dog leash, check out this prime example!
Final Thoughts
No matter how fluffy or furry your four-legged friend may be, understanding the signs of canine joy and taking the necessary steps to keep your pet in excellent mental health will pay dividends over time. After all, we all want our hounds to have long, happy lives!
Image by Daniel Borker from Pixabay
