Do You Have a Happy Dog?

Unlike humans often times, dogs pretty much wear their hearts unabashedly on their “sleeves” -- in the form of their tails, faces, and paws, yes? Contentedness and well-being are plain to see if you know what to look for from your fur baby.

Here’s what to look for in a happy canine:

• Content dogs sleep for about 8 to 10 hours per day, mostly at night. They wake up early and set out in search of food. Did someone say breakfast? Let’s break the fast!
• They appear bright, alert, active, and solicit attention from you and their four-legged housemates in multi-pet homes.
• In the a.m., they want to walk, play, and be sociable, perhaps resting briefly between events.
• In the afternoon, dogs may spend some time chewing on a toy, exploring in the yard, or socializing with other dogs or people.
• Increased activity becomes apparent as the late afternoon approaches and into early evening, with the excitement of returning family members and more food. The various actions and interactions that occur at this time are engaged in with interest and joy. Eyes are bright, ears are swiveling, and tails are high.
• A quieter late evening period finds contented animals enjoying each others' company or seeking out and staying close to you for company. Many dogs nuzzle to solicit petting. All’s good in their world!

The Not-So-Happy Scenario

Unhappy dogs are created by adverse experiences, inconsistent interactions with their owners, lack of exercise, an unstable routine, in appropriate social interactions, and by underemployment. What owners have to remember is while their homes are set up to please them, with conveniences such as telephones, DVD players, iPods, computers, furniture, and luxurious furnishings, none of these things matters to the dog. For owners to keep their dogs happy, they have to think like a dog. Think "how would I like it if" and then work their way through their dog's 24-hour day. How would I like it if my owner didn't protect my interests? How would I like it if my owner never exercised me or barely communicated with me in any way? How would I like it if my life was totally unpredictable, uncontrollable, and was punctuated by adverse social interactions? How would I like it if I had nothing to do all day long?

Signs of an unhappy dog:

• Unsatisfied canines often sleep more in a 24-hour period, entering a state bordering on depression or learned helplessness. On the other hand, they may sleep less restfully at night because they are not in a proper routine.
• Lack of gainful employment and exercise leads to any number of behavior problems that arise as diversions such as barking or destructive behavior, annoying attention-seeking behaviors, or overeating.
• Dogs with social issues may become involved in confrontations with each other or with you, may stop paying attention to you, are difficult to control, and may either become aloof or overly attached.
• Their eyes don't shine with excitement but rather appear dull and vacuous.
• Sad dogs may adopt hunkered, cowed postures and may show a lack of alertness and curiosity.
• Many are or may become anti-social and some act out their negative feelings toward others.

How to Put Pep Back in Your Dog’s Step

• Most animals are happier if they have a set routine and know what to expect from and with you.
• Exercise is a great stress reliever and should be encouraged. Dogs should be exercised aerobically for at least 20 to 30 minutes each day. 

• Food should be healthful and supplied on a regular basis at mealtimes, perhaps changing up flavors occasionally to prevent boredom.
• Clear communication with dogs is helpful as a means of building a strong bond between you and your dog and as a way of alleviating stress. Dogs should be taught the meaning of one new word each month and it can be expected to develop a vocabulary of some hundreds of words. The better the communication, the less the confusion.
• Medical matters that are bothering the dog should be addressed. Parasites should be controlled, endocrine disturbances should be addressed, pain should be alleviated, and allergies should be attended to right away. You can't be happy as a dog if you're in pain or discomfort.
• For withdrawn dogs, coax them out and encourage them to join in and be more social. You can do this by playing with them and encouraging interaction with you and other dogs. Their involvement should always be rewarded.
• For over-attached dogs who are unhappy or distressed when separated from you, they should be encouraged to develop independence and – quite literally -- to stand on their own four feet.

Happy Dog = Happy Owner

A happy dog sleeps well and bounds out of bed in the morning looking forward to a new day and the entertainment du jour. Aggressive behavior should fade away, fears will dissipate or at least improve, and annoying habits will be replaced by constructive alternatives. A happy dog makes for a happy owner! You will be able to enjoy your dog even more and -- perhaps more importantly -- your dog will look up to you as he or she positively glows with appreciation and, of course, happiness.

For pet-sitting with a personal touch, contact Dee Hopkins at 517.546.0439 and visit http://www.ddspetpatrol.com.

Written by Dee Hopkins in collaboration with Ginger Sprinkle at nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).