Signs Your Dog is Having Fun

You often don’t need to be a qualified animal behaviorist to recognize when your pooch is having a whale of a time. One of the telltale giveaways is a furiously wagging tail. You know the type we mean — a tail that’s rotating at such a high speed your dog’s whole body is moving as well, and it looks like he might even generate enough speed to lift off the ground like some sort of canine helicopter. A wagging tail doesn’t always mean a dog is happy, of course, so there are plenty of other signs you can watch for that indicate whether or not your dog is enjoying himself. A big, excited grin is another common sign, while relaxed eyes and eyelids can also indicate that your dog is completely at ease.

Body language is also a big indicator of how your dog is feeling, and learning to understand your dog’s body language signals is a crucial task for any owner. A dog having fun may have relaxed ears and mouth, a loose and wiggly body, and a sense of enjoyment that is plain to see.

Other signs of a dog having fun may vary slightly depending on your dog’s personality. For example, an active, social dog eager to meet new people might hop, bounce, or even dance around in excitement or participation, while a calmer, more laidback dog may show their happiness in a more relaxed fashion.