Like humans, dogs can experience the full gamut of emotions, from extreme joy and happiness to anxiety and depression. Keeping your dog happy is not a hands-off job. It's similar to making a human happy. Lean into healthy habits, give them attention, and spend quality time with them. 

Different breeds may have different needs in terms of health, energy levels, and behaviour. Here are a few things you can do to make your dog happy, no matter their personality.

Spend time bonding with your dog.

You should never leave your dog alone for an extended time. Dogs are pack animals. When left alone, they can become stressed or develop separation anxiety. Please don't leave your dog home alone for long periods. 

It could just be sitting beside them, gently petting your dog as you watch your favorite Netflix series. Set aside time to bond with your dog through touch. If you can’t be there, consider hiring a dog walker or having a friend check in on them while unavailable.

Dogs should be praised for good behavior.

Many pet owners focus on recognizing the negative and ensuring their dogs know when they’ve done something wrong. Make sure you praise them for modeling positive behaviors. This is positive reinforcement, and it is crucial to training your pup to be an excellent dog.

Treats are a great way to reward dogs. When you encourage positive behavior and train your pup to listen to you, reward them with dog treats. This lets them know they’re doing a good job. You can even make it a game by playing hide-and-seek or employing treats in all sorts of creative ways.

Engage your dog in games.

To prevent your dog from getting bored and destructive, play games that keep it physically engaged and moving. While rough-and-tumble play can get a dog overexcited, there are lots of dog games online that stimulate your pup.

Use your dog’s favorite toy to play with them. Dogs need play. It’s a way to stimulate their minds and engage in physical activity simultaneously. It's also a way for your dog to connect with you. Be sure to play with your dog and its favorite toy. Rotate your dog's toys to give your pup some variety.    

When you play games with your dog, it’s probably outside. But indoors, you can do much with your pet. Playing tag. Chasing a ball around. Hiding a treat in the house. You can create an obstacle course with a broom, chairs, and more.

Establish a daily routine.

It does not hurt to have a daily routine of walks, meals, and play, especially if your dog is struggling. If you’ve recently moved, if another pet in the family has died, or if a human being they are accustomed to being around has left, maintain a routine with them.

Get your dog out for a walk every day. Ensure your dog gets the fresh air it deserves. It does good for the physical body and the dog’s mental health. To keep your canine happy, walks are an activity they can count on and look forward to.

Change up your walking routine.

Don’t take the same walk again. Visit new parks, beaches, and roads. Embark on country and city walks. Mix up the routine. Keep your dog mentally stimulated and sniff new scents.

Spend time outside without a leash. If your dog does not have the trust and recall to let off-leash in a park responsibly, take them to an enclosed dog park where they can run around without a leash on. It’ll give them time to explore, linger, run around, and get lots of energy out.

Provide a comfortable place for dogs to rest.

Give your dog a comfortable, snuggly place to rest. This could be a dog bed, but it could also be a few blankets, pillows, and a cozy, quiet spot in the house. 

Dogs can be trained to do household chores.

If your dog normally herds, hunts, guards, or finds, consider giving them tasks around the house. This could be fetching the newspaper, picking up their toys, and putting them in a bin. It could also be waking up a family member or passing a note to another family member.

Dogs should interact with each other.

Most dogs are social. Meeting other dogs at the dog park or when you take them out for a walk gives them a little pep in their step.

Keep vet visits up-to-date.

A dog will not be happy when dealing with pain, illness, or a chronic health condition. Ensure your dog is seen regularly by a vet to keep it healthy.