Dogs are constantly communicating with us — through their body language, sounds, and daily behaviour. The problem is that most owners only notice the negative signals.

A happy dog carries its weight evenly, with relaxed muscles and no tension in the face or jaw. If your dog's body looks loose and wiggly — especially during greetings — that's a textbook sign of contentment.

A happy, relaxed dog often has soft, slightly squinted eyes — sometimes described as a "soft gaze." Combined with relaxed facial muscles, this is one of the clearest signs your dog feels safe and content around you.

Not all tail wags are created equal. The key is looseness. A happy wag involves the entire back end — a full-body wiggle.

A happy dog is interested in the world. They sniff things, investigate new sounds, and show enthusiasm on walks.