How to Keep Your Dog Happy: 5 Important Tips

Tail-wagging happiness awaits! Uncover 5 essential tips to keep your dog joyfully content and thriving in their daily life.

Owning a dog is about more than just feeding them and making sure they get their veterinary visits. You have the potential to make pet ownership an incredibly rewarding experience when you take the right steps. 

A happy dog in a pet friendly home can add more joy to your household than you might imagine.

So what can you do to keep your dog’s tail wagging with glee? We’re happy to provide you with some actionable tips. 

Keep reading to learn vital tips on how to keep your dog happy. 

1. Take Them for Walks and Give Them Plenty of Exercise

A big part of caring for a dog is making sure that they get plenty of exercise and outdoor time. 

Right now, 50% of dogs in the United States are overweight. A dog that is overweight will develop joint pain, diabetes, depression, and other issues that will make them anything but happy. 

Make walks part of both of your lives every single day. This way, your dog gets cardio and fresh air, and you’ll get to have a bonding experience that puts a smile on both your faces. 

2. Make Sure They Have Their Own Living Space

When taking care of a dog, it’s important to make sure that your pet has their own living space that they feel autonomous over. 

You’re the pack leader, but your dog needs to feel like the king or queen of their own domain. When you first bring a puppy home, leaving them alone in their room or section helps them feel comfortable. 

Keep this going, making sure to leave them their favorite toys, and allowing them time alone when they need it. 

3. Offer Affection and Praise

A little affection and praise go a long way. Dogs thrive on feeling love and like part of the pack. 

They often seek your approval, so giving it freely will allow the dog to feel welcomed in the home, and will encourage good behavior and obedience. 

4. Provide Discipline and Structure

Making a dog happy is about more than the warm and fuzzy feelings, and giving them what they want — you have to also give them what they need. 

Similar to children, dogs thrive when you provide discipline and structure. Dogs have a biological imperative to be part of a pack, which means they need to know their place in it. 

If you are too free and loose with structure and rules, your dog won’t know their role. This makes them feel uncomfortable and can cause lots of anxiety and stress. 

5. Look Into Unique Types of Therapy, Health, and Wellness

Finally, look into unique forms of therapy that can add to their health and wellness. 

There are several diffusing essential oils around dogs that you can take advantage of. Put a diffuser in your dog’s living quarters, and sprinkle some options like peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender. 

These oils help to relieve stress and promote a sense of overall calm. 

Learn How to Keep Your Dog Happy and Joyful

The tips above will help you when you’re trying to learn how to keep your dog happy and joyful. Once you feel empowered as a dog owner, the benefits trickle down to your favorite pet. 

Check out our other posts so that you can learn more tips for pet owners so that your special animal friend gets the wellness and health benefits that they deserve. 

About the Author

Teresa Skinner shares expert tips, reviews, and advice on pet care and products at Best Family Pets, helping families raise happy, healthy pets. Teresa Skinner is a seasoned pet care expert with over a decade of hands-on experience in animal wellness and behavior. At Best Family Pets, she shares trusted tips, in-depth product reviews, and practical advice to help families raise happy, healthy pets. Teresa holds certifications in pet nutrition and behavior training, and is passionate about improving everyday pet care through real-world knowledge. For questions or collaborations, feel free to email Teresa.

See Full BioView all posts by Teresa Skinner