Happy Doggie : Free Style

Product Information

Try to be understanding with your dog and don’t force them into situation where they will be uncomfortable. Keeping them in their comfort zone will mean you and your dog both have a great time and stay best of friends.

They lean in to you. A relaxed dog who enjoys your company is more likely to also enjoy your attention. They may come to you for attention and it’s a good sign if they lean into your hand when you stroke them. There are a range of reasons and situations which might cause a dog to feel threatened and these can be different for each dog. If a dog is in pain, this could also mean they are more likely to feel anxious and are at a higher risk of lashing out. The most important thing to look out for are the changes in body language, which will help you to identify if a dog is struggling in a certain situation. A dog is more likely to resort to aggressive behaviour if the signs that they are unhappy and worried have been ignored, so keep a close eye out for those too. Signs that a dog may become aggressive very soon include:Hiding and walking away. If your dog is unhappy at something or someone making them stressed, they may try to hide behind you or another object, or take themselves off to another area if they can. Let them do this and don’t follow them or push the interaction, as your dog is letting you now they need a time-out. Puppies and older dogs will behave very differently due to their stage of development and age-related changes. Puppies are likely to be more energetic and playful, while older dogs tend to be calmer. Personality Remember - all dogs are different! Your dog's age, breed, personality, and situation all affect how they behave. How to tell if your dog is relaxed

Keep training sessions short: Dog training sessions should be kept short and positive so that your dog doesn't become overwhelmed. If your dog struggles to understand a new cue, it's okay to take a break and try again later. If your dog is showing signs that they are anxious or stressed on a regular basis, take them to the vet as there could be an underlying cause. If there’s an obvious reason like a certain dog or situation, your vet can give you some initial pointers and recommend an accredited behaviourist or trainer as appropriate. By understanding the context of your dog's behaviour, you can choose how to respond and what to do if the situation happens again. Factors to consider when interpreting your dog's behaviour Just like people, dogs have their own personalities that influence their behaviour. Some dogs may be more outgoing and confident, while others may be more timid and anxious. Breed Whilst looking out for the behaviours above will help you understand what your dog is feeling, here are some factors to bear in mind: ContextIt's essential to consider the specific situation and what's normal for your dog when reading their body language. What might be relaxed behaviour in a home environment can mean something different in a public setting. Age

Sometimes, when our dogs get very unhappy and feel threatened or extremely frightened, they feel like they have to resort to aggressive behaviour because, to them, it seems like there’s no other way out of a situation. We will visit you and your pet at home to discuss their specific requirements, character, level of obedience, medical & vaccinationhistory etc. Yourpet will also get the chance to decide if they like us! If we are a good fit wewill thenarrange an accompanied walk or familiarisation visit. So, whether you are a busy, elderly or infirm owner,or you're simply looking to createa little 'you' time, The Happy Dog has a high qualitypet care service just for you! You can relax happy in the knowledge that your four legged friend is receiving the very best care and attention from dedicated animal lovers! Create a safe environment: Create a safe and comfortable environment for your dog. This might involve using barriers or gates to limit their access to certain areas and provide a calm, quiet space for them to relax. Just like a happy dog, it’s also very easy to spot an uncomfortable and worried dog from their body language, if you know what to look for. Signs to spot include:Your dog's body language can show when they're happy and want you to interact or play with them. Similarly, if they feel uncomfortable or anxious, they’ll signal that they want you to give them more space or stop what you're doing. Some signs of anxiety or fear can be subtle, so by learning to spot these, you can avoid situations that may make your dog feel anxious or stressed.

Their body’s relaxed. If your dog seems relaxed in their posture and not tense or stiff, this is a good indication they are feeling good. Loose shoulders, soft eyes without a fixed gaze, and a dose of ‘wiggliness’ or pure ‘flopped-outness’ are all clues that your dog’s feeling super chill. They’re playful. A happy dog is more likely to want to play and leap around. Play “bows” are a great sign your dog is in the mood.

How can you tell if your dog is happy?

Use positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is the most effective way to shape behaviour in your dog. By reinforcing desired behaviour with rewards such as treats, praise, or toys, you can encourage your dog to repeat the behaviour you want to see more of. The recent addition ofour cat sitting service ensures staff at The Happy Dog get their 'cat cuddle fix' since the recent loss oftheir gorgeous Persian Chinchilla, Mia at the grand old age of 17! We will come with you on a walk with your dog. Thisgives us theopportunity to observe your dog's walking habits and behaviour whilst out and about. It alsogives your dog another chanceto familiarise themselves with us, and for them to begin the process of associating our presencewith going out for a walk. There is no charge for this. Probably the easiest dog body language to understand is a happy dog! There are some really clear signs you’ll see in your dog showing they are happy: Ears are forward or flat. Their ears may be pointing forwards or be pulled flat against their head, rather than being floppy and relaxed.