We love our dogs and want to give them as happy a life as possible. But just what makes dogs happy? We asked Dr Melissa Starling to give us some tips on making dogs happy…
Making dogs happy
We dog owners are attached to our dogs. We love them like family. So, it’s no great surprise that we want our dogs to be happy, just like we would want our human loved ones to be happy above all else. Our dogs can’t tell us what they want, though, so how do we make our dogs happy?
What is “happy”?
For us, there are many activities we can participate in or objects we can obtain that are rewarding to us. Good food, playing a fun game, exploring our world, internet streaming services… We can’t really ask our dogs if certain activities are enjoyable or enriching to them, but we can tell when they like something because they will work to try to obtain more of it. We can use food treats, toys, and games with us like throwing a ball as rewards for them, showing that they value these things. We can also see when they are positively anticipating one of their favoured activities. Spelling out the word “WALK” so they don’t start bouncing off the walls when they hear it is a good example of positive anticipation.
We can also look at how optimistic they are. I did my PhD on optimism in dogs, researching how we test whether dogs are optimistic or pessimistic. A large portion of this is personality, but research has shown that optimism can also be influenced by how an animal’s life has been generally going for them in recent times.
Optimistic dogs are more willing to take risks in life, which often means they find good things that more pessimistic dogs that don’t like taking risks miss out on, which makes them more optimistic that taking risks will pay off for them. The result is a dog that is confident and outgoing, not bothered by much, and open to new things.
I have written several articles on optimism and pessimism in dogs here, including what to do if you have a pessimistic dog.
Is it really just reinforcers?
Could it really be that the secret to making our dogs happy is just to give them a lot of stuff they like? That seems a bit shallow! Dogs might seem like shallow creatures compared to humans, but they are certainly interested in more than just their material possessions, good food (or indeed, any food at all), and chasing moving objects. They are social animals, so company matters to them as well. They particularly like our company, because as their owners, we are the gateway to a lot of their favourite stuff. It seems like we are back to reinforcers again, but fear not, they do love us for more than simply the cool stuff we give them.
Research has shown that dogs treat their human owners the same way that children treat their parents. Dog owners are a secure base for their dogs from which to explore new surroundings and objects. Dogs are reassured in the knowledge that they can quickly return to their owner if anything scary happens. Just as we are attached to them, they are also attached to us. We are more than the source of food in a bowl and a comfy bed sheltered from the elements. We are safety and security, and our bond with them really comes alive when we fill that role of attachment figure well.
How to be a good attachment figure for your dog
I am writing this during a thunderstorm, with two of my dogs clustered around my legs while the third one tries to engage me in play. The third one is not sure why the other two suddenly want to be on top of me, but she will roll with it. My two dogs who do not like thunderstorms are pressed up close to me because in this time of stress, I offer them a sense of safety and security just by being present.
This has not occurred through chance or through the simple fact that I feed them and care for them. Dogs learn who in their lives is most consistently responsive to them. An owner that can not only tell when their dog is anxious or distressed, but takes steps to reassure them, and preferably move them somewhere less stressful, becomes more than just an owner, but an attachment figure. They are understanding, calm, and supportive in times of stress, but they are also warm and engaging with their dog at all times.
The consistency in their responsiveness also matters. An owner who responds in much the same way to the same behaviour from their dog each time shows their dog that they are reliable and predictable – traits that translate to dependable. The key to being a good attachment figure for your dog is learning to understand them and respond consistently the way you would to a child experiencing something similar.
When you notice your dog is playful, you join in the fun. When you notice your dog is restful, you sit nearby and rest with them. When you notice your dog is worried, you call them close to you and talk gently and give them a rub. If you notice your dog’s worry is becoming more intense, you calmly get them out of there.
They reward all this responsiveness from you with responsiveness of their own. When you are excited, they rush to see why. When you are energetic, they match your energy. When you are tense, they come close to you and look for the danger. When you are calm and confident, they become calmer. The answer to all your problems with your dog is not to simply set the tone and wait for them to join your party. It’s a two-way street, and sometimes what they are experiencing is bigger than you and your party.
Make your dog happy
Making dogs happy is sometimes an elusive goal, but there are foundation principles that will see you well on your way.
1) Provide many opportunities for enrichment – participating in activities that are enjoyable and obtaining items that are reinforcing.
2) Listen to your dog – what are they trying to tell you?
3) Respond to them consistently with compassion and in a way you would want someone to respond to you.
About the author: 
Bio: Dr Melissa Starling is a post-doctoral researcher in the School of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney. Her PhD was on optimism and personality in domestic dogs. Her upcoming book Making Dogs Happy, written in collaboration with Professor Paul McGreevy, is a guide for all dog owners to understand how to tell how their dog feels and how to make their dog feel happy, confident, and secure.
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