How to make your dog happy: 5 tips for a contented canine

Updated 19th August 2025

Find out a few key ways to make your dog happy below - where we cover the importance of exercise, play, mental stimulation, routine and more.

What makes dogs happy?

A happy dog can be achieved with a combination of regular exercise, routine, socialization, a comfortable home, mental stimulation, play, and good nutrition.

Dogs need daily exercise in the form of walks and play, alongside social interaction with their humans, as well as mental stimulation that can be achieved by scent work, puzzle toys or command training. 

Feeding your dog the right foods for their health status - and in the correct amounts - is also vital for their overall wellbeing. Dogs also thrive off routine, and need a comfortable, warm home to feel safe in.

The amount and type of exercise, mental stimulation and play your dog needs will depend on their age, breed and physical health. Chat to your vet or a dog behaviorist if you’re unsure on how to find the balance between these key pillars of your dog’s happiness.

How to make your dog happy: top tips

Ensure your dog gets regular exercise

• Walks. Most dogs need to be walked daily, multiple times a day - find out how much walking your dog needs as this will depend on their age, breed and health status.
• Games. Play a game of fetch or ‘find it’ with your dog to get them running and walking.
• Off-leash time. Let your dog off-leash in a designated area (such as a dog park or dog-friendly beach) to let them run free, sniff and socialize - only do this if you’re confident in your dog’s recall.

Mentally stimulate your dog

• Scent work. Some dog breeds thrive off scent-related games - these include German Shepherds, Spaniels and Labrador Retrievers.
• Puzzle games. Consider getting a puzzle game where your dog has to work for the treat - they’re perfect for distracting your dog from feelings of separation anxiety and are very mentally stimulating.
• Trick training. Teach your dog a new trick - this helps you bond and really tires out your dog.
• Put on a YouTube video. Watching videos of other animals can be entertaining for your dog.
• Provide chew toys. Chew toys can mentally stimulate your dog, and are a great distraction for times when you’re not able to give your dog undivided attention.

Prioritize social interaction

• Cuddles and affection. Dogs need that daily dose of affection from their favorite humans, so snuggle up on the sofa to make you both happy.
• Socialization with other dogs. Visit your local dog park to give your pooch the chance to socialize with their own kind.
• New environments. Gradually introduce your dog to new places so that they can learn to feel relaxed in places other than home.

Give your dog a consistent routine

• Feeding. Find out how many times a day your dog needs to be fed, and stick to a consistent feeding schedule.
• Exercise. Try to walk your dog at the same time each day to keep them calm between.
• Sleep. Start to wind down at roughly the same time each night to help your dog understand when it’s time to sleep.

Provide a comfortable environment

• Play music. Playing calming music for dogs can help to create a relaxed environment and avoid separation anxiety.
• Consider crate training. Crate training can provide your dog with a safe space to escape the noise and chaos.
• A comfortable sleeping space. Provide your dog with a comfortable bed and blankets, and respect their sleeping spot by avoiding play there.

Train your dog

• Teach your dog commands. Command training makes your dog easier to control, and avoids them getting into unwanted situations.
• Positive reinforcement. Praise your dog verbally or with treats to enforce the right behaviors.
• Be consistent. Choose your house rules and stick to them - it’ll help your dog to know where they stand.

Stay on top of your dog’s physical health

• Nutrition. Find out the best food for your dog’s age, breed and health status, and feed your dog the correct portion sizes.
• Learn what dogs can’t eat. Educate yourself on foods and plants that are dangerous to dogs.
• Know the signs of illness. Get to know the common illnesses in dogs and spot the signs early.
• Vet visits. Stay on top of vaccinations and visit your vet if you’re concerned your dog is unwell.

Groom your dog

• Dental health. Brush your dog’s teeth as needed and provide dental chews to avoid painful dental issues. 
• Hair cuts. Book in for regular hair trims if you’ve got a long-haired dog to make sure they can see out, and to avoid matting which can be painful for dogs.
• Nail trims. Book in a regular nail trim with your groomer to avoid discomfort and injury.

Play with your dog

• Rotate toys. Rotating your dog’s toys will keep their brain active, as well as stave off boredom and toy fatigue.
• Dance with your dog. Put on some music and dance with your canine - it’s perfect for bonding with your dog.
• Enrichment. Make sure your dog has enough toys in the house, and that you dedicate time to games such as fetch and ‘find it’.

Please let us know if you try out any of these tactics! Or maybe you have another way of making your dog happy? Share them with us over on our Community Forum, tag us in your photos using #TrustedTales or send us a story at stories@trustedhousesitters.com. We can’t wait to see them!

Useful resources

• Is my dog happy?
• 10 reasons why a trained dog is a happy dog
• 14 boredom-busting toys to keep dogs busy
• Foods dogs can eat: a canine menu guide
• Plants poisonous for dogs to avoid 
• How to make a cat happy indoors