Ever catch yourself wondering, “is my dog truly happy?”. You’re not alone. Every month, thousands of dog lovers across the UK ask the very same thing. In fact, searches such as “how can I tell if my dog is happy?” have jumped by 33% in the past year. At Harringtons, we believe a happy dog is a healthy dog, and this starts with healthy choices, natural food, loving care, and the right balance of everyday essentials.
To answer the all-important question of what makes a dog happy, we teamed up with one of the UK’s leading dog behaviourist, Dr Tom Mitchell, to create our first Formula for a Happy Dog. Packed with practical tips, research, guidance and a good helping of common sense, it’s a guide every pet parent should have up their sleeve.
Meet Dr Tom Mitchell - The Man Behind the Formula
Dr Tom Mitchell is the founder of the global pet behaviour clinic Behavet, and creator of Help! My Dog. Throughout his career as a veterinarian and behaviourist he has helped thousands of dog owners build stronger bonds and happier lives with their dogs - using fun, games-based training backed by science.
Working with Harringtons, he’s crafted a nine-part formula to help your dog live their best, tail-wagging life.
Dr Tom’s Formula for a Happy Dog
Before we dive in, here’s a little secret from Tom:
“There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to happiness. Every dog is unique, and as their owner, you know them best. Think of this formula as your toolkit, ready to be tweaked to suit your dog’s personality and lifestyle.”
1. Calm settling (60%+ of the day)
Dogs thrive on calm. Dr Tom finds in the Behavet Behaviour Clinic that a relaxed pooch who can switch off for most of the day is less likely to develop behavioural struggles. Calm time lets your dog decompress and helps their brain stay balanced and resilient.
How can you create a calm environment for your dog?
Create a quiet room at home, with your dog’s favourite blanket and some gentle background music (classical or ambient sounds) with a few chew toys to keep them relaxed without over-exciting them.
2. Sleep (at least 10 hours)
Dogs need more sleep than you might think! A 2020 study found dogs sleep about 10 hours a day, helping them process the world around them. Well-rested dogs are calmer, happier, and better learners.
To help your dog sleep better, you could try some of the below tips:
- Reward your dog for good sleep choices - Like any behaviour, you can reward your dog for making sleepy choices to encourage them to sleep more! Choosing to settle down, get on their bed, go in their crate or take themselves away from the action can all be rewarded with a tasty treat.
- Set up a cosy sleep space - give them a comfy bed or use a crate if they like that den-like feeling to make them feel safe.
- Use calming sounds - soft music or white noise machines can help drown out outside noises that might startle your dog.
- Avoid disruption - try not to hype up your dog right before bed and limit late-night bathroom trips unless needed, so they learn to sleep through the night.
3. Nutrition (daily, balanced & gut-friendly)
Nutrition is the building blocks of your dog’s body and brain and, in relation to happiness, nutrition is quite literally the building blocks of the neuro-chemicals of happiness. On top of this, there’s now a mountain of evidence that your dog’s gut microbiome (the community of micro-organisms naturally living inside your dog’s gut) are actually involved in the creation of those happy brain chemicals.
So, looking after your dog’s diet is key. Not only should you feed a diet rich in high meat content and natural ingredients but also ensure it is rich in prebiotics – these help maintain a healthy digestion and act as the fuel for the micro-organisms doing the hard work of building those happy chemicals! The national dog owner obsession of how their dog’s poo is looking isn’t misplaced; the easiest measure of how your dog’s gut is doing is by assessing their poo! Happy poo = happy gut = happy dog!
4. Play (30 minutes total, in 5-minute bursts)
Play isn’t just fun - it’s how dogs learn, bond and express themselves. Short, frequent bursts of play have been shown to improve learning and reduce stress. Whether it’s tug-of-war or hide-and-seek with treats, play is powerful. Other indoor, outdoor and mental stimulations idea you could try include:
Indoor Play Ideas
- Find the Treat – hide treats around the room and let them sniff them out.
- Interactive Toys/Puzzle Games – keeps brains active during play.
- Teach New Tricks – turn training into a game with treats and praise.
Outdoor Play Ideas
- Catch Me If You Can - pop a few treats on the grass so your dog has to spend a moment finding them while you run away. When your dog catches you, reward them with a play session! You can even do it around trees or other landmarks to add to the chase.
- Obstacle Course – set up cones, tunnels, or jumps in the garden.
- Scent Games – scatter treats or toys in the grass for your dog to find.
Mental Stimulation Games
- Shell Game – hide a treat under one of three cups and mix them around.
- Old Dog, New Tricks - by teaching your dog new tricks they might not know, the brain grows new connections reducing/halting the progression of cognitive decline.
- Training Drills – mix-up sit, stay, come, down, etc., into a fun game.
5. Affection (At least 20 minutes, but there’s no maximum!)
There’s no upper limit on love. You share a “Relationship Bank Account” with your dog that can experience investments (and so grow) and withdrawals (and so empty).
Stroking, cuddles, or simply sitting together builds trust and connection. Watch for signs your dog is enjoying it - and let them choose how and when they want affection.
So how can you tell if your dog likes an interaction or not?
- Observe your dog’s behaviour. Changes to their behaviour like lip-licking, panting, moving away or going very still can be signs your dog isn’t enjoying it.
- Create a culture of consent. Periodically stop the interaction and move away and see if your dog re-engages you to continue the interaction - in other words, they consent to it continuing!
6. Movement (1–2 hours daily)
Walks, games, zoomies in the garden - dogs are made to move! Daily movement helps keep joints healthy, minds alert and tails wagging. It doesn’t always need to be a walk either, get creative! Not every dog needs to hit the great outdoors every single day to stay active either.
So, what are some indoor-friendly ways to keep your dog moving daily?
- Focus games - try tossing a treat for your dog to eat, when they turn back to you, throw another treat in the other direction and repeat. This teaches your dog to find looking at you rewarding - great for out-and-about!
- Puzzle Toys / Food-Dispensing Toys - keeps your dog moving and thinking while they work for their food. Try a snuffle mat, or DIY puzzles (like treats under cups).
- Training Sessions - practicing cues like "sit," "stay," "come," and "spin" can be surprisingly tiring.
- Indoor Obstacle Course - use pillows, boxes, and chair/chair legs to create mini jumps or tunnels.
7. Enrichment (1 hour of ‘Figuring Stuff Out’)
In a 2019 study, it was shown that simply by incorporating enrichment into the lives of dogs in a rescue centre, they were more likely to pass the behaviour tests to then go on to find their loving homes
Dogs love a challenge. This is how you can incorporate enrichment in your dog’s routine:
- Puzzle toys, snuffle mats, trick training or a new walking route - all keep their minds sharp and their tails wagging.
- Enrichment can help reduce anxiety and boost confidence too.
8. Social interaction (every day!)
Dogs are social creatures, but that doesn’t always mean with other dogs. Many prefer human company. Contrary to wolves, domestic dogs get a larger oxytocin surge from interacting with their human family than other dogs, so if your dog can be unpredictable with other dogs or finds them a bit scary right now, rest assured the most important interaction in your dog’s life is with YOU. Whether it’s a sniffy walk with a mate or cuddles with you, quality interaction is vital.
What other dog or human social interactions could you do?
Dog & Human Social Interactions
- Play Dates with Friends & Family - invite friends or family over to hang out and spend time with your dog. Chilling together is a perfect way to teach your dog that visitors to the house are a calm event.
- Training Sessions with You - teach your dog new tricks or reinforce old ones.
- Dog-Friendly Outings -if your dog enjoys new environments, take your dog to dog-friendly cafés or stores where they can interact with other people and sometimes other dogs.
Dog & Dog Social Interactions
- Dog Play Dates - arrange playdates with other appropriate dogs your dog is familiar with. You can let them explore, chase, or simply hang out together.
- Agility Classes or Group Training - these classes can help dogs work alongside others in a controlled setting.
9. Training (four 3-minute sessions daily)
Think of training as giving your dog the tools to handle life’s surprises. Just a few fun, reward-based sessions a day can build confidence and strengthen your bond. And yes, even 3 minutes can make a world of difference!
So, what training could you try?
- Name Training - your dog responding to their name or other sound is essential for safety, communication, and a good relationship with your dog.
- Lead Training - start by teaching your dog to walk beside you with a loose lead and reward them for staying by your side - you are teaching them there’s a zone of value that follows you around so it pays to stay close! Teaching them that being on lead is a calm event rather than an exciting one prevents behaviour struggles developing.
- Confidence Training (to address specific struggles) - when your dog lacks confidence, you may notice them barking or pulling towards distractions. As distractions appear in the world, reward them in the zone of value around you to teach them the distraction is nothing to worry about!
“The best thing about this formula,” says Tom, “is that it’s completely flexible. Each component can be tailored based on your dog’s individual personality and their likes and dislikes! You know your dog better than anyone - and this gives you the tools to shape a life full of tail wags, calm evenings and joyful adventures.”
Spot the signs: How to Know Your Dog is Happy
So, you’ve started to follow the formula, but how can you tell it’s working? Here are some classic signs of a content canine:
- Joyful and relaxed body language (think tap-dancing feet!)
- Reduced Barking
- Sleeping well and resting easily
- Eager to eat and enjoy treats
- Initiating play and engaging with you
- Relaxed eyes, soft expression
- Excited to greet you
- Calm breathing and posture
- Shiny coat and healthy skin
In short, if they seem relaxed, engaged and affectionate, you’re on the right track.
Why Nutrition is at the Heart of Happiness – with Pet Nutritionist Sarah McNamara
Of all the components in Tom’s formula, nutrition is one of the most powerful - and Pet Nutritionist Sarah McNamara agrees.
“A well-balanced diet gives your dog the energy, brainpower and resilience to live a happy life. With proper nutrition, dogs experience better physical health, more energy, and a more positive outlook on life. All of this, in turn, makes them more likely to be happy, active, and engaged in their daily activities. Proper nutrition isn’t just about feeding a dog, it’s about fuelling them for a long, healthy, and joyful life.” she explains.
Sarah’s top five reasons natural nutrition benefits your pet’s happiness:
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Boosts energy for play and exploration
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Supports a healthy weight and reduces health risks
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Promotes brain function and mental clarity
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Strengthens the immune system
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Enhances coat, skin, and digestion
From their wag to their woof, nutrition powers it all. And that’s why at Harringtons, we’re passionate about pet recipes made with natural ingredients to fuel your dog’s body and brain.
The Formula for a Happy Dog is more than a checklist, it’s a way to connect, care and celebrate your four-legged friend. Every dog is different, and what works for one might need tweaking for another. But with Dr Tom’s expert advice and Sarah’s nutritional know-how, you’ve got everything you need to give your dog the life they deserve.
