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10 Dog Behaviors That Actually Mean They’re Happy

Close-up profile of a black dog with a grey muzzle resting its head and looking out a bright window.
Look for soft, almond-shaped eyes and gentle blinking to confirm your dog feels safe and perceives no immediate threats.

3. Soft Almond Eyes and Gentle Blinking

Your dog’s eyes reveal a tremendous amount about their stress levels. A content, relaxed dog displays soft, almond-shaped eyes with normal pupil size and frequent, gentle blinking.

You will not see the whites of their eyes (often called “whale eye”), nor will they hold an intense, unblinking stare. Soft eyes indicate that your dog feels safe in their environment and perceives no immediate threats or pressure.

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