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10 Dog Behaviors That Actually Mean They’re Happy

Diagram comparing a happy dog on its back with floppy paws to a stressed dog with stiff legs and a tense jaw.
Floppy limbs signal complete trust and comfort, whereas rigid posture indicates a stressed dog rolling over defensively.

5. Vulnerable Belly Exposure with Loose Limbs

When your dog flops onto their back and exposes their belly with floppy paws and a loose posture, they are expressing complete trust and comfort. Exposing the vulnerable abdomen requires a high level of security in their surroundings.

However, context matters immensely; a happy belly display is accompanied by loose, floppy legs and a soft face, whereas a stressed dog rolling over will hold their limbs rigid and tuck their tail tight against their stomach.

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