Puppy's Life

Grins, giggles, and good times

Ideas that will make you and your puppy smile

There’s nothing quite as heartwarming as a puppy’s smile, especially if you’re smiling together. A puppy’s smile can come from something as simple as the way you greet him at the door. And once you see your puppy sporting a grin, you won’t be able to help but join him.

Michelle Davis, a graphic designer living in Portland, Oregon with her little pal Harley, a Yorkshire Terrier, says Harley gets his biggest grin when she mentions some of his favorite words such as “walk” and “treat.” “He will perk up his ears and fly off the couch like Superman if you mention the W-A-L-K word, and he knows how to spell it too,” Davis says.

Just like you, each puppy’s grin is unique. That tilted head, that sparkle in his eyes, that lopsided ear-to-ear beam—now that’s a smiling good time! Maybe it’s the way you “hide” that treat and let him guess what hand it’s in; he knows, and loves it! Or a funny sound that stirs up his curiosity.

Love to find new ways to laugh? Chase a few bubbles! Outside, blow non-toxic soap bubbles in the air for you and your pup to chase. This simple game can last as long as the smiles on both of your faces. Or do a roll-over. You, that is! While he’s watching, drop on the floor, and roll over like he does—you won’t be the only one amused!

Sometimes your pooch initiates the smile. Even just a silly grin on Harley’s face is enough. “Harley makes me smile just by being himself,” Davis says. “His smile is really cute. He will sit down, look at you, and just barely stick out his little pink tongue.”

Smiling together is one memory that the two of you will always have. There’s nothing better than seeing your best friend happy enough to smile, and there’s nothing better than your best friend putting a smile on your face as well! “I like making Harley smile because I care about the little guy,” Davis says. “I like making my little ball of joy even happier.”