16 Things Your Dog is Grateful for in 2025

Gratitude really is a superpower. A simple daily practice can boost your mood, lower stress, and help you appreciate the small moments that make life feel rich and grounded. And if you share your life with a dog, you probably don’t need a scientific study to tell you how much joy and meaning they add to your world.

But have you ever wondered what your dog is grateful for?

Back in 2021, I wrote a short list of things our dogs appreciate most. A lot has changed since then—routines, lifestyles, and even relationships with our pets. One thing that hasn’t changed is the deep, heartfelt connection between dogs and their humans. Whether or not researchers agree on if dogs “feel” gratitude the way we do, you and I can read it in every soft blink, full-body wag, and deep sigh as they curl up beside you.

So after gathering thoughts from clients, dog-loving friends, and folks in my community, here’s the updated 2025 list of 16 things your dog is grateful for.

Here are 16 Things Your Dog Is Grateful For In 2025:

1. Having You as Their Person

To your dog, you’re home. You’re their safety, comfort, and favorite companion in the world. There was a study that looked at how dogs' brains reacted to different smells and the scent of their person lit their brain up the most! More than food, other dogs - more than anything - YOU are your dog's favorite thing.

2. Extra Time Together

Bringing your dog to the office, hybrid work and flexible schedules, or simply choosing to slow down—your dog treasures every extra minute you’re around.

3. Being Chosen

Adopted, rescued, or purchased ethically—your dog knows their life changed the moment you said yes to them.

4. Nutritious Food That Makes Them Feel Good

From balanced meals to fresh-food toppers, your effort to keep them healthy never goes unnoticed.

5. Treats (All of Them)

Training treats, enrichment treats, “just because” treats… your dog is here for all snack-related activities.

6. Walks Filled With Sniffs & Choice

They love the exercise—but what they adore is exploring the world through their nose with you beside them. Leave your earbuds at home and enjoy watching how much your dog loves sniffing everything!

7. Cozy Sleeping Spots

Beds, blankets, couch corners, or the warm spot you leave behind when you get up—they appreciate every soft place you share with them.

8. Wellness Care That Keeps Them Feeling Their Best

Fear Free vet visits, supplements, dental care, and thoughtful routines all help your dog live a healthier, happier life (even if they grumble about it).

9. The Safety You Provide

Secure fences, safe gear, ID tags, microchips, predictable routines—you make sure their world is protected and steady.

10. Belly Rubs & Massage Moments

A belly rub, a butt scratch, or a gentle massage after a long day? Pure bliss.

11. Compassionate, Reward-Based Training

Your dog is grateful you teach with kindness, empathy, and patience—not intimidation and punishment.

12. Enrichment That Makes Life Fun

Puzzle toys, sniffari walks, lick mats, and brain games keep their mind sharp and their stress levels low.

13. Cuddles, Snuggles, and Comforting Touch

Dogs are tactile creatures, and your touch brings them comfort, reassurance, and connection. Sometimes even just a hand on their back while they snooze next to you feels like love and safety.

14. Your Patience When They Struggle

Whether they’re anxious, reactive, overwhelmed, or simply learning, your patience and compassion helps them feel safe and understood.

15. Your Commitment to Their Whole Life

Your dog knows you’re in it for the long haul—through every season, every change, every challenge.

16. Your Unconditional Love

They feel it. Every day. And they return it in the only way they know how: wholeheartedly.

What Would YOUR Dog Add?

Now it’s your turn—what do you think your dog is grateful for this year? Imagine their voice, tune into their quirks, and share your list in the comments so I can add them to next year’s post.