Five Things I've Learned From My Dogs

Sometimes my dogs know more than I do. Click To Tweet

I’m a dog lover. I’m sure you all know that by now…as I mention them every chance I get. I just spent some time at the Blog Paws conference in Nashville and it was amazing to see all of the pets in attendance. I was in awe of the relationships and bonds pets and their owners had with one another and I stated to think about my pups (who were at home with my in-laws). For all of the tricks and training I’ve taught my dogs, I’ve learned so much more. Here’s a bit of what I now know:

5 Things My Dogs Have Taught Me

1. Don’t save it for tomorrow. When you give a dog a special treat, they eat it, right away. They don’t put it on a shelf and think about saving it for a special occasion. Their special occasion is right this minute. They live in the moment and embrace it to it’s fullest. This is something I can certainly learn from!

2. Show joy. So many times in life we’re afraid we’re going to say the wrong thing or expose ourselves too much. Instead, I challenge you to let your joy shine. Tell people you love them. Hug people every day. Let you kindness and happiness hang out, like a dog’s tail wagging. It’s contagious!

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3. Sleep when you need it. While we can’t all nap mid afternoon or sleep until the afternoon, we can listen to our bodies a bit better and rest when we need it. Doing so makes everything easier, and makes having a positive outlook more likely. I won’t bore you with the medical benefits of getting sleep but you know how much better you feel after a good night’s sleep. Sleep like a dog!

4. Accept Yourself. Dogs don’t compare themselves to other dogs. When I take Roxy running at the park, she’s not looking at the next dog’s leash or comparing the size of her collar. She’s enjoying every moment and accepting herself for who she is. She’s focused on HER run and HER experience. Love yourself and act like a dog a little bit more.

5. Drink lots of water. Dogs don’t go around ordering fancy coffee beverages or seeking out the best new beverage. They drink water, lots of it, when they need it. Do the same and you’ll feel better almost instantly.

6. Find play everyday. Even if your dog has no toys, they will find something to play with. How many of you have seen a cat play with the string on the blinds or a shoelace? A dog will chase just about anything you throw. Even if you’re not in a playful environment, know that you can find fun in the everyday.

What has your pet taught you? Share it with us in the comments below.