10 Best Life Lessons You Can Learn From Dogs

Have you ever heard the saying, “Dogs are a humans best friend?” it is true. They provide a constant source of love and companionship that is undeniable. Have you ever considered that the best therapist might have fur, four legs, and a button nose? This is true too. If we look closely enough we can discover helpful life lessons that can help us become our best selves from dogs.

I have done just that. Inspired by my own pups, Molly Rainbow and Mosby Moonpie, today I am sharing ten personal lessons I have learned from their daily behaviors.

1. Wake Slowly and Soak the World In. When you open your eyes to greet a new day, lay for a moment and take a few long deep breaths to awaken your mind. Next, enjoy a focused slow stretch to wake your body. I recommend the exact same moves my pups do. The Sun Salutation and the Downward Dog.

2. Soak in the Sun. Here in the PNW sunshine is a precious commodity that we can’t take for granted as its warm rays of happiness are limited. My Mosby Moonpie does not hesitate to stop and bask in the sun when we are on a walk. Be sure to make time for the suns Vitamin D and accept the natural mood boost that comes from its warmth.

3. Connections and Touch. Both of my pups are serious about cuddling and staying close by me at all times. Molly Rainbow often reminds me that touch is of the utmost importance as she finds a way into the middle of whatever I am doing when she needs to be petted. Even on the busiest days it is important to remember the value of touch and interaction. Be sure to take time daily to be in the presence of people you care for and hug often.

4. Choose your Connections Wisely. It is important to be pleasant to all mankind. However, like dogs, use your natural instinct to choose those you form personal relationships with wisely.

5. Persistence Pays Off. Molly Rainbow loves nothing more than to play toss with her toys. Sitting patiently in a staring contest with her toy at her feet always eventually wears me down. She is a good reminder that we must be tenacious in working towards both immediate and long term goals.

6. Love Unconditionally and Forgive Quickly. My dogs wag their tails and are ready to cover me with kisses no matter what mood I am in. Instead of harboring anger and resentment, forgive quickly and completely never digging up the past.

7. Accept Yourself and Be Confident. My dogs weigh less than twelve pounds together and both have the confidence of a prideful lions. Accept yourself entirely and approach each day with positive conviction that you will achieve every task and face every challenge with success.

8. Rest and Relax. Find time to slow down and relax in each day. Perhaps like my dogs, just sit down exactly where you are and gaze at something like you have seen it for the very first time.

9. Be Loyal. Because dogs are pack animals, it comes naturally to them to show unwavering loyalty and commitment to every member in the pack. Be loyal always to your beliefs, yourself, your family, and to the entire human race.

10. Enjoy Life and Play Hard. Whether walking through a field dandelions, riding in the car with wind blowing against their fur, fetching toys, or running up the stairs at home, my dogs always have their ears up and their tails are wagging. Approach life like a dog. Instead of being frustrated, depressed, or even angry about daily tasks. Open your mind to the positive possibilities the day holds. Give it your all and enjoy every second.

Susan Kennedy was correct when she said, “Dogs are miracles with paws.” Dogs are awesome creatures indeed. From their unconditional love and loyalty to wagging tails expressing pure joy. It is undeniable that we can learn much from dogs about life.