Our Dogs are Constantly Learning From Us, but We Can Also Learn From Them
From the moment our fur babies come home, we are constantly teaching them. How to go potty outside, how to sit and lay down, how to walk on a leash, how to socialize with other pups, etc. The list could go on and on.
What we don’t generally stop to think about, is how much our dogs actually teach us.
Here are 3 Lessons Our Dogs Can Teach Us:
Lesson #1: How to Live in the Moment
Dogs live in the present. They don’t hold grudges about the past, and they don’t worry about the future. If they are feeling anxious while you’re away at work, the moment you walk through the front door their tails start wagging once again.
Anybody who has watched dogs play at the park can tell that they are carefree. They aren’t worrying about relationship problems, future issues that may or may not occur; they are simply happy to be there.
If we can learn to be more present, not worry as much about past or future events, then hopefully we can feel just as happy as a dog at the park!
Lesson #2: How to Appreciate the Little Things
Sometimes in life, humans have a tendency to base their happiness off of the things they have. The perfect relationship, a lot of money, the trendiest clothes, etc. However, if you’re constantly looking for ways to be happy by reaching some big destination, you can forget to appreciate the little joys in life.
Dogs are the exact opposite. They find joy in the the smallest things throughout the day. A walk around the block, a bird to chase, a treat to eat, a mud puddle to roll around in…
Just like our dogs, if we can learn to find joy in the small things along the way, then the destination might not be the source of our joy. But rather, the cherry on top of the happiness we find in our everyday lives.
Lesson #3: To Love Unconditionally
Dogs feel love for others. Just like humans, they release a love chemical called Oxytocin when they are around their favorite humans and doggy friends. However, unlike humans, that love doesn’t ever come with conditions. Not to say all love does, but sometimes, humans have a natural instinct to love others based on a variety of factors that simply don’t apply when it comes to a dog’s type of love.
Dogs don’t judge based on appearance. Dogs don’t keep track of wrong doings. Dogs don’t hold grudges. Dogs aren’t spiteful. Dogs are always loyal. Dogs will love you regardless of your faults.
If we can learn to love unconditionally like dogs do, then we can hopefully give the people around us the same warm and fuzzy feeling our dogs give us.
We hope you enjoyed reading this, and you try to embrace some of the lessons our dogs can teach us everyday. We would love to hear any additional lessons you’ve learned from your dog in the comments below!
