What life lessons can we learn from our dogs?
From loyalty to following our own instincts, dogs have a lot to teach us. Observing them and spending quality time with our furry canine friends enlighten us on many issues about life.
Understanding and implementing these lessons help us live happily and free of stress, just like our dogs.
This article explores 10 important life lessons we can learn from our dogs.
Let’s dive in.
Lesson 1: Loyalty
Dogs have unwavering loyalty toward their owners and other family members. They view human beings as superheroes and would do anything to please them. Your dog will always be there for you, even during your hard times.
Various stories from ancient times prove that dogs are highly loyal. One such story is about an Akita named Hachiko. Hachiko had unconditional love and loyalty towards their owner, and when the owner died, Hachiko waited at the railway station for 9 years, hoping he would return.
This teaches us to be loyal to our friends and family members. We should develop strong bonds with those we love and walk with them through thick and thin.
Lesson 2: Protecting our loved ones
Dogs have a natural instinct to protect and guard their loved ones. Dogs have a heightened sense of smell, and they can help us detect any problem including diseases like cancer. German Shepherds are the best examples of how dogs are protective over their owners. Your German Shepherd can literally take the bullet on your behalf.
In 2014, a German Shepherd called Bruno was shot by a suspect while in the field with police officers. Dogs’ protective and guarding nature teaches us to be there for our loved ones and protect them from harm. Being protective means going to a point where we can sacrifice our happiness for those we love.
Lesson 3: Be positive
Bad weather or a negative event will not affect your dog’s mood. Dogs are always happy and enjoy the company of their owners. Dogs always find ways to accept and cope with their surroundings. They do not whine all day because the morning was chilly.
This is a great lesson for human beings. Challenges are there. However, they should not dictate our moods. We should learn to accept certain things that we cannot control and strive to always be happy. Instead of focusing on the negative, try to be positive and look for ways to turn the unhappy situation into an excellent opportunity to enjoy your life.
Lesson 4: Love unconditionally
Your dog will always love you regardless of how you treat them. You are reprimanding your dog, and the next instant, your dog is kissing you. They love their owners unconditionally.
This calls for unconditional love towards our family, friends, and community. Show your friends and relatives that you love them even if they have done you wrong.
Stick with them through all situations. Showing unconditional love to our family members assures them that we will not judge them. It tells them that there is someone who will always be there for them. When we love others unconditionally, they get a sense of belonging.
Lesson 5: Be alert and cautious
Dogs are always alert and attentive to any change in their environment. In addition, they are cautious of strangers. These two traits help dogs avoid dangerous situations. This teaches us to be careful of our surroundings. Being alert helps us know when things are not right and be able to take action before things get worse.
When a dog senses any danger, it barks to alert the owners about the impending danger. We should carefully study our surroundings and trust our gut feelings. If your intuition tells you that something is not right, it is imperative to take the right action.
Lesson 6: Enjoy the simple things of life
Dogs are excellent examples of being content with what we have. They enjoy that simple evening walk or just lying beside you. Spending time with other dogs or small children also makes dogs happy.
This is contrary to our normal human life. We want lots of material things. We believe our possessions make us happy. And we end up miserable because we cannot enjoy the simple things in life and be content. We should emulate our furry canine friends. When facing a challenge, go for a walk, visit your friends, or spend quality time with your family.
Lesson 7: Be forgiving
If you have ever stepped on your dog’s paws accidentally, then you know the pain that comes with it. However, your dog will not hold you accountable for your mistake. Instead, they forget that you hurt them after a short time. They will even come to you for comfort. Snuggling with you even after you hurt them.
This should be our attitude towards our friends and family members. Forgiveness is key in any relationship. Do not hold grudges. Be like dogs who are always ready to forgive. And you will always find your dog happy. Forgiveness gives us inner happiness.
Lesson 8: Do not judge
Dogs are not judgemental. They do not discriminate using your color, tribe, or gender. On the contrary, dogs differentiate the right people from the wrong ones based on their actions and personality traits. They are blind to the characteristics that humans use to weigh whether to associate with someone.
Dogs teach us to observe people’s actions and personalities rather than judge them. We should treat each other equally. Knowing we are all equal promotes peace within a nation and improves relationships. We should not treat other people based on their physical appearance, sexual orientation, gender, or tribe. Instead, focus on one’s personality and actions.
Lesson 9: Take a break to rest
Dogs listen to their bodies and rest when their bodies are tired. On the other hand, humans rarely take sleep as an important need. Instead, they look for ways to keep them awake throughout the day or night. This hurts one’s health in the long run.
Resting well will enhance your performance since sleep rejuvenates the body. Whenever you are tired, do not be too harsh on yourself. Instead, take that necessary nap and save yourself from future diseases, stress, and depression. Sleep deeply without inhibiting yourself.
You will eventually realize the importance of sleep and rest.
Lesson 10: Do not neglect play
All work without play makes Jack a dull boy. Dogs love playing with you, the children, or other dogs. Regular play and exercise keep dogs happy. Play and exercise also promote sleep. Your dog will sleep peacefully throughout the night.
Playing burns calories for a healthy weight. This translates to minimal risks of heart diseases, pancreatitis, and joint problems. This also applies to us. When we are physically active, we maintain a healthy weight and sleep soundly at night. Make playtime a necessity. Create time to bond with your children through play. Do not allow a busy schedule to keep you from enjoying life maximally.
Sum it Up
There you have it. Dogs have great lessons for us.
Implementing the life lessons we learn from our dogs will enhance our lives. The life lessons we can learn from dogs include making playtime a priority, taking time to rest, not being judgemental, always ready to forgive others, being alert and cautious, loving others unconditionally, being loyal, staying positive, and protecting our loved ones.
So the next time you look at your dog, try to copy its daily activities. You will appreciate the lessons it teaches you.