Valuable Lessons You Can Learn From Your Dog
The only creatures that are evolved enough to convey pure love are dogs and infants.” ~ Johnny Depp
It occurred to me that many of the articles in my blog have to do with teaching and training your dog (in all fairness, I am a dog trainer!)…it also occurred to me that our dogs, if we’re listening, have many life lessons they can teach us, if we are willing to learn.
To begin with, what does your dog do all day, if not trying to please you and do what you want and expect from him/her, he is truly your “best friend”!
Lessons Dogs Teach…
- Your dog will teach you to love unconditionally – and show your love frequently.
- He will never judge you or talk to his friends about you.
Your dog will teach you about good health, he recognizes the importance of good food and plenty of rest.- He will teach you persistence and to never give up on something you really want, but sometimes it takes patience.
- You can learn the importance of getting plenty of exercise.
- You should enjoy the simple things in life…a simple tennis ball or a little treat can literally make the day.
- Enjoy every day, sniff the roses, jump for joy frequently, and chase a squirrel.
- Be yourself and like it…you’ve never known a Poodle that wanted to be a Beagle!
Lessons from My friend George…
George was born Beckwith’s Bright Star, May 11, 1997 and came into our lives on October 16, 1997 as a “Board & Train” client for Pawsitive Steps Dog Training. During this time, he lived with us Monday through Friday and spent most weekends with his adopted family. We were blessed by his presence immediately and although at that time he was not ours, he became very special to us and we loved him very much. I’ll never forget that day. He was a stocky 5 month old Golden Retriever puppy; he made me think of a line backer. He was so happy – jolly – to be precise and so easy going as he dragged my sofa half-way across the living room…
At that time I didn’t know George would come to live with me, but on March 1, 1998, on a cold, rainy evening, his previous owners called to ask if I would adopt George. I brought George home for the first time as my dog that night. And I enjoyed so many wonderful years, wonderful adventures and sweet times. On Monday, December 19, 2005 George passed on to Heaven, where he is free of cancer and pain.
Today I reflect on some of the wise things that George taught me in his lifetime…
Greet everyone with enthusiasm and make sure they know you are glad to see them. It doesn’t matter what kind of shoes they wear or car they drive. Love doesn’t ask if you can afford it.- Smart dogs can catch. SMARTER dogs, can’t, as people will give you loads of treats trying to teach you how.
- Never bark when a simple woof will do.
Have fun, play in the snow, chase and eat snow-balls…- Be gentle with children and little old ladies, They are delicate and give sweet hugs and kisses.
- Allow people to rub your tummy, it makes you both feel good!
- If someone doesn’t feel good, curl up with them for a nice long nap.
- Mind your manners, you’ll get lots of treats.
Let everyone you love know that you love them with all your heart.
I have learned great life lessons from all of my dogs, and you can too…sometimes you have to do a little “translating”, but the lessons are there.
As a dog trainer, I believe that the most effective method of dog training revolves around teaching your dog what you want them to do, how to behave, how to act in their environment, and what appropriate behaviors are under given circumstances and situations.
Contact me or check out my family friendly classes.
Comments are closed.