What We Can Learn From Our Dogs

For thousands of years, humans and dogs have shared a unique and mutually beneficial relationship. Dogs provide companionship, protection, assistance, and simple happiness, while humans provide similar benefits to dogs. People often view their canine friends in comparable ways to children: in need of guidance and training. However, this view can ignore the fact that dogs actually have a lot to teach humans about how to live better, more authentic and fulfilling lives. Dogs can teach people about self-care, how to love better, be more authentic, and how to be less judgmental and more compassionate towards others. 

Self-Care

Dogs aren't shy about doing what they need to do when they need to do it. For better or for worse (on the part of the owner) a dog is going to pursue what makes them happy and comfortable. They don't mind licking their private parts in mixed company or taking a dump while making uninterrupted eye contact with you. Those aren't habits you should be copying from your dog, however, a lesson you can learn from these dog behaviors is that unabashedly taking time to care for yourself is perfectly acceptable and healthy behavior. Don't be afraid or embarrassed to tell people that your plans for the weekend involve simply having some alone time. Treat yourself, especially when you are stressed, and make your health and happiness a priority. 

Love Better

Something that makes dogs such great companions is that they are fearless in showing their love for you. They are excited to see you when you get home, aren't shy about climbing up on your lap when they want to be close to you or giving you lots of kisses after you rub their belly. However, so many people, due to past trauma or bad experiences, will hide their love and feelings for important people in their lives. This can cause problems in relationships and end up actually hurting the people you love most. Instead, you should try to do your best to emulate how dogs love by openly showing your affection and appreciation of your loved ones without fear or embarrassment.

Authenticity

One of the best things about dogs is that you know exactly who they are. They don't lie, try to impress, or try to be something they are not, and we love them for it. Unfortunately, the same isn't so true for humans. People lie or put on airs because they are afraid, malicious, or insecure. This tends to create more problems for people and creates unhealthy and unstable relationships. However, dogs can teach you that when you are your authentic self, you can live a happier and healthier life with people who love you for who you are. You don't need to pretend to be something you aren't, and the people who want you to do that aren't worth being around.

Less Judgement, More Compassion

When you have a dog, you likely feel free to be your weird and crazy self around them because they aren't going to judge you. They will love you as much as you love them and don't care what job you have, how many friends you have, or what kind of car you drive. This happy-go-lucky, judgment-free living is something humans need to take note of. It can be easy to get caught up in the superficialities of life and your own insecurity that can drive you to harshly judge others. This judgmental attitude just ends up isolating people from one another and creating apathy. This is why humans need to learn from dogs and adopt a more compassionate and understanding worldview. Being less judgmental and more compassionate towards yourself and others creates a happier, more understanding and healthier mindset that can improve your relationships and your life. 

Dogs are human's best friend, and if you let them, they can also be a great mentor. They can teach you how to take better care of yourself, love more freely, live authentically, and be more compassionate towards others. So, take some time to appreciate all that dogs can teach you, and maybe give your canine companion an extra treat and a nice long scratch on the belly. They won't hesitate to reciprocate the gesture. 

Thank you Aspen and Toby for being authentic and true, and teaching me life lessons unspoken. 

Jocelyn Farrar

www.YourLifePathCenter.com