Lessons from the Canine School of Life

Sure, we put our pets through their paces at obedience training and learning house rules, but our dogs have more than a few valuable lessons to teach us as well!

1. Just because others might beat you to your goals doesn’t mean you won’t prevail in the end. He who pees on the spot last wins.

2. Don’t be stingy with affection. There is no such thing as too long a belly rub.

3. Sometimes you just need to hear you’re a very good boy or girl. Accept praise, but also give it liberally.

4. Take time to smell the roses . . . and grass . . . and car fenders . . . and fire hydrants . . . and . . .

5. The simplest things in life are often the best: fetch, food, friendship, etc. Don’t complicate your way out of being satisfied with what’s right in front of you.

6. Love comes in all shapes and sizes – Pugs, Dobermans, Corgis, Great Danes, Basset Hounds, you name it! – and they’re all wonderful in their own ways.

7. Never underestimate the power of a good, long nap.

8. Feeling edgy or restless? Take a walk. Feeling sad? Take a walk. Under- or over-whelmed? Take a walk. Take lots of walks.

9. Don’t keep licking old wounds. Let yourself heal with the help of those who care about you.

10. Just because you can eat something doesn’t mean you should.

11. Respect boundaries. Some fences are there to protect and help you thrive.

12. Always say you’re sorry and make up with lots of kisses and cuddles.

13. Be honest about your feelings. If you’re happy, wag your tail. If you’re scared, it’s okay to cry. Expressing yourself helps others help you.

14. Love unconditionally and forgive quickly. Everybody makes mistakes. Sometimes those mistakes get left on white carpet . . . oops!

15. Live in the present. Your past doesn’t have to determine your happiness or contentment moving forward.

16. Don’t hesitate to charge toward what excites you. Pursue your interests with gusto!

17. Don’t worry about your looks. You’re loveable exactly as you are.