6 Life Lessons Your Dog Can Teach You

Kate Barrington
by Kate Barrington
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Think of it as “Human Training.” We already know how to “sit” and “stay,” but there are valuable lessons your dog can teach you, if you’re willing to learn.


As silly as they can sometimes be, dogs have a lot to teach us. When your dog is rolling around in the mud or chasing after his own tail, the word “wise” is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. But if you take the time to really pay attention to your dog and to the way he interacts with the world around him you can learn some important life lessons.


Here are the six life lessons your dog can teach you.


  1. Be loyal to the ones you love. They say that dog is a man’s best friend and if you own a dog, you probably already know that to be the case. But more than just being your friend, your dog is your loyal companion – it doesn’t matter what you think of yourself or what others think of you, your dog will love you unconditionally. You can learn from your dog to value and enjoy the people in your life. Do not take for granted their love or friendship and do your best to be worthy of that love.


Related: New Study Proves Dogs Recognize Human Emotion


  1. Don’t stand still. While some dogs are certainly lazier than others, all dogs enjoy a good game of fetch or tug-of-war. Dogs love to go for walks, even if it is something as simple as strolling around the block. You can learn from your dog to be active – exercise is important for health and vitality. But more than that, you should always be ready to play and have a little fun. Don’t take yourself too seriously!
  2. Be compassionate. Dogs have an amazing ability to know when we are upset and that is exactly when they choose to be their kindest, gentlest selves. Learn from your dog to be a little more selfless, to give love to the world even when it doesn’t always give love back.
  3. Don’t get too hung up on material things. Sure, your dog probably has a favorite toy that he carries around all the time. But if your dog had to choose between that toy and you, he would choose you every time. You can learn from your dog to value the things that really matter in life – the people you love, not just the things you have.


Related: Study Says Watching Cat Videos Boosts Energy, Positive Emotions [Video]


  1. It’s okay to be quiet sometimes. Dogs cannot talk to us in a way that we can really understand, but they have a unique ability to make us believe that they are listening. Be for someone you love the thing your dog is for you – a nonjudgmental listener. We all need someone like that!
  2. Live life to the fullest. Dogs do not worry about the past – they live in the moment. But more than that, they enjoy life and all that is has to offer. A dog can find joy in the simplest of things, whether it is feeling the wind in his face as he leans out the car window or snuggling up on the couch with you. Dogs have a unique ability to be content no matter what their situation and that is a powerful lesson we could all stand to learn. Don’t fret over the things you can’t change and take time to stop and smell the roses!


Your dog is your lifelong friend and companion – he will always remain by your side until the end of his days. Do not take for granted a single moment you have with your dog because there will come a day when he is no longer with you. But even after your dog has moved on, the life lessons he taught you will remain.

Kate Barrington
Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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