8 Life Lessons My Dog Has Taught Me
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Three years ago, we, like many others, acquired a dog. Yes, he was a COVID-19 pandemic puppy. Ostensibly for the children, our family dog, Rufus, has become my constant companion and favourite co-worker. As a result, I’ve been fortunate to learn a lot from him as we move through our days together.
For those of you who also have a dog or love dogs, I hope you will recognise many of the lessons my dog has taught me. And for those of you who either don’t have a dog or don’t want one, I hope you can see why so many of us adore our four-legged companions.
Here are eight lessons I’ve learned from my dog.
8 Life Lessons My Dog Has Taught Me
Greet your loved ones with enthusiasm.
Rowena & Rufus
Rufus, our family dog, is never afraid to show how delighted he is whenever we arrive home, even if I’ve only been outside for a minute to hang the washing or take the recycling out! Every time he greets me with a full-body wiggle and excited yips. It’s lovely to be greeted with such joy and adoration.
In contrast, I have been known to not look up from my computer when my children or husband arrive home from school or work. Rufus shames me with his enthusiastic greeting, which invariably includes loud yipping, jumping up and full-body waggling.
And so I resolve to do better, and whilst I don’t plan to bark or jump on my family, I will greet them with a smile, hug and a kiss on the cheek - if they let me.
2. It’s always a good idea to go outside.
Every time Rufus goes outside, he is happy. Whether it’s raining, freezing, or baking hot, he sniffs around the garden and finds something to be interested in.
Our dog reminds me that getting outside and getting into nature is good for the soul. Regardless of the weather, Rufus and I head out twice a day, every day, and we never regret it.
Sure, sometimes we are hot and sweaty (me) or freezing cold and wet (both of us). Sometimes we need to be rubbed dry and wrapped in blankets! But every time, we always feel better after getting some fresh air and a change of scene outside the house.
3. You always appreciate a walk.
Rufus loves a walk , especially on the beach
Along the same lines as getting outside, it’s one thing to get outside but another to go for a long walk.
Like many, my days are often full, with multiple commitments and appointments. When my schedule is busy, getting outside and going for a proper walk is even more critical. The time and space away from my desk and away from other demands on my attention allow for a pause in my day where I can reflect, reset, and recentre.
The benefits of a walk extend beyond the mental and emotional and include physical benefits. Exercising outdoors releases endorphins, which then help me feel good for the rest of the day, or at least until we head out for our afternoon walk.
Rufus feels the same.
4. Exercise is good, but more fun with a friend.
Rufus with his friends Lexi and Frankie
Exercising, like a walk, is good fun. But way more enjoyable with a friend.
It’s hard to argue with this. I’m happy to walk alone with Rufus, but meeting my neighbour and her dogs is a lot more fun. Then I have camaraderie, conversation, and connection. And the dogs have each other to frolic, run and play with. It’s a win-win.
Additionally, walking with someone else can add variety to your routine and take you to new and interesting places you may not have discovered on your own. Rufus and I like to have a walking adventure at least once a month where we meet a friend and their dog, and hike in a new location.
Overall, having a walking buddy (four-legged or two) or joining a walking group can enhance your experience and make your daily walks even more enjoyable.
5. Embrace your strengths
Many dogs have amazing abilities. Working dogs, seeing-eye dogs and agility dogs all come to mind.
Rufus is definitely not in this category. His top strength is to look cute and have people fawn over him! He is also very good at fetching a ball or his rope toy, but only when he wants to. Crucially, he never shies away from embracing his strengths. At any moment, Rufus is adept and willing to showcase his strength of looking adorable and use it to his advantage!
Whilst I don’t possess the same strength, nor would I want it, I have learned a lot from my furry friend. He is willing to use his strengths at all times, and I admire that. It’s a great reminder for me to adopt the same attitude towards my strengths.
We should be proud of our abilities and never be afraid to show them off. By embracing our strengths, we can achieve great things and live fulfilling lives. Rufus reminds me on a daily basis to embrace my strengths with confidence and enthusiasm.
6. Relaxing is always a good idea.
Like many, I am prone to believing my value and worth is tied to my productivity. This has been something I’ve struggled with for a long time, and I continue to work on it. Rufus however, has taught me that relaxation is a good idea. He role models the way, finding every possible pocket of sunshine to bask in.
Of course, each time I see him lying in the sun, I can’t help but pause and appreciate his ability to sleep just about anywhere!
7. No need for lots of toys when you just have one favourite
Rufus with his favourite red rope toy
As I suspect many dog owners do, we purchased a lot of toys for our dog, especially when he was a puppy. However, it didn’t take long to realise there are two he prefers over everything else; a piece of red rope that originally had rawhide around it (long gone!) and a soft, squishy ball.
This is similar to me. I have my favourite items, whether a tea mug, a T-shirt or a pair of earrings. And whilst I have a lot of other choices, I will nearly always revert to using my favourite.
Seeing Rufus continue playing with his favourite toys and ignoring his others is a good reminder that most of us have far more than we need. Determining what your enough is, and decluttering some of the items you no longer need or love, can help simplify your day and life. As a bonus, when you already always use your favourites, decisions are easier.
8. Have fun and live in the moment
Lying on the grass is fun when you live in the moment
Rufus, like most dogs I’ve met, has the ability to turn even the most mundane situations into something fun. Whether it's a simple game of fetch or a walk around the block, he seems to find joy in everything he does.
All dogs have a unique ability to live in the moment, and Rufus is no exception. He doesn’t dwell on the past or worry about the future. Instead, he focuses on the present and enjoys every moment as it comes. For example, if before I leave in the morning, Rufus gets in trouble for digging in the garden, he’s forgotten all about it by the time I get back and still greets me enthusiastically. He doesn’t hold a grudge.
Sadly, like many people, I tend to get caught up in the monotony of daily tasks and can end up being too busy and distracted that I forget about having fun. But by taking a cue from Rufus, I am reminded to find joy in the simplest of activities.
Like our dogs, we can approach everyday tasks with a playful and curious attitude. There's definitely something to be learned from this approach to life! I’ve been working on remembering to adopt a similar mindset, to appreciate the present, have fun and find joy in the simple things. Our dogs remind us to learn to let go of our worries and anxieties and live in the moment. Doing so allows us to experience life more fully and find a sense of peace and contentment.
As I reflect on the lessons that our dog Rufus has taught me, I realise that there is so much more to learn from him. His ability to live in the present moment and greet his loved ones with unbridled enthusiasm is truly remarkable. I aspire to emulate just a fraction of his joyous spirit and to appreciate the simple pleasures in life.
Perhaps with time and practice, I can cultivate a similar sense of wonder and gratitude that will help me navigate the ups and downs of life with greater ease and grace.
Thank you, Rufus, for being such a great addition to our family and my best four-legged teacher.
Whilst this article was more light-hearted (and a little tongue-in-cheek!) than many of my other articles, the ideas presented are similar. When we simplify and appreciate what we have, embrace our strengths and choose connection, we have greater clarity, are happier and feel more confident. If you’d like to experience the same, with or without the need for a dog, one way to do this is to work with me.
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