7 Things Your Dog Does Better Than You
Improve your relationships by doing what the dog does — ruff, ruff!
Our dogs hold a special place in our hearts because they make us feel unconditionally loved.
Ever stop to wonder why we call them man’s best friend?
Yes, they’re furry, cute and fun to play with, but what is it about a dog's companionship that’s so important to us humans?
I’ve had dogs as pets throughout my life, and I can say with certainty that I’ve loved them more than some of the people in my life.
I also know I’m not alone in that.
I bet if we took a few lessons from the dogs in our lives, we’d be much happier, and the divorce rates would go down overnight!
Dogs have so many incredible attributes is was hard to decide which to highlight in my story.
In the end, my top seven were chosen because I thought they’d be the most transformative if we could mimic them in our human relationships.
1 — Be still, but be with me
During the worst times in my life, my dog won hands down in the comforting department.
He always understood when I was unhappy or hurting by my energy and my body language. He didn’t require an explanation; he instinctively knew what I needed.
His concern would show in his eyes, and without being demanding, he’d lay his head on my lap and be with me while I sorted through my thoughts and emotions. I felt like he was on my side and had my back no matter what.
He cared enough to stop everything, even chewing his favourite toy, and just be with me.
Who doesn’t want that?
Tune in on a different level to the people you love and how they’re feeling. Be selfless enough to stop what you’re doing and be present. Show you care about what they’re going through without conversation.
Offer an extra long hug, sit next to them in silence or serve them their favourite drink without being asked.
Be there for them without a million questions, do what the dog does, they’ll love you for it.
2 — Come running to greet me
This is by far my favourite thing about dogs!
It doesn’t matter if you’ve left the house for five minutes or five weeks, they greet you every time, overflowing with genuine joy!
It makes you feel important, loved and warm inside. It makes home the place you want to be.
Try it the next time your spouse comes home from work, or comes back after doing a five-minute errand. Just stop what you’re doing, run to the door to greet them with a smile, or maybe a kiss!
It sounds corny, but I do this consistently, and the effect it will have on your spouse is transformational. Both your moods will be lifted, and all that goodwill comes back to you tenfold.
Someone has to start the new routine, so do what the dog does, and light up a smile.
3 — No judgement
Dogs do this better than anyone!
They don’t care about your past mistakes, regrets or failures. They don’t care what you look like or how much money you have. Hell, you get bonus points for bad breath; they’ll climb all over you just for a whiff!
They accept you as you are in that moment, and that’s the main ingredient to the unconditional love we all crave — right?
We want to be accepted for who we are without judgement.
No one expects you to sniff your partner's butt or their bad breath, but can you be less judgemental? We come from different places with different life experiences, but we all have a fundamental need to be accepted as we are.
Especially from our spouses.
So do what the dog does, don’t pass judgement and allow your life partner to drop their guard.
4 — Always forgive, no grudges allowed
Dogs have their moments when they need training or get scolded for something that pisses you off, especially if you’re already in a bad mood.
They might walk away with their tail between their legs and lay in a corner glaring at you, but man, when it’s over, it’s over.
They can let things go in an instant. Change your tone of voice and call them back over, and it’s like it never happened.
On the other hand, humans tend to hang on to past hurts and carry grudges for weeks, months, years, if not a lifetime.
Yes, we can forgive, but we’re lousy at it compared to dogs. I don’t recommend forgetting all indiscretions after they’re forgiven, but do what the dog does and let that shit go.
5 — Be a great listener
Ok, let’s continue to assume dogs can’t talk, but that doesn’t rule them out as the best listeners ever!
We all have lots to say, and sometimes we need someone to listen while we vent.
Dogs have this special trait down to a science.
They sit quietly, sometimes tilting their heads from side to side because they find you mesmerizing. Your amazing one-sided conversation entrances them while you fix dinner. They know if they sit at your feet, wide-eyed with wonder, they’ll eventually be rewarded with a treat.
Another great lesson for us humans.
We half listen, waiting for an opening to inject our amazing insights on the topic. It’s a major factor that starts arguments — “you’re not listening to me!”
How many times have you heard that? If you can get this one right, it can transform any relationship.
Do what the dog does, zip it up, look your partner directly in the eye, tilt your head, and listen like your next treat depends on it!
6 — Hang out like best friends
Dogs are up for anything you want to do, even from a dead sleep, it’s their specialty!
Hey boy, wanna go for a walk?
Not only do they want to go, but their enthusiasm is also contagious. They’ll bounce, spin in circles and sometimes grab the leash themselves; they’re so excited to hang with you.
In fact, they’re up for whatever you have in mind. A car ride to nowhere, a dip in the lake, a visit to Grandpa’s, playing catch, camping, fishing, a walk in the rain or happy hour on the porch.
If you’re there, that’s all that matters. What a wonderful feeling to have someone that will hang out like a best friend.
I don’t think any two people like to do everything together, but you started your marriage as friends. Do you still hang out like buddies?
Do what the dog does, hang out regardless of what it is they want to do, you’ll both be happier, and it might be fun!
7 — Be loyal to a fault
This is a big one I don’t need to elaborate on.
All I’m saying is — if the dog can do it — you can too!
The Wrap Up
I’ve come to the conclusion, especially after writing this, that dogs can teach us a lot about what makes a great relationship.
Save your money on self-help books and marriage counselling, and take the lead from your four-legged friend.
If you get stuck, watch what the dogs doing (unless he’s licking himself, of course) and mimic their behaviour for a happier marriage.
If you enjoyed that, here’s another…
I’m Liz, the self-empowered, red wine & coffee lovin’, personal growth fanatic behind this article. I’ve stopped shrinking into places I’ve outgrown, and I’m a fan of straight talk and practical solutions. That’s why I’m here to Empower, Educate and Entertain.
