My husband and I recently added to our family with an 11-pound lab/terrier mix named Nellie (pictured). Throughout all of the potty training, crate training and the like, I’ve noticed that she has taught me just as much as I’ve (tried) to teach her. As you work toward a healthy and balanced life, you may be surprised to know that you can learn a thing or two from a dog…
Dogs find joy in the small things. It’s hard to ignore how utterly ecstatic a dog seems when you come home from work or back from a long trip. They share the same joy in simple things like a new toy, a small treat or a warm bed. With recent research showing that possessions don’t necessarily make us happy, maybe we can take a cue from a pooch and find happiness in the little things, too.
Dogs enjoy exercise. Dogs don’t exercise to fit in a bathing suit or lose 10 pounds before a reunion—they do it because it’s fun. You don’t have to jump up and down the way a dog does when you hear the word “walk,” but you can look for exercise that you enjoy and that seems more like play than work.
Dogs are persistent. Dogs don’t toss up their hands (er, paws) when they don’t get something (i.e., a new trick) right the first time. They keep trying and, with a little persistence and a lot of patience, they eventually get it right.
Dogs respond to positive reinforcement. Nellie has taught me that a tiny treat or an “atta-girl” goes a very long way. Dog experts will tell you to use positive reinforcement through praise and treats when training your dog. Negative reinforcement or punishment is rarely helpful and may even do more harm than good. Keep this in mind the next time you beat yourself up for having a gain at the scale or skipping the gym. Negative thoughts and self-punishment do nothing but stand in the way of goals.
Dogs love unconditionally. A dog doesn’t care how much you weigh, how much money you make or how many possessions you have. They simply love you for being you. When we can learn to love and accept ourselves for who we are, we can let true change begin.
