My dogs aren’t just my dogs – they’re my friends! You definitely heard that right. I have two best friends, and they are from another species. But, regardless of their tendencies to chew on sticks and eat without utensils (even though I do that, too… but that's a secret), dogs are some of the best teachers there are. Check out these 11 lessons that your pooch is sure to teach you.

1. Silence speaks louder than words.

A dog's presence is sometimes one of the most comforting feelings for a human. It's the unspoken actions, the quiet actions, the ones without words, that often speak the loudest.

2. The heart tells more than words can.

No matter what you say, no matter what someone has said to you -- your dog knows when you're upset or when you've made a mistake. But they don't care about what you think you've done wrong. All they care about is your happiness. Your heart speaks louder than anything else.

3. It’s okay to cry.

We all have those days where a good cry is needed. And on those days, our dogs are always there for us. Right there. Wet nose and all.

4. Happiness doesn't come with a clause.

Even without that job, without that person, without that dream car... let's be honest, taking a nap is reason enough to be happy!

5. Giving has more power than taking.

It's not taking that gives us peace -- it's giving that truly heals us.

6. Trust is earned.

It's how someone treats you in your weakest moments that shows you exactly what you mean to them. Dogs show us that trust doesn't necessarily have to come right away -- it's earned through a collection of moments.

7. Loyalty doesn’t end.

To be truly loyal means not abandoning someone, even in the worst of times. Your dog isn't going to leave you now, tomorrow, or ever. Loyalty doesn't end.

8. Love is unconditional.

It doesn't end. Real love doesn't mean the absence of problems, of weaknesses, of disappointments. Real love means that even in the presence of these hardships, two will never leave each other. Two will never stop loving each other. A dog's love is just like that -- unconditional.

9. Companionship is friendship.

10. Appreciate simplicity.

Even if that means smiling at a hot dog.

11. Life is beautifully meant for living.

There you have it... 11 lessons that dogs teach humans! When you stop to think about it, dogs have taught humans a whole lot. Is there anything you'd add to this list? Comment below with what your little pup has taught you!