Any dog lover can agree that owning a dog is one of the greatest things in the world. A few months ago, I became a new dog owner and have had a lot to learn. In exchange for caring for dogs, teach us more than we sometimes realize:
1. Commitment and responsibility
Taking care of a breathing thing is a colossal commitment. Not only does this creature need you to walk it, but it relies on you for food, water, shelter, attention and basically everything in life. This responsibility takes over very quickly and is essential for your dog to thrive and become the furry companion you’ve always wanted.
2. Budgeting
Owning a dog is a huge financial commitment. From the original cost to food, vet bills, toys, grooming visits and accessories, dogs cost a lot of money. This, in turn, teaches that sometimes you can’t go out and throw your money away because you’re going to have to buy another bag of dog food soon (which costs just as much as that sweater you've been eyeing).
3. Sacrifice
Owning a dog means that you have to sometimes sacrifice things. Whether that’s making your plans so that you can bring your dog with you, always coming home every night and not having overnight visits outside your home, or walking your dog when it’s -5 degrees outside, your dog has to come first no matter what because they rely on you to survive.
4. Yelling gets you nowhere
Communication is hard, especially when the thing you’re trying to talk to doesn’t speak, but barks. Taking care of a furry friend teaches you that yelling doesn’t get you anywhere. They don't understand your frustration, and it doesn’t really teach them anything. Rewarding your dog when they do something good is far more helpful than yelling at them when they make a mistake.
5. To strive to be your best self
If you’ve owned a dog, you know the feeling when you first come home and see them wagging their tail, jumping up and down and greeting you like you’re an A-list celebrity. Your dog sees the best in you and knows that you’re the person who gives them TLC every day. This motivates me to strive to be the loving and caring person my dog is excited to see when I come home every day.6. How it feels to love something more than yourself
Parents sometimes have a hard time explaining what it feels like to love their child, or how it feels to truly love someone. But being the parent of a dog comes close. Whenever I see my dog, my face immediately lights up and my heart feels full. When I’m away from her, I feel a tug that says my little girl is waiting for me to come home. Whenever she’s scared, my number one priority is comforting her. While you can learn how it feels to love something more than yourself by falling in love or having a child, the great thing about owning a dog is that they’ll never break up with you and they’ll always be there for you no matter what.7. The best things in life aren’t material
Sure a dog is an object, but the bond between a dog and their owner is one of the most unique relationships in the world. While dogs rely on their owners for their basic needs of life, owners rely on their dogs for love and companionship. My dog has taught me that life doesn’t always have to consist of crazy trips and wild parties, but that sometimes a night in with the people (and dogs) you love the most can create just as many happy memories.
8. How to adult
People can tell you how to be an adult and function in the “real” world, but nothing can teach you more than experience itself. My dog has taught me what it’s like to run around to vet appointments, budget, take care of something, and be responsible for a commitment I took on. I’ll forever be grateful for all of the lessons she has taught me, and hope that I can give her all of the snuggles and love she deserves.
