Being a dog owner means watching your dog often, and watching your dog often means you pick up on their behaviors and attitudes towards certain situations. Eventually, you might even start to learn from them. With that being said, here are 9 things my dog does that I think I should be doing too.
1. Be nice to people just because you can.
GiphyIf there's no reason to dislike someone, don't be mean. It costs nothing to be kind, and it's so much easier than being mean. Dogs have no problem with this, so why should we?
2. A day can be good even if bad things happen.
GiphyNot to say there aren't bad days, but one little thing (say, accidentally stepping on my dog's paw) isn't going to determine the mood for the next 24 hours (because he forgets about it immediately). Stay positive for as long as you can!
3. Check in on your loved ones.
Dogs will bother you (lovingly) when they're bored until you're receptive to their needs. Similarly, we should try to be receptive to how our loved ones are feeling. It never hurts to ask. They could be dealing with something you don't know about; or, if they're fine, it's still nice to show your appreciation for them.
4. Routines aren't as bad as you think.
Sure, they aren't always the best, but routines can give your life some structure. I'm not talking just about routines for activities like showering and eating (which are still important), but even for working or socializing. It's easier to follow a schedule than impulsively making decisions throughout your day, and it keeps you feeling a little more put together.
5. Go on a walk every day.
Whether it's to get your heart rate up or to clear your mind, it's never a bad idea to take a walk. It's a good way to take a break in your day, and it gets those endorphins flowing!
6. Approach (friendly) strangers and make new friends!
My dog will stop walking if I don't let him say hi to the passerby on the street. He has no fears that they might not like him or anything; if he wants to approach them, he will. And if he isn't afraid of what people will think, maybe I shouldn't be either.
7. Be selective about what you eat off the ground
Like, a chip that fell on the ground is probably fine, but if I drop something like an apple it's either getting power washed or thrown away.
8. Get a good night's sleep.
I know this might not be possible for most of us, but please don't forget to sleep. Dogs are always sleeping, and they're living their best lives, so I'm not arguing. Take a nap!
9. Every day is a "Choose-Your-Own-Adventure" story, but it's an adventure nonetheless.
......SQUIRREL?
GiphyDogs look forward to every day. Maybe we should, too.
Dogs seem to be doing just as well, if not better, than us. They're (mostly) carefree and full of positivity. It's 2019. Let's live like dogs!
