I have been living with several dogs for the last twenty years and these are what I have learned from them.

Jump and wag your tail when you are happy

There is nothing wrong to be expressive when you are happy and excited. Emotions are contagious, psychologists say. Rather than letting the devils out, why not spread your joys to everyone around you and let them have the same feelings. One of the key to happiness is to make people happy especially those who matter the most to us.

Don’t give up hope

After having his lunch or dinner, our family dog will still come to us with anticipating eyes, hoping and waiting for the next treats. No matter how many times we have shown him that we have to apply strict diet to him, he never gives up, knowing that we may loose up a little bit and let him have his way. His negotiation skills rely on those eyes looking at you and silent whisper of ‘please ….’.

Once you get what you want, show gratitudes

Why we like to give something to a dog is because they show their appreciations by happily gulping and devouring the treats and coming back for more. Similar reactions we can see from the kids at the candy store. Too bad, as we grow old, we tend to maintain our composure, stay cool, and not express our gratitudes strong enough to those who have done us some favours.

Take a nap

Enough to say how important a short and powerful nap is. Dog naturally realises that in his biological cycle there is always a pit-bottom time in his productivity, the time where regardless how fit he is, the output is not as high as other time. The best thing to do is of course to recharge and have that wonderful nap. You will have that energy back as your second wind for the rest of the day.

Have unconditional love and show it

Most of us know that dog is a man’s best friend and always give unconditional love. When we reprimand our dog, he will feel devastated, sad, and more often than not, end up in whimpering state. But, when we leave the house and come back, there he is, waiting eagerly for us to come and welcome us with joys and happiness, jumping around endlessly as if he has the best time in the world.

Be playful and explore new things

In an instant, dog can wake up and play. He never stops at checking out the new things presented in front him. These traits are what make dogs the happiest animal on the planet. We can be happy all the time too if we just keep on being playful and exploring new challenges.

Mark your territory

Well this is largely for male dog and for us too, the alpha, beta, and whatever male you define yourself. I don’t mean you need to pee at every place you visit, but it is more as a reminder to stand up for our rights and for what belongs to us.

Thanks to Unyil, Champ, Joby, and Brando for the lessons they have taught me.