4 Lessons We Can Learn from a Dog

I am just one person but I often have two shadows. When I move from one location in the house to the other, eight legs are usually not far behind. 

These canines of opposing sizes and equal napping abilities may live a short and simple life, but the lessons they teach can last well beyond their years.

1. Hospitality

The large mountain dog is the head of the welcoming committee in our home and he proudly takes his duties seriously. Unless he is guarding the house in our absence, anyone who enters our front door is warmly and lavishly welcomed. The eagerness with which an intense greeting is bestowed can be felt by all within a fifty-feet radius. A visitor will definitely not feel neglected, and in contrast, may even feel like [insert celebrity name here]. This applies to the common folk living within the house as well. Whether we are returning from a day at work or school, or from a 60-second walk to the mailbox, we are greeted as if we are the most important people in the world. Fangirling has nothing on fanpupping. 

Perhaps with a little less invasion of personal space, we should make those around us feel seen and special. May our words be honey to the soul, like a dog’s lick to the face.

2. Rest

The old adage “dog-tired” proves that dogs know how to sleep. They are pro nappers. Mountain Dog can often be found in precarious positions up against walls and spread out on the floor like a lumpy bear skin rug. Little Dog can disappear in a blanket cocoon on the couch. The dogs can sleep. It doesn’t matter what is going on or what time of day it is, they know when and how to take a break. They find peace in the midst of chaos.

If only we could learn to rest in such a way that demonstrates complete surrender; to fully accept the gift of sabbath as we should.

3. Alertness

On days I’m working from home, my soundtrack consists of the soft snores drifting up from the floor near my desk. But just like a jarring commercial interrupts relaxing streaming music, loud barks cause me to nearly fall out of my chair. And sure enough, as I glance out the window, there will be a person or vehicle traveling down the driveway. I am continually amazed at how a dog can remain alert even in a deep sleep. One minute, legs are twitching while chasing dream squirrels, and the next, those legs are at the window, bringing awareness - ready to greet or defend.

While we are called to rest, we are to also be on our guard. We should be prepared to fight off whatever temptation, lie, evil, or prowling lion that may show up at our window.

4. Loyalty

Dogs are loyal creatures. These two dogs know who their masters are. And they will gladly follow us wherever we go. Never wanting to be too far away, they will peel themselves from a comfy spot to follow us just a few feet into the other room. These moments often strike me as simultaneously endearing and convicting. 

Do we consistently remain that close to our Master? Do we immediately step out of our comfort zones to follow wherever He leads?

Now, there are plenty of dog behaviors that I have no desire to emulate. And while these four characteristics are not necessarily new lessons to be learned, they are good reminders. I believe we are blessed with dogs for several reasons, but perhaps one of them is to challenge us in our daily walk. [Insert “ba-dum-tss” here.] We may just learn a thing or two from our canine companions. 

And thankfully, it’s never too late. You really can teach an old dog new tricks. 

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