A classic about dogs and people from the archives…
All I Really Need To Know I Learned From My Dog
- Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
- Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
- When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
- Take naps and stretch before rising.
- Run, romp, and play daily.
- Be loyal.
- Never pretend to be something you’re not.
- Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
- If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
- When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
- Thrive on affection and let people touch you — enjoy back rubs and pats on your neck.
- When you leave your yard, make it an adventure.
- Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
- No matter how often you’re scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout – run right back and make friends.
- Bond with your pack.
- On cold nights, curl up in front of a crackling fire.
- When you’re excited, speak up.
- When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
- Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
I like to help Dog Parents find unique ways to do things that will save time & money — so I write about “outside the box” Dog Tips and Dog Hacks that most wouldn’t think of.
I’m a lifelong dog owner — currently have 2 mixed breed Golden Aussies that we found abandoned on the side of the road as puppies. I’ve always trained my own dogs and help friends train theirs, as well. Professionally, I worked at a vet and have several friends who are veterinarians — whom I consult with regularly. (And just because I love animals so much, I also worked at a Zoo for awhile!) I’ve been sharing my best ideas with others by blogging full-time since 1998 (the same year that Google started… and before the days of Facebook and YouTube).
My daily motivation is to help first-time dog owners be better prepared from the first day your new puppy enters your home. I like to help dog owners understand what’s ‘normal’ and what you can expect in terms of living with and training your dog — how to get through the ups & downs of potty training, chewing, teaching commands, getting your dog to listen, and everything else that takes place during that hectic first year!
When I’m not training, walking, grooming, or making homemade treats for my dogs, you will find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites). To date, I’ve written over 600 articles for dog owners on this site! Many of them have upwards of 200K shares.
