Things your dog has taught you

[argentino]

This might be a bit soppy but my dog taught me the value of life. I didn't grow up around animals so, therefore, had no real affinity with them. My boy's personality, quirks, likes and dislikes have really taught me the importance of treating all living animals with the respect and kindness they deserve.

Oh and the importance of enjoying the simple things. Nothing better than a long country walk (and a roast to come home to) on a Sunday

What are yours?

That at 38 years old I can still laugh and roll about on the floor, playing, like I am 7 again...

To play with a dog is to have a time machine back to your childhood.

That no matter what I do, no matter what I look like and no matter how bad it geta, my girl loves me unconditionally.

And I love her unconditionally.

Mine isn’t as cheery... but this dog has taught me loads.

The damage backyard breeders can do through lack of knowledge.

How to keep a dog that’s physically unwell mentally stimulated.

That most people can’t read dog’s warning signals and body language.

On the slightly more positive side...

I’ve had to massively up my training skills, so the next dog should be a dream, lol

That dogs are hugely resilient and we really could learn something from them.

And just silly

The public in general are awful at identifying dog breeds

What it feels like to be kicked on the armpit

Licked, licked, not kicked, rofl, though he probably has done that too...

Like tabulahrasa it hasn't all been cheery, but he has taught me

• to be a lot more tolerant of people with dogs with behavioural problems - I have now walked more than a mile in their shoes

• to be less tolerant of people using shit training methods - there's really no excuse for it beyond ignorance, and seeing people yank their dog's leads in a non-emergency situation is a particular pet hate.

• a lot about training methods - I was a bit clueless once, but have spent a lot of time learning. Like tabulah, the next dog should be a dream by comparison unless I accidentally acquire another dog! Poor DDog has been the dog I've made my mistakes on, which I think is the case for most people's first dogs.

• lots about dog behaviour - again, out of necessity!

• how to deal with public embarrassment - see above!

• that having a being to come home to who is thrilled to see you - and who will then make you go out for lengthy walkies - does wonders for MH.

He's also brought about a career change and a house move - so you could say he's had an impact

Lots about training, all previous dogs came pre trained for various reasons- this one was hard work.
That a paw in the groin hurts...
That he gives the perfect after work greeting, paws on my tum, staring into my eyes and huffing at me. It is a daily highlight.