They might not look particularly intelligent when rolling around in mud or sleeping in awkward positions on your couch, but dogs are actually very wise creatures! In our busy lives it’s easy to forget how much pleasure can be gained from simple things, such as having a nap, doing some exercise or just spending time with a loved one. Dogs don’t get caught up in the daily stress of life, but instead live in the moment. Here are eight things you can learn from your wise canine companion.

1. Never stop playing!
Dogs have a wonderful capacity to play no matter what the situation. When they find something that they enjoy doing, dogs just do it again and again until they find something else. If you have a hobby that you love to do, make time for it whenever you can.

2. Be Loyal
Loyalty is what makes dogs such special companions. Dogs are devoted to their owners despite their flaws, which is an example we could all follow.

3. Be Quick to Forgive
If you’ve ever felt guilty after scolding your dog, you probably noticed how quickly your dog forgets. It sometimes takes a few minutes for the wounded look to disappear, but he always moves on without holding a grudge. If people could learn to do the same, we’d all be better off.

4. Drink Lots of Water
Every dog knows that they need to drink a lot of water, especially after exercise. Staying hydrated is easy to overlook, but is good for your body and will make you feel more alert.

5. Follow Your Instincts
Dogs don’t worry about whether they look stupid or make a fool of themselves. Instead, they trust their instincts and act on them. If you want to try something new but are worried about looking silly, don’t worry about it – go ahead and enjoy! If something doesn’t feel right to you, don’t be afraid to take a step back and reassess the situation.  Your instincts won’t always be right, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t listen to them.

6. Don’t be Afraid to Nap
In our hectic modern world it can be easy to forget to relax. Taking a nap has become something “lazy” people do, even though there’s nothing more refreshing than a short nap to help you get through the day. Take a leaf out of your dog’s book and have a nap every now and again – your body will thank you for it!

7. Exercise is Important
Dogs love to run and walk, and know that it’s important to get lots of exercise. Humans know this too, but we avoid exercise due to other commitments, tiredness from our daily routine or just laziness. Exercising more, even if it’s just walking on a regular basis, can improve your health dramatically.

8. Avoid Biting When A Growl Will Do
Most dogs give fair warning before they bite, and some humans would do well to follow this advice! If you find yourself launching into a confrontation without warning the other person that you’re upset, you might want to consider what your dog would do in the same situation. A quick growl can sometimes be enough to diffuse a situation!

It’s fair to say our dogs can teach us a lot about living better; why not try some of these suggestions and see if they make a difference to your life!