All Dogs Are Therapists

Dogs have always been there for us. Like watchful guardians, looking out for our very well being. They calm us when we get angry, energize us when we are tired, make us laugh when we are sad, and love us when we feel lost. They provide company when we are lonely, and listen to us when we talk. They are the ultimate therapists.

One thing I've learned in the last 20 years working with all kinds of dogs, is that they always have something new to teach us. Even I am still learning from them. Dogs that are out of control teach us to be patient. Dogs that are sluggish and growing obese give us motivation to get them out and moving, which in turn gets us out and moving. Aggressive dogs even teach us to be strong and dominant, yet calm. They teach us to tackle confrontation with courage and patience.

Dogs teach us to be confident in ourselves. That confidence can lead to risk taking, overcoming bad habits, resisting temptations, and improved social skills. When we as humans feel loved and appreciated, there is no limit to what we can do. Simply by owning dogs, our lives are enriched. No matter how the dogs act, or what their behavior problems might be, we as people learn and grow from it on a personal level. When we learn how to process these lessons faster, we don't have to repeat them as often. This realization is often the time when the dog's behavior changes as well.

Almost as if the dog has realized that our lesson has been learned and it's time to learn a new one. Even if we never learn our lesson, dogs are patient and persistant. They will love us no matter what.

Dogs are children that don't speak a word of our many languages, yet seem to understand every word we say. They listen better than any psychologist, counselor, or friend can. Because they don't condemn us, interrupt us, or give us advice. They simply lay with us to show that no matter what, they still love us. As long as we have dogs, we will always be loved by somebody, furry or not.