December 16, 2021
We know that dogs enrich our lives with their companionship, but did you know that they’re also the greatest teachers? Here are five great lessons we can learn from our dogs at Christmastime.
Christmas is both a joyful and stressful time of year, but we can always reply on our faithful dogs to get us through the challenges.
Here are my Top 5 lessons from dogs to help get you through the holidays!
1. Be Present
Focus less on ‘giving’ presents, and more on ‘being’ present. Dogs know how to be in the moment. They make the most of what’s available to them at the time, placing less emphasis on the future or the past. They don’t worry if another tennis ball may turn up a week from now, nor are they still disappointed over the tennis ball they lost a few months ago. They enjoy the tennis ball they have right now.
Being present releases both the anxiety of the future and sadness of loss from what is no longer. Look into the faces of those around you with the intention of being present. Being present allows you to notice all the opportunities around you for enrichment and joy.
There’s no gift that has as much value as actually feeling valued. Just ask your dog – they know, because they’re present with you every day!
2. Don’t Hold Grudges
Just as a dog doesn’t hold a grudge when you accidentally stand on their tail, don’t hold grudges with those close to you. They may not have intended to hurt you. Love and let go. Holding a grudge gives other people the power to play tug-of-war with your emotions. When a dog plays tug-of-war with you, there is a robust exchange of energy, but when the game finishes, both sides part as friends with no grudges or ill feeling.
So, when your mother-in-law comments that the turkey is a little dry this year, simply thank her for her feedback, pass her the tuggy toy and let your dog expend some of her energy for you. Your mother-in-law (and dog) will be tired out and asleep in no time. No need to hold that grudge!
3. Avoid Biting When Growling Will Do
Emotions are high around Christmas time. Christmas Day is full of expectations and obligations, all of which come at the tail end of a busy and stressful year. Take lessons from your dog to help maintain your emotional boundaries around the heightened emotions of others.
A dog will always give a warning when a boundary has been crossed, letting you know with a gentle growl. Their aim is to communicate clearly with you; to let you know that what you’re doing is not acceptable to them. Overreacting and biting is not as effective in the long-term as it shuts down communication altogether, making it harder to maintain relationships. Biting doesn’t allow for negotiation. Most family disputes occur when a boundary has been crossed and not received well by the other person.
Boundaries are your ‘non-negotiables’ so to speak. We cannot expect people to know what our boundaries are if we don’t communicate them. Dogs growl to avoid conflict as they recognise that fighting is disruptive and counter-productive to their pack. Therefore, when dealing with your human pack, remember that a gentle growl is better than a bite.
4. Get Some Fresh Air
Take a breather! We all benefit from spending time in nature. You may want to check out my earlier blog on how our dogs are helping us get back to nature.
We can ground our energy in nature, diffusing stress and tension. Dogs are the greatest teachers of this. Whether they’re rolling on fresh grass and connecting with the earth, or hanging out of the car window feeling the wind in their face, they recognise the joy, exhilaration, and freedom that comes when connecting with and experiencing the elements.
Take some time every day to go outside and engage with nature. Maybe even stick your head out of the car window, feel the wind in your hair, and see what all the fuss is about!
5. Be Yourself
Dogs can’t be something they’re not. They show up unapologetically as themselves in every situation - good and bad!
We can sometimes feel like everyone requires something different from us, and as such, we change who we are to try and meet the expectations of others. Try and separate the two. People’s expectations of us are based on their own needs and requirements. We can certainly help people and try and support/provide what they need, but it must not be at the expense of our own authenticity.
Dogs know when someone isn’t being authentic and will either avoid them all together or bring them a toy to get them out of their head and into the present. Playing encourages genuine interaction and a release of inhibitions, therefore dogs can help bring you back to YOU.
Have you ever noticed how much happier you feel after playing with your dog? What if you could feel the same way after spending time with family? Showing up as your true authentic self not only liberates you, but it also gives others the permission to do the same.
So, when you find yourself becoming overwhelmed this Christmas, simply ask yourself ‘What would my dog do?’ And you won’t go far wrong.
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. 🎄❤
Claire Oats
Specialist Animal Kinesiologist B.Sc, Dip Kin
Follow Claire on Facebook and Instagram for more tips on pet health and wellbeing.
About the author
Claire Oats is a Specialist Animal Kinesiologist and Canine Behaviourist from Perth. Claire has worked with dogs for the last 25 years and specialises in resolving behaviour problems using Kinesiology techniques to remove physiological, neurological and emotional stress.
Please note: Claire's blog is general advice only. For further information on this topic please consult your veterinarian.
