Be More Dog!

You’re probably wondering:

“Why on earth would I want to be more like a dog?”

“I’ve already nailed the puppy-dog eyes, what else is there?”

“I’m a cat person!”

I get it. But stick with me—I promise I haven’t lost the plot.

We have a rescue dog named Doug. He’s a scruffy little character who doesn’t fit the typical “dog” mould. He avoids water, won’t touch a stick, refuses tummy rubs, and has zero interest in playing fetch. Honestly, we sometimes joke that Doug is a defective dog.

Ohhh look at those puppy-dog eyes !

But this morning, watching him potter around, I realised—he might just be the wisest creature in our home. He is dog-like, just not in the way you'd expect. And if we paid attention, we might just learn a thing or two from him.

Here are 5 simple lessons Doug can teach us:

1. Replenish Your Energy

When Doug’s tired, he rests. No guilt, no overthinking. Whether it’s a nap in his bed or a stolen moment on the sofa, he honours his body’s need for rest. Imagine if we all allowed ourselves that grace.

2. Stretch Often and Enjoy It

Doug starts and ends every day with a full-body stretch—and he relishes it! Taking time to stretch (even just for 2 minutes) can release tension, boost circulation, and reconnect you with your body.

3. Set Firm Boundaries

If Doug doesn’t want to go for a walk, no amount of coaxing will change his mind. He knows his limits and sticks to them. We could all use a bit more of that clarity in our own boundaries—with work, relationships, and even ourselves.

4. Shake It Off—Literally

After stress, discomfort, or sensing a bad vibe, Doug shakes his whole body. And you can see the tension fall away. Humans can benefit from this too—try a quick, mindful “shake” to release pent-up emotion and reset your nervous system.

5. Ground Yourself

Doug loves to dig into the earth, find a comfy patch of grass, and just be. Grounding—connecting directly with the earth—is proven to reduce anxiety and improve mood. Go barefoot outside for five minutes. Breathe. Feel. Reconnect.

So no, I’m not suggesting you roll in mud or bark at the postman (though that mental image is hilarious).But I am inviting you to be more dog in the ways that truly matter.

Stretch. Shake. Rest. Set boundaries. Ground yourself.

And most of all—live with presence, honesty, and unapologetic authenticity.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go persuade Doug to leave my flower bed (again).

"Oi Doug, get off of there you naught boy!"

#grounding #mindfulness #bemoredog #lifecoaching