Learning to Be Healthy and Happy - The Canine Way

You have probably read or at least heard of books or articles with titles such as "Everything I Needed to Know I Learned..." with endings like "In Kindergarten," or "From a Child." While there is much validity to those statements, I wish to add an entry to this category. There is much to be learned about being a healthy, happy, well-rounded adult by observing your favorite dog. Not sure what I mean? Read on for doggy tips to leading a better life.

1. Go for a walk every day. It does not matter if you stroll through the park for an hour or power walk for ten minutes at lunchtime; just walk. Your dog loves to go for walks, and no wonder. Walking is free, easy and has numerous health benefits, including lowering bad cholesterol, raising good cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, reducing your risk of diabetes (and your waistline) and boosting your mood. What are you waiting for? Grab your sneakers and his leash and get walking.

2. Take a nap. While cats might have cornered the market on napping, dogs certainly enjoy a good snooze as well. You would fare well to take note, too. Some of the many health advantages of napping include reduced stress, increased productivity and alertness, improved memory and a healthier heart. Next time you are having a less than wide-awake afternoon, find a comfy spot and snooze for twenty minutes.

3. Treats and rewards work wonders. If you have ever taught your dog a trick or command, you probably used some type of reward in order to reinforce the behavior and get positive results. We humans like rewards, too! The next time you are making a healthy lifestyle change, such as shedding a few pounds or giving up smoking, set measurable, attainable goals. When you reach that goal, make sure to give yourself a nice treat! Select something you love that will not impede your success. A pedicure is a much better reward for a month of consistent exercise than an ice cream sundae would be.

4. Let someone rub your tummy - or back, or neck. What dog doesn't adore being stroked and patted? Admit it, you do too. If you find yourself feeling tense, sore or stressed, try a healthy, relaxing massage. Massage is proven to alleviate pain, reduce stress, lower blood pressure and even boost immunity. You can treat yourself to a professional massage, or take another cue from your dog and beg a friend or loved one to give you a nice rubdown.

5. If you want something, chase after it. Have you ever seen a dog chase a squirrel up a tree? Or perhaps hidden your pup's favorite treat or toy? If so, you understand the coining of the term "dogged determination." When a dog wants something, he becomes completely focused. He will ignore everything else and do whatever he needs to in order to reach his goal - even if that means simply waiting for the squirrel to come back down.

6. Go for a ride now and then. My dog loves to hop in the car, stick his head out the window and feel the wind in his long, floppy ears. Take a page from his book and get away occasionally. If you feel stuck in a rut, take a weekend trip or a bike ride around the neighborhood. Your mental and physical health will be the better for it.

7. Be a faithful friend. Your dog is always happy to see you, even if you have only been gone a few minutes or did not leave in a good mood. He loves you no matter if you are grouchy, overweight, have bad breath or are sporting the most severe case of bed head ever. The next time you jump to rebuke or criticize your spouse, child or someone else you love, take a good long look in the mirror. If your dog can love you so unreservedly with all of your faults, can't you try your best to treat your loved ones in the same manner?