How to be as happy as your dog
HANNAH BRIT T tries out a barking mad cure for the winter blues
WHETHER it’s playing fetch on the grass, bounding along a beach or rolling over for a tummy tickle, dogs live life to the full – and this is certainly true of my rescue dog Ted.
Despite a difficult start in life, he is always happy, thumping his tail and gleefully greeting everyone he meets.
His joyful attitude is infectious – and it made me think. Is there something to be learned from our four-legged friends?
Animal behaviourist and author Celia Haddon says yes.
It might sound barking mad but she is convinced taking life lessons from dogs could help us be happy.
“Dogs are so good at loving and playing. They don’t have to be serious all the time. If we applied the same principles to our lives, we’d be happier for it,” she says
Here she reveals her top 10 tips.
1 LIVE IN THE PRESENT
Whatever your dog is doing, he is fully involved with it. He lives in the now. Keep your mind focused on what you are doing at the moment. Don’t let it stray off into anxieties, obsessions or resentments.
2 STAY CURIOUS
Dogs are always investigating. On walks they are smelling, hearing and looking at the world around them. They will push their way into undergrowth or start digging a hole to find out what is there. Be inspired and take an active interest in the world around you.
3 LEARN SOMETHING NEW
Your old dog can learn new tricks and will enjoy doing so – and so can you. Try something new to enrich your life, be it signing up to a dance class, taking a painting class or joining a club. You are never too old to learn.
4 SHOW YOUR AFFECTION
Your dog gives slobbery licks, thumps his tail, flops on his back and wriggles his body to show affection. Remember to show people close to you that you love them. Do not take your loved ones for granted.
5 SMELL THE ROSES
Your dog stops and sniffs whenever there is a scent that interests him. We don’t have as keen a sense of smell but that shouldn’t stop us from cherishing scents that please us, be that fragrant flowers, freshly mown grass or newly washed laundry.
6 BE OPTIMISTIC
See how your dog looks longingly at the food cupboard? He never loses hope that you might, just might, give him a treat even if it’s not dinner time. An optimistic attitude makes the world a happier place to live in.
7 LOVE MOVING
Your dog enjoys exercise. Even when old and arthritic, he will still enjoy a gentle walk in the park. Choose exercise that is a pleasure not a chore, so you want to do it.
8 BE A CLOWN
Dogs are not self-conscious, they love having silly fun. Don’t be afraid to play funny games with your children or friends. Stop worrying what others think, just enjoy clowning around.
9 SAY HELLO
Watch your dog making friends with other dogs. Then try being friendly to everyone you meet throughout your day. Greet everyone you meet with a friendly smile.
10 KEEP LIFE SIMPLE
Your dog is good at this. He likes food, walks, strokes, interesting smells and chasing balls – and enjoys them one at a time. He doesn’t waste energy on overthinking or doing too many things at once. Dogs do not multitask and are all the better for it.
● To order a copy of 100 Ways To Be As Happy As Your Dog by Celia Haddon (£9.99, Yellow Kite) call the Express Bookshop on 01872 562 310 or visit expressbookshop.co.uk