Living like a dog

Be fully alive in the moment. Let go quickly. Stay grounded.

Dogs don’t time‑travel in their minds. They’re not replaying yesterday or pre‑worrying tomorrow.

They’re right here — nose twitching, tail ready, senses wide open.

What this looks like in practice: 

• Staying rooted in the present moment
• Giving full attention to one thing at a time
• Treating each day as brand new
• Letting go quickly and shaking off stress (literally)
• Resting deeply without guilt
• Following natural rhythms — sleep, stretch, move, eat intuitively
• Using movement to regulate mood
• Seeking sunlight, fresh air, and nature
• Hydrating intuitively

 Find delight in the small things. Celebrate tiny wins. Play every day. Stay curious. 

Dogs don’t wait for the weekend to feel joy.

They find it in a leaf, a squeak, a familiar footstep, a warm patch of sun.

What this looks like in practice: 

• Being easily delighted by small things
• Expecting good things to happen
• Celebrating tiny wins
• Returning to joy quickly after stress
• Playing every day
• Being silly without shame
• Enjoying simple games and simple pleasures
• Finding joy in repetition
• Engaging your senses fully
•  Exploring what’s new, unfamiliar, or interesting 

Show up as you are. No masks. No performance. Be honest.

Dogs don’t fake it.

They don’t hide their needs or pretend to be anything other than themselves.

What this looks like in practice: 

• Being unapologetically yourself
• Expressing emotions honestly — excitement, fear, sadness, joy
• Being direct about your needs
• Asking for attention or comfort when needed
• Being unashamed of wanting connection
• Using authentic body language
• Showing affection freely
• Not hiding hunger, discomfort, or desire for closeness

Stay close to your people. Build trust through loyalty and consistency. Love without conditions.

Dogs don’t love you because you’re productive.

They love you because you exist.

What this looks like in practice: 

• Staying close to your people
• Trusting deeply
• Showing loyalty to your values and relationships
• Offering unconditional love through presence and forgiveness
• Celebrating your people with joy
• Enjoying physical closeness — cuddling, leaning, resting together
• Being emotionally available
• Seeking community and belonging
• Building trust through consistent, safe interactions

Lead with warmth. Be gentle. Offer comfort.

Dogs soften around those who need care.

They meet strangers with curiosity, not judgment.

What this looks like in practice: 

• Being friendly and warm when meeting others
• Approaching new people with curiosity
• Being gentle with the vulnerable
• Offering comfort through presence
• Enjoying quiet companionship
• Reading energy, not just words
• Being non‑judgmental
• Showing gratitude for small kindnesses

Protect what matters. Stand firm when needed. Bounce back quickly.

Dogs are sweet — but they’re also fierce when it counts.

They know when to bark, when to stand tall, and when to walk away.

What this looks like in practice: 

• Asserting boundaries clearly
• Standing your ground
• Protecting your people when necessary
• Guarding your space and energy
• Showing courage in the face of challenge
• Bouncing back quickly from setbacks
• Acting with instinct and decisiveness
• Escalating only when pushed
• Respecting others’ boundaries too

Honor your body. Protect your energy. Create safety. Rest deeply and move daily.

Dogs don’t guilt‑trip themselves for resting.

They don’t moralize food.

They don’t overthink self‑care.

They just… take care of themselves.

What this looks like in practice: 

• Resting deeply and often
• Creating a cozy environment
• Grooming and caring for your body
• Retreating when overstimulated
• Avoiding overwhelm
• Moving your body daily
• Playing, walking, exploring
• Eating with presence
• Enjoying treats without shame
• Drinking water frequently
• Keeping a simple, predictable routine
• Having a safe space to recharge