Dog Days Pt III: Lessons From Dogs

In Honor of the Dog Days of Summer: Lessons from Man’s Best Friend

In honor of the dog days of summer, I want to reflect on one of my favorite species—dogs. Dogs have co-evolved with humans for over 50,000 years. Along the way, we’ve developed a deep bond built on mutual benefit. The more time I spend with dogs, the more I realize how much they can teach us about ourselves.

The Nature of Dogs (and People)

Dogs, like people, come in all shapes, sizes, temperaments, and personalities. Some are calm and steady, others anxious and high-strung. Some are social, some independent. Dogs come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. People often gravitate toward specific breeds the same way they’re drawn to certain types of people—based on personality, energy, purpose, or even aesthetics.

Just like humans, dogs thrive in the right environment. A structured, stable home helps dogs become balanced and well-behaved. In contrast, a chaotic or unpredictable environment often leads to anxiety and poor behavior. It’s no different with people: context matters more than we often admit.

Dogs as Mirrors

Spend time with a dog, and you’ll start to see your own habits reflected back at you. Inconsistent training leads to unpredictable behavior. Lack of clarity causes confusion. The same is true in human relationships—clarity and consistency build trust and respect.

Dogs are incredibly responsive to how you treat them. Feed them, scratch their back, speak kindly—and they’ll love you unconditionally. Most people aren’t that different.

And when it comes to energy, dogs are more intuitive than we are. They know when something’s wrong. If you’re sick, they’ll curl up beside you. If you’re upset, they’ll try to distract you. Their comfort isn’t always loud—it’s often just presence. Most of us would love someone to respond to our needs in a similar fashion.

Dog Training and Human Behavior

Dog training can be boiled down into four categories of reinforcement:

1. Positive reinforcement: You give something good when they do the right thing (e.g., treat for sitting).

2. Negative reinforcement: You remove something bad when they avoid doing the wrong thing (e.g., praise for ignoring spilled food).

3. Positive punishment: You add something unpleasant when they do something wrong (e.g., a firm “no” or leash correction).

4. Negative punishment: You take away something they enjoy when they misbehave (e.g., remove a toy when they’re acting out).

Ironically, this mirrors how we train and respond to people in our lives—rewarding behaviors we like, discouraging those we don’t. In both cases, the most critical variable is consistency. Without it, relationships—human or canine—start to break down.

The Joy of Dogs

At the end of the day, the best part about dogs is simple: they’re happy to see you. Whether you've had a great day or a terrible one, they greet you like you're the best person in the world. They make you feel appreciated. They’re a source of unconditional love, comfort, and joy. Sue Johnson has stated that one of our greatest human needs is companionship. We want to be wanted. When someone is happy to see you everyday, it makes you feel good.

Of course, dogs also come with responsibility. They never grow up. They make messes, hate baths, and need care when you travel. They don’t like the vet. And, yes—you’ll always be cleaning up after them. But that’s part of the deal. Love requires care.

Final Thoughts: Be More Like Your Dog

One of my goals is to be more like my dog:

• Greet my family with joy.

• Be a steady, supportive presence.

• Protect what matters.

• Be a working dog—do my job, and do it well.

When I don’t have a task, I can become restless. If I start tearing up the house, my owner (my wife) won’t be happy. So I’m learning to channel that energy in the right direction—to stay loyal, grounded, and useful.

In the end, dogs don’t just make our lives better—they show us how to be better humans.