Any dog lover agrees dogs are THE BEST.

They’re goofy, fun, uplifting, a great source of adventure and exercise, among about a half-a-million other things. Watch closely and you’ll discover a handful of lessons your dog can teach you, too.

My dog, Hines, is always enjoying whatever is under his nose in the moment. In our smartphone, tech-packed world we live in today, distractions come every few seconds and staying focused and present is nearly impossible. In our past 10 years together, here are a few quick-hitter lessons I’ve learned from Hines:

1. Test your limits, but don’t be an idiot.
Exploring and bending the rules slightly helps you discover your limits, but some boundaries are to be obeyed. Know the difference.

When I first adopted Hines, he did not enjoy getting wet. He wouldn’t step in a puddle, let alone explore a lake or try swimming. With help of my brother’s lake-loving black lab, Hines learned to enjoy getting his paws wet. Then his legs. Then his belly. He occasionally tries swimming, but it’s clear it scares him. He has explored the sport and decided his sweet spot is wading in the water. He will swim in very small spurts near the shore, but he knows to stick to his limits. For example, even though he sees the black lab leap from a boat in the middle of the lake, he will not follow. Smart choice.

2. Everyone needs a nudge.
Your priorities are YOUR priorities. Other people will forget what you need, and sometimes they need a reminder.

Hines loves a car ride with the windows down. However, when driving, I’m often distracted by the usual elements of driving – like keeping it between the lines and avoiding other maniacs, so I forget about window duty. But Hines knows I just need a reminder – in the form of a firm nudge. Two pushes of his hard nose (harder than you’d think!) to the back of my elbow will get those windows rolling! (Same rule applies for “earning” treats.)

3. Look the part.
Wear your heart on your sleeve. Show excitement if you’re excited. Show sadness if you’re sad. Bark if you notice something is wrong. There’s no sense in hiding your true feelings or playing coy.

4. Be willing to explore and fun will come.
Hines is always willing to go for a ride, even though the destination and activity is unknown. He trusts there’s either a drive thru, park or fun person at the end of the drive – or all three! When the event arrives, live it up!

5. You never know what someone has been through.
At first glance, Hines appears to have it all together. He’s a big tough-looking boy with good energy. He’s beyond beautiful, very expressive and obviously one of my favorite things about life. What you don’t see is little 6-month old Hines, massive paws and a too-long tail, brought to the pound for an unknown reason. He was rescued by the Humane Society where he spent some time before being adopted and taken to his second home (fourth if you include the pound and the shelter). That owner confined him to a kennel for too long, and, thanks to a fed-up roommate, Hines was returned to the shelter a few months later. A second adoption fell through. He was then swooped up by me.

He doesn’t like when I leave. He knows when I’m going and “looks the part” to ensure I know he’s up for the ride (regardless of where it may lead). When I do leave without him, I come home to a wild celebration.

This isn’t all that different than other dogs, who likely do the same, but I believe there’s a deeper element. He’s also scared of anything hot, steamy or flaming, (for instance, keeps as far a distance as possible when I’m starting the grill), which could be a simple sign of intelligence, or perhaps telling of a story from before my time. Fact of the matter is, I don’t know what happened to him in his first year of life, but his quirks and paranoia are likely caused by memories in his first year. Appearance tells you nothing of what a person (or dog) has been through.

6. Don’t stop trying just because you haven’t been successful – yet.
Chasing squirrels. He LOVES it. Why would he stop? One day…

7. Know difference between a threat and a fear.
As large as he is, Hines is a wimp sometimes. Traffic noises get to him. Loud, sudden noises scare him, and hunting season isn’t his favorite – you take a guess why.

Those scary times he retreats to the basement to feel safe. However, a knock on the door or a ringing doorbell is his job. The hair stands up, the growl and bark are loud and proud, and he’s sure to let visitors know they aren’t welcome until approved.

8. In the low times, find a sunny spot.
It just feels good. Seek it out, and enjoy!

9. Master a specialty
Hines is known for sitting on the feet of people he decides he loves. We have yet to meet a person who didn’t enjoy this “specialty” Hines grants.

10. Commitment might not be such a bad thing
Anyone who knows me understands I’m commitment shy. It took me too long to decide to adopt this dog (see #5), but I knew what it would take. It’d take a lot of energy and dedication. He’ have a grip on my heart (never thought to this extent!) and there would be no going back on the decision. I also knew he would change nearly every aspect of my life, from what I drove to where I lived, and how I slept, exercised and ate, he’d be there watching, expecting, waiting and, if necessary, nudging.

I feared I’d regret it, but don’t. I absolutely do not.

There are many other lessons learned, but I’d like to hear from you. What lesson have you learned from observing your dog?

Shootin’ the Wit is a sporadic blog about everyday life that should never, ever be taken too seriously.