Anyone who knows me, knows that I would do anything for my sweet dogs. Bentley in particular, (who has been with me now for over 7 of his 9 years) lights up my life and has taught me so much over the years about love. He’s also taught me a better way to manage emotions.

Pay attention to your dog, he has more to teach you than you may think.

I Don’t Always Have the Best Temper

It’s been an issue all my life. Sometimes, when I get upset at home with my family, who I’m most comfortable with, my temper gets the better of me.

I’m never violent, or anything like that. But, my mouth starts going faster than my head can keep up with. I cry, I yell, and sometimes I say hurtful things.

This is an issue that, clearly, I’m aware of. My counselor has provided me with wonderful tools to help me to slow down before my voice is ever raised, and my temper is becoming less and less of an issue.

When I do allow myself to raise my voice though, I’ll often see Bentley run up the stairs to hide under a bed.

And that is enough to stop me in my tracks.

If My Dog is Scared, I’m Not My Best Self

Both of my dogs are adopted, so I don’t know everything there is to know about their pasts. I know nothing at all about where Bentley came from, or what his home was like before he wound up in the shelter.

What I do know is that he is terrified of loud, angry voices.

And if I am angry enough with my husband that my voice alone has scared that sweet little guy enough that he feels he needs to run and hide, I need to cool down immediately.

Self-Awareness is Key for a Better Way to Manage Emotions

Like I said before, this isn’t a huge issue for me these days, because it’s something I’m aware of, and actively work on.

I’m grateful to have a patient husband who understands why I am the way that I am and that I’m always striving to improve. And, I’m grateful that he and Bentley both are able to forgive me when my temper gets ahead of me.

Don’t Be Afraid to Admit You Have Room for Improvement

Pay attention to your dog. Bentley helps me to be a better person, and a better wife to my husband every single day. He helped me to find a better way to manage emotions. If my behavior scares him, something needs to be corrected, because chances are I’m saying something hurtful.

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