Have you ever thought about how dogs are able to slow us down? In a frenetic world, where we are constantly on the go, a mindful dog walk can be just the antidote.

In the past, I would stride out on my walks; exercise for me and for Abe. He is a puller and he is reactive. Speed walking satisfied my need for exercise, but it wasn’t meeting his needs. His desire to sniff, to leave his mark and to check out what was going on was being ignored in my hurry. By slowing down, I not only saw an improvement in his behaviour, but I also felt a shift in my own mind and body.

Dogs live in the moment. They don’t keep schedules or race from task to task. They stop, they sniff (everything!), and nothing is too small for them to notice. If you have ever seen your dog watching a fly or shadows flick across a wall, you will know what I mean.

During my photo sessions, everything flows better when I move at the dog’s pace. No rushing, no stress, just laughter and calmness.

It’s not just walking and taking photographs that show me the need to slow down. With Abe, there are days when I’m so focused on work and everything that needs to be done. Then suddenly there’s a nudge at my elbow, pulling me away and reminding me that he will only be here for a short while. Playing with him, cuddling him and giving him my full attention is what really matters in that moment.

Dogs help us breathe deeper, notice more and reset our priorities. Stroking a pet and feeling its heartbeat, watching them sleep, or having a 30 kg lapdog curled up on your lap all bring us back into the moment. Committing to memory the greying whiskers, the tilt of their head and the love in their eyes reminds us to slow down and to appreciate every little detail.

Abe has taught me to have presence, to be in the moment and to slow the heck down. Life doesn’t need to be lived at a million miles per hour. Our dogs won’t be with us forever, and that makes slowing down with them even more precious.

What have you learned from your dog?