9 Things My Dog Taught Me About Blogging

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Most of you know I’m an animal lover. We had one cat, Emily Dickinson, and our son's dog, Cosmo. I don’t know what I’d do without my four-legged friends cheering me on as I work every day.

But they’re more than just great companions, they’ve got a lot to teach me. I’ve shared lessons from Emily before in a devotion on Being Still. So today I’d like to pass along some of the wisdom I’ve gleaned from my dogs.

Blogging Tips for Writers

1. Go all in. When you play, play. When you work, work. And when you rest, rest. My dogs are one hundred percent involved in whatever they’re doing. Beyond that, I’ve discovered that there’s no such thing as a multi-tasking dog. The same should be true for bloggers. Focus on the task at hand by setting aside time to blog. Don’t think of it as work you do in the spaces. 

2. Chasing squirrels never ends well. It may be fun, but it rarely bring value to what you’re doing. When our boys were young (and so was Jake) they had the great idea of tying his leash to the handlebars of a scooter so he could pull them down the street. It went well until a squirrel darted in front of Jake. He took off one direction, the son on the scooter went another way. There was definitely collateral damage although none of it permanent. The same thing can with blogging. Leave the squirrel chasing for play time and stay focused on where you’re going in your post and avoid the collateral damage. 

3. Loyalty is everything. My dogs are friendly with almost everyone, but their loyalty is to me. As bloggers, we have to have that same kind of loyalty toward our readers. 

4. 50 New smells a day. For a dog, going outside is more than exercise, it’s the ability to gather information about the world around them. As bloggers, we can’t become so immersed in our own corner of the world and especially only our point of view. 

5. Keep digging until you have what you need. Both our dogs have favorite toys. But when our son's dog was a puppy, his favorite pastime appeared to be getting his stuck under things. He’s learning though, to not just rely on us to get what he needs. He’s learning how to work and dig until he gets them back. As bloggers we can’t just rely on the information others provide. We have to be willing to learn, grow, and dig out what we need to be the best we can be.

6. Wag more, bark less. When my dog comes up to me, he’s grinning and his tail is wagging. He doesn’t approach me barking and growling. We need to make sure we interact with people online by wagging, not barking. Think before you post and keep it positive, you’ll never regret being nice. 

7. Puppy treats make the worst job easier. Both our dogs love treats, but training our puppy is giving us a new appreciation about how valuable they are. Treats are also a good way to get me to finish a job I’m dreading. 

8. Be ready for an adventure and travel light. My dogs are always ready to go for an adventure. Don’t be too tied to home base. As bloggers (and writers) we can pick up and go at the drop of a hat. 

9. Always on guard. My dogs are always aware of what’s going on around them. They may appear to be sleeping soundly or playing hard, but if someone comes to the door, they are the first to alert. Because blogging is an online activity, we also need to always be alert. We shouldn’t be fearful, but we do need to be smart and stay aware. 

These are some of the lessons I’ve learned, what has your pet taught you about blogging, writing or even life? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below. 

Don’t forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

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Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.