Author: Fay Smith

Pet dogs have become valuable parts of many people’s everyday lives. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reported that over 38% (2017-18) of pet-owning U.S. households have at least one dog.  

Meanwhile, eSports fans know from experience that the blend of gaming and competition provides a thrilling experience.

You may be “dog-gone” surprised, however, how the lessons we learn from pet canines are linked to eSports betting.

Let’s look at some of the main lessons we can learn from pet dogs, which you can apply to competitive gaming.

Take the Time to Play

If you’ve ever owned a pet dog (especially puppies), then you know they love to play. Doggies enjoy lots of games like fetch, tug of war, and hide the treat. Even when you take your pet outdoors for a walk, it can have fun chasing a squirrel or bird. 

One of the main benefits dogs get from playing is avoiding boredom.

It’s a plus for dog owners since bored dogs are more likely to engage in behavior like destroying couch cushions or unrolling toilet paper. They simply want to have fun. 

eSports can provide a similar experience for pet owners. It’s essential to have a hobby like video games. 

We often think that fun and games are just for kids and pets. However, entertainment can also benefit people in several ways.

For example, games like Minecraft can boost your creativity and promote creative freedom. Such benefits can improve your work life where you often need to create new strategies and unique concepts.  

Staying in the Moment

This lesson is a major one we can learn from pet dogs. They don’t worry about what happened yesterday or what will happen tomorrow.

For example, your pup is eating some kibble from its dog bowl. It doesn’t think about how much weight it will gain or if it needs to walk on a treadmill to avoid social media shaming. 

We can have the same experience by playing eSports. Unfortunately, our problems don’t automatically disappear.

We can, however, take a break from the stress of modern life for a while. The relaxation from eSports may help us deal with any issues in our lives more effectively if we’re de-stressed and super-focused.

Forgive, Forget, and Stop Holding Grudges

This is another lesson we can learn from dogs which we can apply to eSports.

Your dog won’t stay angry long if you accidentally step on its tail or return home late from work or school. Most of the time, they’ll stay upset for a few seconds or so.

Pets can forgive easily, and you can incorporate that approach into your own life.

Competitive gaming can become quite heated. It’s ok to put 100% into your gaming. However, realize that you probably won’t win every game, and sometimes people don’t play fairly.

The main takeaway from pets is to avoid holding grudges and keep moving forward. It’s crucial to forgive not only others but also yourself.

Life has ups and downs. Even your gaming doesn’t meet your goals or expectations sometimes.

Get up from your gaming chair, take a little walk, and then get back to your game with renewed optimism.

Social Interaction  

Dogs are social creatures. The American Kennel Club reported that canines shouldn’t spend more than six to eight hours alone.

Humans are social creatures, too. Multiplayer online gaming can promote social interaction with games like League of Legends, Fortnite, or Dota 2.

eSports provide a way to enjoy video games with friends and family. You can also meet new people who enjoy the same pastime as you. These people may live down the street or on the other side of the world.

Conquering Fears

When you have a new puppy, you give it the love and affection it needs to deal with their apprehensions of their new environment.

After some time, they’ll be able to deal with it better. Your love and kindness can help pets overcome their fears.

You can conquer your fears in a similar way. Maybe you’re learning a new video game, joining your first eSports team, or training to become a professional gamer. Love and patience can help you overcome your fears.

The first step is to figure out what your main fears and self-criticisms are. Replace them with confidence-boosters and self-love.

This process can help make you strong and able to deal with whatever gaming situation with which you have to deal.

Rest and Relaxation

Dogs need enough sleep and may take naps during the day. They might even do that as they sit beside you during an eSports session.

Companion pets like your four-legged friend can have some hilarious nap positions. A classic one is lying on its back with paws in the air. This position, although funny, conveys an important lesson.

In today’s fast-paced information age, save some “me time” to unwind and relax.  It will calm your mind, regain your focus, and restore your energy level.

 Studies show that gaming may provide various mental and emotional benefits, including:

• Mental exercise
• Improved mood
• Increased motivation
• Lower stress levels

Final Thoughts 

Dog ownership goes beyond filling up your pet’s dog bowl, bathing it, and providing tender loving care.

You can apply a lot that you learn from your pet dog to your everyday life. The importance of play, social interaction, and being a good sport is all part of competitive video gaming. 

These lessons from eSports can, in turn, provide some important life lessons that transcend fun and games.  

References

1. U.S. pet ownership statistics

2. Alone time for dogs: how much is too much?

3. Video game play may provide learning, health, social benefits, review finds