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Dog Lessons: Learning the Important Stuff from Our Best Friends
A heartwarming meditation on the powerful presence of dogs in our lives and the transformative lessons they can teach us about love, loyalty, grief, and more
“When in doubt, walk your dog” is the first of many valuable maxims in Dog Lessons , a heartfelt reflection on what dogs can teach us when we open ourselves to listen and learn. After sixty-plus years living and working with dogs, Hersch Wilson shares self-deprecating stories and lighthearted musings on a life filled with fur-covered furniture, unexplained messes, and destroyed property. The resulting compendium of dog wisdom — from universal values like loyalty and curiosity to practical lessons on napping, playing, and avoiding a serious fight — is not only poignant but eminently good advice.
“When in doubt, walk your dog” is the first of many valuable maxims in Dog Lessons , a heartfelt reflection on what dogs can teach us when we open ourselves to listen and learn. After sixty-plus years living and working with dogs, Hersch Wilson shares self-deprecating stories and lighthearted musings on a life filled with fur-covered furniture, unexplained messes, and destroyed property. The resulting compendium of dog wisdom — from universal values like loyalty and curiosity to practical lessons on napping, playing, and avoiding a serious fight — is not only poignant but eminently good advice.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published September 5, 2023
4 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 19, 2023
A warm-hearted Biography in 18 Dogs
I read this entire book aloud to my wife, cover to cover, during a road trip in which she drove, I read and together we smiled, sometimes laughed and even cried a few times.
And, that's why—if you're a dog lover like we are—you will want to get a copy of this book. If you've ever enjoyed James Herriot's autobiographical books or either of the two TV series made from his writings—you'll definitely enjoy Hersch Wilson's new Dog Lessons: Learning the Important Stuff from Our Best Friends.
In an interview with Hersch for a feature story I'm writing about him and his new memoir, I told him about another writer I worked with a decade ago. John Gillis was a larger-than-life Midwest radio personality whose home base was Indianapolis, Indiana. John wanted to write a memoir and, as we talked about how to structure such a book, I was struck by how deeply he loved his dogs. Like Hersch, John discovered the wonders of dogs while growing up on his Midwest farm, which meant that he always was accompanied by fairly large dogs, also like Hersch. And, like Hersch's four-pawed friends, John's dogs were far more than "pets"—they defined and shaped his personality in each season of John's colorful life.
Finally, as we talked about his dogs, I told John: "How about organizing this as a five-part memoir called 'My Life in 5 Dogs'?"
He loved the idea! Unfortunately, 11 years ago, before he got far in the manuscript, John died.
So, one reason my wife and I responded so whole-heartedly to Hersch's memoir is that Hersch essentially has written what I would call My Life in 18 Dogs.
When I told John's story to Hersch, he nodded across the Zoom screen.
"For me, it's 18 dogs. 18 relationships. But, that's exactly right—that's the idea of this book: I tell how each one of those 18 relationships has taught me something important about love and loyalty—and so many other things."
I told Hersch that I read his entire book aloud—which took us a little over four hours—because we fell in love with the first section of the book about his childhood. "After the first 20 pages, we were absolutely hooked on reading the whole thing like this—me reading and both of us enjoying the stories," I told him. "I think you organized this book perfectly to really bring us into the whole concept with those childhood experiences."
"I think you're right," he said. "That's especially true because the early stories in the book are filled with an almost miraculous relationship between a boy and a dog. That's when I learned to trust a dog and let a dog take me into the wilderness and really see and experience the wilderness. From that start, I wanted to have a dog with me for the rest of my life."
My wife and I feel the same way.
If you do, then this book could be the next big smile (with a few tears here and there) that you'll want to enjoy this autumn.
I read this entire book aloud to my wife, cover to cover, during a road trip in which she drove, I read and together we smiled, sometimes laughed and even cried a few times.
And, that's why—if you're a dog lover like we are—you will want to get a copy of this book. If you've ever enjoyed James Herriot's autobiographical books or either of the two TV series made from his writings—you'll definitely enjoy Hersch Wilson's new Dog Lessons: Learning the Important Stuff from Our Best Friends.
In an interview with Hersch for a feature story I'm writing about him and his new memoir, I told him about another writer I worked with a decade ago. John Gillis was a larger-than-life Midwest radio personality whose home base was Indianapolis, Indiana. John wanted to write a memoir and, as we talked about how to structure such a book, I was struck by how deeply he loved his dogs. Like Hersch, John discovered the wonders of dogs while growing up on his Midwest farm, which meant that he always was accompanied by fairly large dogs, also like Hersch. And, like Hersch's four-pawed friends, John's dogs were far more than "pets"—they defined and shaped his personality in each season of John's colorful life.
Finally, as we talked about his dogs, I told John: "How about organizing this as a five-part memoir called 'My Life in 5 Dogs'?"
He loved the idea! Unfortunately, 11 years ago, before he got far in the manuscript, John died.
So, one reason my wife and I responded so whole-heartedly to Hersch's memoir is that Hersch essentially has written what I would call My Life in 18 Dogs.
When I told John's story to Hersch, he nodded across the Zoom screen.
"For me, it's 18 dogs. 18 relationships. But, that's exactly right—that's the idea of this book: I tell how each one of those 18 relationships has taught me something important about love and loyalty—and so many other things."
I told Hersch that I read his entire book aloud—which took us a little over four hours—because we fell in love with the first section of the book about his childhood. "After the first 20 pages, we were absolutely hooked on reading the whole thing like this—me reading and both of us enjoying the stories," I told him. "I think you organized this book perfectly to really bring us into the whole concept with those childhood experiences."
"I think you're right," he said. "That's especially true because the early stories in the book are filled with an almost miraculous relationship between a boy and a dog. That's when I learned to trust a dog and let a dog take me into the wilderness and really see and experience the wilderness. From that start, I wanted to have a dog with me for the rest of my life."
My wife and I feel the same way.
If you do, then this book could be the next big smile (with a few tears here and there) that you'll want to enjoy this autumn.
November 22, 2025
So sweet and relatable to all dogs owners, but also informative. Loved his story and the tidbits of dog art.
June 13, 2025
I thought this book did a great job of highlighting a dog's perspective on the world and how humans and dogs coexist in a symbiotic relationship. I am happy to have read this book while my dog, Daisy, is still alive, happy, and healthy, because it has granted me a whole new appreciation for her.
In the book there are several examples on how dogs act verses how humans act and I have found that taking tips from your dog can take you far because as the book says "when in doubt, walk your dog" and ever since I took that advice I rarely find myself stuck in a problem or feeling for too long.
I've also learned that when Daisy insists we spend 6 minutes smelling the same patch of grass, she's simply taking in everything that has ever happened to that patch of grass, not just because she thinks it's amusing to have me wait on her.
I will admit the beginning is kind of slow, but if you stick with it, you will find yourself with a whole new perspective at the end. I had fallen victim to the repetition and mundaneness of life and viewed dog walks with a "have to" instead of a "get to." Now, each of our walks is filled with new scents, and I follow her wherever she wants to go, being curious above everything else.
I look forward to reading other works by Hersch Wilson, as this was the first of his that I have read, with little knowledge of his background. However, through this book, I feel as though I gained a glimpse into his life and him, thanks to his descriptions of his dogs and life throughout. Thank you, Hersch Wilson!
P.S. I did note a typo in at least the version of the book I had. As a future best-selling author, I would be mad if I had a typo in my book, but to each their own. It did not derive from the main points of your book at all. :)
In the book there are several examples on how dogs act verses how humans act and I have found that taking tips from your dog can take you far because as the book says "when in doubt, walk your dog" and ever since I took that advice I rarely find myself stuck in a problem or feeling for too long.
I've also learned that when Daisy insists we spend 6 minutes smelling the same patch of grass, she's simply taking in everything that has ever happened to that patch of grass, not just because she thinks it's amusing to have me wait on her.
I will admit the beginning is kind of slow, but if you stick with it, you will find yourself with a whole new perspective at the end. I had fallen victim to the repetition and mundaneness of life and viewed dog walks with a "have to" instead of a "get to." Now, each of our walks is filled with new scents, and I follow her wherever she wants to go, being curious above everything else.
I look forward to reading other works by Hersch Wilson, as this was the first of his that I have read, with little knowledge of his background. However, through this book, I feel as though I gained a glimpse into his life and him, thanks to his descriptions of his dogs and life throughout. Thank you, Hersch Wilson!
P.S. I did note a typo in at least the version of the book I had. As a future best-selling author, I would be mad if I had a typo in my book, but to each their own. It did not derive from the main points of your book at all. :)
October 30, 2025
A delightful read for dog lovers and anyone who enjoys heartwarming stories.
Wilson’s anecdotes are funny, relatable, and often profound.
I appreciated how he highlighted lessons about life, loyalty, and curiosity through the lens of his dogs.
The writing is engaging, and each story feels personal and genuine.
I laughed, smiled, and even felt a few tugging at my heartstrings.
It’s a book that makes you appreciate the small moments with your pets.
Highly recommended for a feel-good, thoughtful read.
Wilson’s anecdotes are funny, relatable, and often profound.
I appreciated how he highlighted lessons about life, loyalty, and curiosity through the lens of his dogs.
The writing is engaging, and each story feels personal and genuine.
I laughed, smiled, and even felt a few tugging at my heartstrings.
It’s a book that makes you appreciate the small moments with your pets.
Highly recommended for a feel-good, thoughtful read.
October 28, 2025
“A truly heartwarming and enjoyable book!
Wilson’s stories about dogs are full of humor, wisdom, and love.
I found myself laughing, nodding, and reflecting on my own pets.
Each story carries a subtle but important life lesson, often inspired by his canine companions.
It’s rare to find a book that is both entertaining and meaningful.
I can’t recommend this enough to dog lovers everywhere.
This book made my day brighter and my heart fuller.”
Wilson’s stories about dogs are full of humor, wisdom, and love.
I found myself laughing, nodding, and reflecting on my own pets.
Each story carries a subtle but important life lesson, often inspired by his canine companions.
It’s rare to find a book that is both entertaining and meaningful.
I can’t recommend this enough to dog lovers everywhere.
This book made my day brighter and my heart fuller.”
December 17, 2024
Just a really fun read! Being a new dog owner, I enjoyed this book so much.
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October 28, 2025I laughed, nodded, and even teared up a little. This book celebrates dogs and life’s little lessons beautifully. Perfect for any dog lover.
October 30, 2025
An engaging and delightful read! Hersch Wilson mixes humor, heart, and practical advice beautifully. Every dog lover will enjoy and relate to it.
October 30, 2025
“Heartfelt, funny, and full of wisdom. I enjoyed every story and found myself reflecting on my own pets. A must-read for anyone who loves dogs.”
October 30, 2025
“Hersch Wilson’s humor and insight shine through every page. The book is full of clever, heartfelt advice inspired by decades with dogs. So enjoyable!”
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews