What My Mini Schnauzer Taught Me About Happiness (And Why Coaches Should Take Notes)

Happiness. We chase it, study it, and even coach others on how to find it. Yet, at times, it feels just out of reach—like the last biscuit in the tin.

But do you know who’s got happiness figured out? My mini schnauzer. No self-help books, no meditation apps, no morning affirmations—just pure, unfiltered joy in the moment. And the more I observe him, the more I realise that happiness isn’t about pushing through or enduring—it’s about resilience.

More importantly, it’s something we can coach.

So, for all the coaches out there, here’s what my schnauzer has taught me about happiness—and how you can bring these lessons into your coaching practice today.

Be Fully Present (Or: Stop Thinking About Emails During Dinner)

My dog doesn’t multitask. When he chases a squirrel, he chases a squirrel. When he naps, he naps like his life depends on it. Meanwhile, we humans attempt to answer emails, listen to a podcast, drink coffee, and feel guilty about not exercising—all at the same time.

If you want more happiness, be where you are. Encourage your coaching clients to do the same. Whether it’s a conversation, a meal, or just five minutes of deep breathing—be all in.

 

Say No to ‘Sit’ and Yes to ‘Spin & Dance’

Schnauzers don’t take orders blindly. Mine certainly doesn’t. But if you turn “Sit” into “Spin & Dance” and make it fun? He’s all for it.

Humans, on the other hand, are addicted to “shoulds.” I should go to this event. I should take on this project. I should be more productive. And before we know it, we’ve built a life based on obligation, not joy.

Ask your coaching clients: What’s one thing you feel like you should do that you could swap for something you want to do? Give them permission to shake up their routine and say yes to what truly sparks joy.

Shake It Off—Literally

When something startles my schnauzer, he shakes—all over—and then it’s over. No overthinking, no ruminating, no stress hangover.

Take a leaf out of his book and physically shake it off. When I’m walking him in the woods and no one’s looking, I have a jolly good shake myself. You’d be surprised how good it feels—plus, it usually leaves me giggling, which is an added bonus.

Encourage your clients to do the same. Release stress physically. Movement is one of the quickest ways to reset the nervous system and return to happiness.

Sniff Out What Matters Most

Dogs don’t waste time on things they don’t care about. They sniff, they assess, they move on. Imagine if we did the same with our priorities instead of overthinking everything.

Help your clients identify what truly lights them up. A simple way to do this is to ask: If I gave you an extra hour today, guilt-free, what would you do with it? Their answer reveals exactly what they need more of in their life. Now help them make space for it.

Celebrate the Small Wins

When my schnauzer sits on command, he expects a treat. When he fetches a toy, he struts around like he’s just won an Olympic gold medal.

Humans? We barely acknowledge our achievements before moving on to the next goal.

Help your clients practise celebrating small wins. Whether it’s setting a boundary, saying no to something draining, or simply getting through a tough day—it all counts. Ask them: What’s one thing worth celebrating right now?

Rest Like a Pro

Schnauzers don’t earn rest. They take it. No guilt. No let me just finish one more thing. Just a deep sigh and a nap in a sunbeam.

Humans, on the other hand, push through exhaustion, glorify overwork, and only rest when they’ve reached full burnout.

What if we treated rest as fuel, not a reward? As coaches, we can help reframe rest as something productive—because a well-rested mind is a happy and effective one.

Happiness is a Coaching Skill (And It’s in Your Toolkit)

Happiness isn’t a destination. It’s the small, daily choices we make—the power of no, the moments of presence, the ability to celebrate without guilt.

And as coaches, we can help our clients build this kind of happiness. The right tools make all the difference, helping people shift their thinking, set boundaries, and create a life that feels good now—not just someday in the future.

If you’re looking for ready-made coaching exercises to help your clients create more balance and fulfilment, check out the Self-Coaching Resource Library. It’s full of practical, transformative tools designed for coaches who want to make an impact.

Download my guide to ‘Create and Keep Successful Habits‘.

Because if my schnauzer can master happiness, so can we.