James Middleton shares how people can learn from dogs and sets new weekly challenge

Taking to Instagram, James, 38, said: "So I'm not sure about you, but I feel the January blues have definitely kicked in now, and here I was feeling sorry for myself, and Isla comes along and has a way of cheering me up.

"It reminded me of a poem, my favourite poem called 'What I learnt about love I learnt from my dog'.

"It's just this incredible poem - it's gentle reminders of how we can learn and apply to our own lives that dogs apply instinctively already."

The poem is featured on James's dog food website, James & Ella, discussing how to deal with the loss of your dog.

It reads: "Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride together. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy. When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

"When you want treats, practice obedience. Let others know when they've invaded your territory. Take naps together and stretch before rising. Run, romp, and play daily. Be loyal."

The poem continues: "If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently. Thrive on the attention and let people touch you.

"Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body. No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout… Run right back and make friends.

"Delight in the simple joy of a long walk together. Love each other unconditionally."

Inspired by the poem and Isla's loving nature, James set himself the challenge of coming up with a weekly reminder of how people can learn from dogs.

The first reminder the dog lover told his followers is "a simple but very powerful one".

James said: "Dogs are reminders that love doesn't need words."

The 38-year-old asked his followers to share what their dog has taught them.

One user said: "Mine have taught me to slow down and listen to nature - I don't understand people that walk their dogs with ear buds in - having a new puppy, it's fun to watch them experience all the firsts like butterflies, squirrels, birds and weather.

Another wrote: "My wee spaniel has taught me to be present. She doesn't worry about yesterday or tomorrow! She helps me notice changes in the season or how the ground crunches when it's cold. She grounds me every day."

James's post has attracted over 2,000 likes on Instagram and a flurry of heartwarming comments from his fans.

Princess Kate's brother recently shared a separate adorable video with his pack of dogs as he promoted his dog food product.

Taking to Instagram, James said he had just come back from a "very cold walk with the dogs" when his newly packaged item had arrived.

The 38-year-old's dogs showed keen interest in the box containing the food, with Inka, a cocker spaniel, sniffing profoundly.

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