Another thing I forgot to mention, which is not always obvious, if at all possible, try dock on the side where the wind will push you INTO the dock, not away from it.
This can make a huge difference especially when at a public dock. Sometimes you have little choice, but if you are coming in for pleasure (not an emergency), then you do have a choice. So at the public docks, wait for an open spot where the wind will push you into the dock instead of away from it.
After you get more experience, you can pick and choose the open spots to take, no matter which way the wind is blowing.
If you are thinking of renting a spot on a dock to keep your boat, keep the prevailing wind in mind. I didn't do this when I picked my slip, so almost always have to fight the wind pushing me off the dock, so I had to learn quickly how to handle it. I also had to learn how to parallel park a boat between two other large boats. I'm still learning and I gladly will accept any an all help. It's nice that no matter where you go on the lake, almost everyone is helpful and friendly.
If I see someone coming to a dock, and i'm there, I always walk over to lend a hand, as I know I would always appreciate it myself. Some boats will wave me off, and say 'no thanks' (some of the bigger boats have a bow thruster and a lot of experience so they don't need help). This is only my third year on the lake so I still appreciate help so I freely offer my help to others.