When someone in your family asks if they could have a dog, do you instinctively reply with a no? Do you then find yourself contemplating all the hard work and long hours, the mess, not to mention the expenses? It’s only natural to do so. After all, as the parent, most of the responsibility of caring for the dog will fall on you.
And while all of that is part of what it means to have a pet, we’d like to share that having a dog is so much more than just vet bills and feeding schedules.Curious? Read on to learn why every family should get a dog.
Dogs are a bucket of laughs—ask any pet parent. From flying off the sofa and racing to their meal, taking over your side of the bed, zoomies in the middle of the night, dogs surprise and entertain their owners with their antics. But the advantages of having a dog extend far beyond its ability to make us laugh. Here’s a closer look.
Provide Comfort And Companionship
If you didn’t grow up with pets, it would be fair to wonder, is a dog a good addition to a family? The short answer is yes.
Dogs are loved the world over because dogs provide love, comfort, and companionship. If you’re wondering how then science can provide the answer.
A dog’s acute sense of smell can help them identify human emotions such as fear, disappointment, sadness, even anger. They can read body language and catch changes in a person’s tone, all thanks to their well-honed instincts as pack animals.
Is that all? No. Dogs do more than just sense changes. Depending on what they sense, dogs know when you’d like to play or when you need a quiet snuggle.
From silently listening to your problems to offering quiet company and unconditional love—is it any wonder why dogs make excellent therapy animals?
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Offer Protection
Dogs offer protection making this the best persuasive reason to get a dog. From barking when strangers are at the door or when snakes and other dangerous creatures are in our yard to pulling drowning children out of pools—there are enough videos on social media to prove that dogs do, instinctively, protect people they consider family.
Need more? Invest in a guard breed, like Dobermans, German Shepherds, even Poodles, and give them the training they need to be your family’s protector.
Bonding with your dog helps elevate your oxytocin and dopamine levels creating a positive vibe for both you and your dog.
Reduce Anxiety And Depression
Dogs are the best stress-busters. Studies have shown that dogs help lower blood pressure, help people regulate their emotions, prevent breakdowns and improve mood. Interacting with a loving dog also releases oxytocin—the happiness hormone in humans.
A study reported that dog owners were less likely to suffer from depression than those who did not own pets. Not just that, going on several walks with your dog is an indirect form of exercise, one that positively affects both your physical and mental health.
Help Manage Behavioral Problem
People of all ages suffer from behavioral disorders—whether it’s attention deficiency, oppositional defiant disorder, autism, even learning disorders. And while we try to cultivate an empathic, sensitive society, the truth is that not enough support is available. Having a dog, however, helps.
Children with autism are prone to temper tantrums when overwhelmed. Dogs can help settle overwhelmed, anxious children. The chances of interacting with an autistic child increase tremendously when there is a dog in tow. Other studies have reported fewer behavior problems and a significant improvement in social skills amongst children who interacted with dogs frequently.
If you are still wondering, Why should every family have a dog? take a look at the statistics. It is estimated that 78% of American children have at least one behavioral disorder, and only 33% of American households have dogs. That’s a lot of children who are still in need of a calming companion!
Help Maintain Good Health
Walking becomes a part of your routine when you adopt a dog, even if you’re not a fan of the exercise. And if you do happen to love experimenting, you can explore park games, long hikes, swimming, and other activities where your dog can accompany you.
Pets encourage you to make your health a top priority by exercising daily. Exercising releases endorphins that fight stress and depression. And, of course, staying fit means you have enviable cardiovascular health. Staying consistent with your workout routine will also help improve your sleep cycle, which will decrease stress. If a dog enables you to get out of bed to meet your daily activity goals and burn some calories, isn’t this a good reason to get a dog?
Studies indicate that people who own dogs are more likely to achieve their daily exercise goals
Teaches Responsibility And Selflessness
When you bring home a puppy, you are committed to taking care of all its needs. No matter how tired you may be after a long day at work, you need to take your pet out for a walk. Though you may want to sleep in a little more on the weekend, you will put your dog’s needs first. And that is how we learn to be selfless. From cleaning to walking, vet visits, saving money for unexpected dog-related expenses—dogs teach us about responsibility as well.
Ready to bring home your first dog? Wondering what is the safest family dog?
The best dog breeds for new owners are the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Beagle, Pug, Bulldog, Poodle, Irish Setter, Brussels Griffon, and Collie.
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Final Thoughts
Canines make for excellent companions, not just for adults or children but also for individuals with special needs and disabilities. Could there be a better reason for the question, Why should every family have a dog?
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