Many of us cannot imagine life without a dog. We dreamed of having a dog since preschool years, some of us (the lucky ones) received this wonderful gift from our parents. Others, as adults, chose the most beautiful puppy from a litter and invited it into their home. Usually, it’s hard to answer why we wanted a dog. We simply felt clearly that our family was not complete without a four-legged friend.
Those who don’t like dogs can list many of their flaws and give many arguments against having them. They can only be summed up by saying that they definitely miss out on a lot because of such thinking, and their life is much poorer. Because having a dog brings many benefits, right?
1. Health benefits
How many hours a day does the average person spend in front of the TV or computer? We’re talking here about so-called free time, after work (where most of us also sit in front of a monitor). How many times has the average person skipped a walk or a trip to the forest, finding a “good” excuse? Dog owners definitely do this less. Much less! And that’s good for them. When you have a dog at home, you can’t skip a walk just because “you don’t feel like it” or “it’s raining.” Thanks to the dog, we get a good dose of exercise every day. And if the four-legged friend has a lively temperament, we can boast excellent fitness and figure. Moreover, thanks to such exercise, we get sick less often. Scientific studies show that petting a dog lowers heart rate and blood pressure! Contact with a dog can be an ideal therapy for people with high blood pressure.
Speaking of health benefits, it’s also worth mentioning the power of a dog’s nose. Such situations are not everyday occurrences, but they do happen and show the extraordinariness of dogs. These are cases when a dog sensed a serious illness (most often cancer) in its owner when the owner was unaware of it. By showing excessive interest in a certain area of the person’s body, for example by persistent licking or sniffing, the dog draws the owner’s attention to that area and motivates them to visit a doctor.
And one more thing – having a dog extends a person’s life! Dog owners live on average 3 years longer than people without dogs.
2. Relaxation and well-being
The daily dose of exercise we get by honestly walking our dog causes a release of endorphins in our body. We are thus bombarded with happiness hormones. We feel more satisfied with life, joyful, and relaxed. Additionally, after physical effort, we will sleep much better. So it’s safe to say that dog owners are more satisfied and relaxed people than those who don’t have dogs.
3. Social contacts
Do you ever stop people you meet on a walk and start a nice chat with them just like that? Such situations are rather rare. Everyone rushes ahead, not paying attention to others, absorbed in daily worries. But if you walk with your dog and pass someone with an equally nice pet, it’s much more likely that you’ll make contact. You’ll talk, at least about your animals.
You’re probably now remembering how many times you were approached by others who admired your dog. Dogs attract attention! They draw notice and motivate contact. There are known stories of people with disabilities who lived isolated from society. When dogs accompanied such people, their circle of acquaintances shockingly expanded. They stopped being invisible. A dog can help break the ice, overcome shyness, and establish new, interesting relationships.
4. The dog as a therapist
A dog bonds closely with its caretaker. It has a natural gift for sensing human emotional states. That’s why in situations when you cry or feel sad, the dog expects nothing from you and simply (even!) comes to be with you. It doesn’t judge or criticize you. It supports you with its presence. For these reasons, dogs are wonderful therapists for children, both healthy and those with disabilities or autism. They encourage them to open up to the world, to physical rehabilitation, etc.; while accepting all their imperfections. Just by being present at home, a dog performs powerful therapeutic work because it is an unconditional presence that fully accepts the person.
5. Discipline, learning diligence and responsibility for a child
A dog needs regular walks, meals, training, and vet visits. This causes a person to develop diligence and discipline. Responsibilities given to a child related to caring for a dog teach responsibility. And contact with a four-legged friend, especially from a young age, develops empathy and sensitivity toward another being. Of course, the child must be old enough to take care of a dog. It’s also important that our pet is tolerant of children’s antics, is a family dog, and gentle.
In summary – the relationship with a dog is a unique experience for a person and brings incredible joy. It’s known that it can sometimes involve certain hardships or sacrifices (is any relationship free of them?), but they cannot overshadow the satisfaction and happiness that come from the bond with a four-legged friend.
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