We’ve talked a lot about training dogs, why it is important, and what the benefits of having a well-trained pup are, but we have yet to cover exactly why having a dog around is such a good idea in the first place. Having a dog is a big responsibility, but what you gain is so much more than what you put in. Some of the biggest benefits of owning a dog are:
Physical Health
Science has shown that dog owners receive great health benefits when compared to people without dogs. This is due to a variety of factors. First, dog owners are much more likely to have a reason to get outside and exercise. It is easy to come home from a long day at work and just want to relax, but the responsibility of walking a dog forces one to get outside for a while. Other medical studies have shown people with dogs have lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Companionship
Few people in your life will ever come close to showing you the dedication that your four-legged friend will. The companionship that they offer is unrivaled. They will show you to the door in the morning, and great you at the door in the evening. Dogs have been proven to decrease loneliness, and improve a person’s mental state.
Mental health
There are more than just physical health benefits. As we said before, dogs can make us feel less lonely, and make great companions. For those living alone, this companionship is coupled with the reduced anxiety of having a potential guard in the house all day, further putting their minds at ease. Stress levels also dip dramatically when a human being is in constant contact with a friendly canine presence. Lower stress, anxiety, and loneliness are all great benefits of dog ownership.
Dogs and humans have been inseparable for more than ten thousand years, and for good reason. In humans, dogs find a master, a source of food, and the social interaction that they desire. In return, they guard our homes and make us healthier. Dog ownership is nearly universal across all human cultures. Considering all the benefits of owning a dog, it’s easy to see why.