Monthly Archives: February 2015

Benefits of Being a Dog Owner

dog benefitsBeing a dog owner is a simple joy in life. What better way to recuperate after a hard day than by coming home to a creature who wants nothing but to be close to you and love you? The benefits of owning and caring for a dog are numerous. And they include more than simply being entertained or amused. Owning a dog has statistically been proven to increase a person’s physical health and help them live longer. It has also proven to reduce mental health issues and give people peace of mind. If you are looking for a way to improve your quality of life by adding more love and laughter to it, consider becoming a dog owner.

The physical health benefits you receive from owning a dog are numerous. Dog owners are found to have reduced blood pressure because of the calming effects that dogs have on people. They are found to have stronger hearts because dogs keep their owners active and on a set schedule. And dog owners have been found to live longer simply because the dog gives them a sense of purpose. If for no other reason, this is an excellent justification for being a dog owner.

A person’s morale commonly elevates due to owning a dog. People who have mental disorders, grief or past trauma are known to heal much more rapidly and steadily when they become dog owners. This is most likely due to the increased affection, adoration and loyalty they feel thanks to their canine. Even in cases of situational depression or just general low emotions, the presence of a dog can be very uplifting. Many people claim that their dog reminds them of what really matters in life. Dogs help people remember that the simple, good things in life deserve focus and appreciation above all else.

Having a Canine Friend

canine friendshipNo one can deny the obvious benefits of owning a dog. Dogs make us active and happy, bringing out a youthful spirit within us. But even if you are unable to own a dog, there are still plenty of ways you can interact with dogs. Not everyone is able or willing to take on the responsibility of raising and caring for a dog, and that is understandable. Below are several ideas for people who want to interact with dogs but not own one:

  • Dog sitting is a great opportunity to temporarily care for a dog as if it was your own. When people go out of town and cannot bring their dog, many of them hire a dog sitter. This person may or may not stay in the house the dog lives in to care for them because owners often do not want their dogs to be alone at night. The other primary functions of a dog sitter are to feed, walk and spend time with the dog.
  • Many people are too busy to make time to walk their dog and require the services of a dog walker. People can do this for pay or on a volunteer basis. The dog owner may be a friend or relative, or may simply be someone who is in need of assistance.
  • Volunteering at an organization that works with dogs can benefit your desire to spend time with dogs and the organization that surely could use volunteer hours. Many dog organizations, ranging from vet clinics to shelters to kennels to training centers, are in desperate need of volunteers. These facilities are often swamped and their resources are stretched very thin. In this type of volunteer position, you may walk dogs, assist doctors and help care for the facilities.
  • Simply spending time with dogs that belong to your friends and family can be a great way to get time with canines in. This can also benefit your loved ones immensely by having some time to themselves.

Qualities that Dogs Possess

dog qualitiesMaking the decision to own a dog is something one should think through carefully. Perhaps you are on the fence about dog ownership because you are not sure if you want to do the work of caring for a dog. After all, they require a great deal of attention, exercise, training, affection and provision. Your life will never be the same once you own a dog. However, the work you put in will win you a best friend and loyal companion. Consider the following positive attributes to dog ownership before you write the idea off:

  • Dogs are incredibly affectionate animals. It is almost impossible to feel lonely or isolated when you own a dog because their affection is so immense. It has been discovered that the chemical a dog’s brain releases when they see their owner is the same chemical the human brain releases when in love. They will greet you at the door, spend time with you the entire day and cuddle with you before they go to sleep.
  • The loyalty that dogs have for their owners is very strong. Even the ones that are very social with people, such as golden retrievers, place a high importance on being near their owners and receiving attention from them. Many dogs have been known to die of heartbreak when their owner dies, or refuse to leave their side even after they have passed away.
  • A dog’s instinct to protect its owner is also incredibly strong. Dogs are pack animals that are wired to protect those they consider to be in their pack, which would include their owners and their other close relationships. Dogs have stood up to bears, mountain lions, human attackers and many other dangerous predators in order to defend their owner. Apart from being a companion animal, dogs are also used as home security systems.