Why Dogs Are The Best Pets

Pet ownership can bring a number of obvious – and not-so-obvious – benefits. Within the realm of pet ownership, one animal has developed as a perennial favorite. Around the world, dogs are the runaway leaders when it comes to the most popular type of household pet; this statistic is reflected in the United States, where it is estimated that over 62 million households own a dog.

There are several reasons why man’s best friend evolved to be…well, man’s best friend. While you may think it is because of the sheer variety of dog breeds – after all, dogs come in different sizes, different colors, and with different personalities and temperaments – many of the reasons are actually rooted in science.

We have known for a long time that dogs have an undeniably positive impact on humankind. In this article, we’ll show you the definitive proof (as if any was needed!) that dogs are the best pets.

1. Dogs can reduce stress

We’ve all had those days. The neverending, exhausting ones at work or school. You stumble through the front door, and are immediately greeted by your pup’s grinning face, a wagging tail, and a messy lick or two. You settle down for a couple of moments to pet your dog – and your problems seem to disappear almost immediately.

But this isn’t just anecdotal – research has shown that dogs actually do reduce stress. A 2019 study on the effect of dogs on college students established that interaction with dogs contributed to a significant reduction in stress and anxiety. We see this when therapy dogs are brought into schools or nursing homes, providing support in different contexts.

2. Dogs can help with loneliness

Dogs can be an amazing tool in the fight against loneliness. In our modern society, it can appear that we are more connected than ever through social media platforms and advancing technology – yet paradoxically drifting further apart and lacking meaningful relationships.

Whether you’re a remote worker in the post-COVID 19 world, or an older person who needs companionship, dogs may be the answer. A review of studies conducted between 2000 and 2019 showed that human-canine interactions have the ability to reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation.

3. Dogs encourage physical activity

It isn’t just mental health that can be improved through dog ownership – physical health improves, too. Dogs are a natural way to build exercise into your day, whether you take them for a daily walk or build a running regimen alongside them.

Research has shown that dog owners walk more minutes per week than those who do not own dogs, and that dog ownership results in more physical exercise than owning other types of pets. For individuals who struggle with mobility, dog walking can provide a low-intensity way to stay active. There are also fewer incidences of obesity or cardiovascular problems among dog owners.

4. Dogs make us more social

Dogs have been linked to higher levels of social activity. Whether you’re taking your dog for a walk in your sub-division, sipping coffee on a patio, or out in public at one of the many dog-friendly establishments, owning a dog can be a natural talking point – particularly with other dog owners.

A poll of over 2,000 dog owners found that 54% believed that owning a dog had contributed to increased self-confidence and a willingness to talk to strangers. On average, those surveyed said they spent an hour per week walking with other dog owners. This not only brings benefits for humans, but socialization and mental stimulation is great for dogs, too.

5. Dogs bring benefits for seniors

As we grow older, our physical and mental health can naturally deteriorate through the aging process. We can also become detached socially, and find it harder to make new connections.

Dogs can provide many benefits for the older generation. Dog walking is a great way to remain physically active in a low-intensity way, and they can help with social interactions as outlined earlier in this article. For seniors, owning a dog can also provide an often needed sense of purpose in their advancing years, as evidenced by a recent study in European nations.

6. Dogs bring benefits for children

Many of us can recall happy memories growing up around our family dogs. These formative memories bring numerous benefits for our kids, encouraging them to spend more time outdoors and learn how to teach their dog new skills.

Aside from the benefits of companionship and unconditional love, a family dog can also be a great way to show kids how to care responsibly for another life. Studies have also shown that children growing up with a dog in the household demonstrate greater empathy and enhanced self-esteem.

7. Dogs make great co-workers

We don’t mean this in the context of your dog popping up on your next Zoom call – although that is one unintentional benefit of dog ownership! Instead, we’re talking about the countless ways our dogs can help us in our lives.

Over several generations, dogs have evolved to perform a number of jobs. Pet dogs can be trained for many of these purposes, such as scouring for truffles, hunting rats, or acting as lifeguards. These activities can provide significant benefits to families, communities or society as a whole.

8. Dogs offer great learning opportunities

Even though we like to think we are the ones who are teaching our dogs, the reality is that the opposite is often true. Our dogs can often teach us just as much as we teach them. Dogs can help us to learn about unconditional love, kindness and responsibility in unique ways, offering valuable life lessons along the way.

Studying canine behavior and theory not only helps us to better understand our dogs. A passion for knowledge and further our understanding of dog body language can also allow us to provide better lives for our dogs, and increase the safety of human-canine interactions.

9. Dogs make us happier

All of the prior points combine to make this final one – the companionship of dogs helps to make humans happier.

Numerous studies have supported this thesis, linking dog ownership with improved wellbeing and happiness, providing purpose, and increasing self-esteem. Dogs also help us to deal with tough situations by lessening emotional suffering and providing unwavering support.

Dog ownership is a privilege and a responsibility – and without doubt, it improves our quality of life. It is reassuring to know that this isn’t simply a general perception of dog owners – it is actually supported and backed up by studies and research.