Having a dog in your family offers many benefits and joys. They’re loyal, loving companions who will always be there to support you when needed, and they offer excellent company too.
Dogs are also great stress relievers—their unconditional love helps us feel happy and safe even on the most stressful of days. Whether you like beagle puppies, a small yappy lap dog or a big friendly mutt from the shelter, adding a dog to your family is an excellent decision for many reasons.
Having a dog in your family offers numerous benefits in addition to just being really cute:
They help keep you active.
Dogs do not like to be sedentary; they crave and thrive on activity, and that’s excellent news for those of us who are trying to get more exercise in our lives. If you don’t currently walk your dog, you should know that they require daily walks just like people do, so you’ll need to factor that in to your schedule too.
Dog parks are also fantastic places to get exercise with your dog because they provide ample space for dogs of all sizes and energy levels to run around and play. All that walking and playing can help you shed pounds, lower your blood pressure, and strengthen your heart.
Dogs are excellent listeners and provide a shoulder to cry on.
If you feel like you’re going through a rough patch in your life, you can count on your dog to provide you with an ear to listen to you—no judgment, no advice, just good old-fashioned listening.
Dogs are truly non-judgmental beings who accept us for who we are and love us for it. They’re also excellent shoulders to cry on, so if you need to let out a few tears, your dog can provide a comforting place to do so.
They can detect danger before you even know there’s a problem.
Dogs are highly intuitive beings who have excellent instincts. If someone you don’t know well enters your home, your dog will likely be the first to react—and they will do so in a way that lets you know there is a problem.
Dogs are especially good at sniffing out danger; they can smell things we don’t even know exist, so if you have a dog in your home, you’re likely safer than if you didn’t.
Dogs provide emotional support during difficult times.
Dogs are extremely empathetic creatures; they feel what we feel and can often sense when we’re stressed or upset. If you have a dog in your family, you can take advantage of this and ask for their support when you need it—they’ll likely be more than happy to give it.
If you have a particularly stressful day at work, ask your dog to cuddle with you or provide a calming massage. Dogs are excellent huggers and are always up for a cuddle.
They help you learn responsibility and build character.
Adopting a dog into your home means making a commitment to care for them for the rest of their lives. When you adopt a dog, you are taking on the responsibility of caring for them for their entire lives, so before you even bring them home you need to be prepared to do so.
When you adopt a dog, you’re also committing to make a lifelong friend. This is an excellent opportunity to learn responsibility and to build character—and it’s also an excellent opportunity to share your life with a new friend.
Having a dog in your life can reduce your stress levels.
Dogs are excellent stress reducers. If you have a particularly stressful day, you can always rely on your dog to help reduce your stress levels. Dogs are naturally calm and easygoing, so they can help you relax when you need to de-stress.
If you have a dog in your home, you can ask them to cuddle with you or provide a calming massage; they’re excellent huggers and always up for a cuddle.
Dogs are great friends for your children
If you have children in your family, a dog is a great addition—dogs are wonderful playmates for children and help foster their imaginations. Dogs are excellent at providing silly and fun distractions that keep children entertained and engaged. Having a dog in the family is also an excellent way for children to learn responsibility; they can learn how to care for a pet from the time they’re young.
Conclusion
Although a dog may not be right for every family, adding a dog to your family is an excellent decision for many reasons. Having a dog in your family offers numerous benefits in addition to just being really cute and they can help reduce your stress levels when you need it most.
You can choose from a wide variety of breeds, so there’s sure to be a dog that’s right for you. Whether you have a small yappy lap dog or a big friendly mutt, adding a dog to your family is an excellent decision.