Bringing a dog into your home is a decision that can change your daily life in tons of ways. Dogs are more than just pets. They are best friends, sources of unconditional love, and can be protectors. The energy and loyalty they bring into your home can brighten the darkest days. However, dog ownership is a big commitment to your life too, and it requires your time, money, and even your patience. While having a dog can be such a great reward, the challenges that come with it must be considered.
The greatest benefit to having a dog is the friendship they provide and the energy they bring to a family. For people who live alone, a dog can provide a lot of assistance in filling the loneliness in their homes. A study conducted by MSU Denver, written by Mark Cox, said, “All those mental and physical health benefits that accrue from close relationships with other people can also be found by forging a deep emotional attachment to your pet.” This shows how you can get that same social experience with your pet from a bond and have them as your best friend. Also, in an article from Johns Hopkins Medicine, doctors said how “Research has shown that simply petting a dog lowers the stress hormone cortisol, while the social interaction between people and their dogs actually increases levels of the feel-good hormone oxytocin (the same hormone that bonds mothers to babies).” With the powerful emotional and physiological effects dogs have on humans that are so great it just gives them sheer happiness through the hormones that make people happy and connected.
Another benefit to having a dog is that they can protect a home. From LinkedIn by Mark Bosque, “a study showed that properties with canine patrols experienced a 25% reduction in break-ins and theft compared to similar properties without such security measures.” Even though some dogs like small ones can’t technically “defend” a home, their really loud bark is enough to warn the owners of potential danger, with larger breeds like Dobermans showing a scary presence to anyone walking by your home. And not just in terms of security, dogs can promote a healthier lifestyle for people. An article from the Pet Food Institute says how “According to a study of more than 5,000 adult dog owners, people with dogs engage in more minutes of physical activity per week and are more than 50 percent more likely to meet recommended levels of physical activity than people without dogs.” This study shows how owning a dog encourages regular exercise since dogs usually need daily walks and playtime with their owners, which in the process helps owners have a healthier lifestyle and stay active.
Owning a dog can bring an incredible amount of joy to your life. The companionship that they provide can not be easily replaced. Dogs provide that emotional support that you always need, the active lifestyle they support for you, and the security to help you feel safe in your home or when you’re out and about. Even though they require your time, patience, and your money, I would say the reward is greater than the cost. That bond that you would have with your dog will be the best reward you will ever receive.