Every time you see a nice Golden Retriever on the street you declare your desire for Should I Get a Dog. But are you really ready to welcome one into your house? Even though we adore the thought of having a dog as a lifelong friend, responsible dog ownership requires a lot of labor.
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You should decide Should I Get a Dog, whether you are prepared to commit to the added costs, time commitments and way of life that come with owning a dog before making the purchase. Before purchasing one, bear the following things in mind. People enjoy owning a family pet for a number of reasons including companionship and possible health advantages.
Coming home to a warm greeting from your dog is the best feeling ever according to Inga. Although they require a significant time, energy and financial commitment they are beautiful gregarious animals.
The question is Should I Get a Dog? Taking care of dogs is a 24/7 job. Being social and able to obey your commands are skills that you must teach your dog. A dog is a wonderful addition to your life but they require a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Should I Get a Dog or Cat?
We are a country of animal lovers and with good reason, dogs and cats provide friendship, unconditional love and a variety of therapeutic advantages like better overall health and wellness. After all, who doesn’t enjoy cuddling with a furry friend after a long day?
While picking between a dog and a cat can be difficult, generally speaking dogs need more care while cats are more self-sufficient. The question is Should I Get a Dog? However if you enjoy cuddling with your pet in addition to when it’s convenient for your cat a dog might be the better option for you. Because cats and dogs have different needs and traits your lifestyle will play a role in this decision just as much as your personal preference.
10 Reasons to Get a Dog
1. We Feel Less Alone When We Have Dogs in Our Lives
Even when people are unable to support you, dogs can. They prevent social isolation by providing unwavering affection, consoling and emotional support. The question is Should I Get a Dog? A small Australian study found that having a dog makes people feel less alone.
According to a national survey conducted by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute among both pet owners and non-owners 85% of participants said that interacting with pets lessens feelings of loneliness. The majority concur that social isolation can be addressed by human-pet interactions.
2. Dogs are Good For Your Heart
Should I Get a Dog ? An extended life is one benefit of dog ownership. According to a thorough analysis of research done between 1950 and 2019 dog owners were found to have a lower mortality rate. Research indicates that dog owners react better to stress and have reduced blood pressure.
People who had previously suffered a coronary event showed an even greater degree of risk reduction for death from simply having a dog in the house. Should I Get a Dog? Studies reveal that a person’s relationship with a dog helps them cope with stress which is linked to heart issues.
3. Dog Decreases Stress Level
Your dog can comfort you and take your mind off of things. Should I Get a Dog? Dogs, especially therapy dogs have been shown in numerous studies to reduce stress and anxiety. Blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and muscle tension can all be lowered by simply petting a familiar dog. Researchers at Washington State University found that petting a dog for ten minutes can make a big difference. Cortisol, a key stress hormone, was significantly lower in study participants.
4. Dogs Help Us Cope With Crisis
Our psychological recovery from a crisis is aided by dogs. Should I Get a Dog? The College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University found that having a service dog improves the physiological and psychological well-being of PTSD sufferers in the military. Veterans who owned service dogs exhibited better coping mechanisms and a marked decrease in PTSD symptoms.
5. Dogs Push You To Be Active
Should I Get a Dog? All those lengthy walks on paths, trails and sidewalks add up. According to a 2019 British study people who own dogs are almost four times more likely to meet recommended daily physical activity levels than people who don’t. Every week dog owners walk their pets for almost 300 minutes. Those without a dog of their own walk for 200 fewer minutes than that.
6. Having a Dog Increases Your Attractiveness
Getting a dog could be a good idea if you’re looking for a date. The presence of a dog may enhance a person’s likeability and attractiveness. Research revealed that when a woman had a dog with her men were more likely to obtain her phone number. People appeared happier and more at ease when they appeared with a dog according to another study where participants were asked to rate people in photos.
Men and women swipe right more when they include a photo of their dog in their profile according to a study by Pet Wingman. Should I Get a Dog? Compared to men women who had dogs in their profiles gained more. (Moreover it shouldn’t be difficult to locate Fido pictures on your camera roll—65 percent of dog owners confess to shooting more pictures of their pets than their partners. ).
7. We Become More Social
Should I Get a Dog? We can strike up a conversation and come across as more personable when we go for walks with our dogs. Consider the number of times you’ve had conversations with individuals, be they new acquaintances you met at the dog park or your neighbors. It was discovered by researchers that roughly 40% of dog owners found it simpler to make friends.
Dogs are the ideal companion to help you make new friends and get to know strangers. Strong pet attachments make people feel more connected to one another and to their communities according to research from Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.
8. Dog Are Adorable And Loveable
Dogs have an infant schema in their facial features which explains why they are so adorable. Peoples innate caregiver response is triggered by these social releasers. Thus keep in mind that those large eyes and floppy ears are attractive to scientists the next time you can’t stop watching that dog video.
9. Dogs Bring Us Joy
Should I Get a Dog ? A 2009 Japanese study discovered that gazing into your dog’s eyes increases your levels of oxytocin, commonly referred to as the love hormone, which can make you feel better just by looking at them.
Dogs are naturally mood enhancers in addition to their many health advantages. According to a 2017 study people with AIDS are less likely to experience depression if they have a pet.
10. Dogs Assist the Elderly in Socializing and Thinking More Clearly
Positive findings emerged from studies examining the impact of dogs on the elderly. According to one study pet therapy helps long-term care residents who are mentally ill with their cognitive functioning.
Another revealed substantial improvements in social interactions and a reduction in agitated behaviors in elderly people with dementia. Unconditional love and support are provided by a best friend who is four feet tall and this is especially crucial during trying times.
Science has proven that dogs care for us in return despite the common belief that we are the ones who take care of our dogs.
Should I Get a Dog Quiz
Prior to making any decisions it is crucial that you ask yourself these questions Should I Get a Dog and know the answers in order to ensure that you have given it some thought.
1. Do I have enough time?
It is not appropriate to leave your dog alone at home for extended periods. They need company because they are social beings and you do not want them to be crossing their legs out of desperation to use the restroom. Can you therefore spend the daytime hours with them at home?
Can you arrange for a dog walker or daycare to take care of them on the days that you are unable to? Should I Get a Dog? It is imperative that you have the ability to make sure your dog isn’t left alone for longer than they can handle both in terms of potty breaks and level of comfort.
Spending time helping them become accustomed to living alone at home is crucial. Then one must gradually get comfortable leaving a dog alone.
2. Will I Be Content to Arrange My Schedule to Accommodate Them?
Planning the time you do have around your dog should come naturally to you in addition to spending quality time with them. It will be impossible for you to take spontaneous day trips or last-minute vacations without either packing for them or making plans for their care.
Do you think that a day out or a dog-friendly vacation sounds ideal? Should I Get a Dog? If not and you find yourself out and about doing activities your dog isn’t allowed to participate in you may need to think about whether you’re willing to make the necessary adjustments to make sure they do fit into your lifestyle.
3. Do I Think I Could Put Up With a Dog?
Whether your new dog is an adult or a puppy it will take some time for them to get used to their new surroundings. If you have the time are you willing to be patient? Should I Get a Dog? An older rescue dog may have been without a home for some time while a young puppy is learning everything for the first time. Dogs need someone who can devote the time and support necessary to help them learn new skills such as house training and learning to be alone.
4. Can I Satisfy All of Their Needs?
Every day you must provide for your dog’s needs. From making breakfast for them in the morning to accompanying them on walks in the rain or shine. You must be able to give them a decent place to live complete with a bed and toys. In addition to physical activity, mental stimulation is crucial. To be able to provide for your dogs every need you will need to learn to understand them.
5. Can I Make a Long-Term Commitment?
With a dog you have it for life. Therefore you must be certain that you can dedicate yourself to them for the long run. Do they as far as you know align with your future plans? Do you intend to work, move , have children, change jobs or take a trip or relocate overseas? Naturally we are never able to account for the unforeseen. You will however lessen the likelihood that you will need to find a new home for your dog in the future if you make every effort to guarantee that you will be able to dedicate yourself to dog ownership for the long haul.
6. Can I Afford a Dog?
This is the first expense of many regardless of whether you purchase or rescue your dog. After that you’ll be responsible for daily expenses for the rest of your life. This covers food, bedding toys, snacks, grooming supplies insurance and other necessities.
Vet bills are expected as well as possibly unexpected and as your dog gets older they may mount up. A trainer or behaviorist might also cost money. On the other hand you will receive free phone counseling for the life of your dog if you adopt from us.
7. Are My Motivations for Wanting a Dog Correct?
Considering everything mentioned above, it’s critical to ensure that your desire for a dog is well-founded. A dog is not something you should buy on a whim or give as a present that you might return when the receiver grows bored.
Why not sponsor a dog on someone else’s behalf if you truly want to give a dog lover a gift they will cherish? Having a dog can improve our wellbeing and bring us a great deal of joy. That being said, we should also think about the everyday things we can do to make our dogs life better.
When a relationship is mutually beneficial, owning a dog can be most enjoyable. Must I get another dog? Getting a second dog can definitely enrich your family but before you make any changes think about the consequences of adding another canine to your household.
Should I Get a Second Dog | Should I Get a Dog
As social animals by nature dogs do best in group settings. They can therefore keep each other company which is one of the many benefits of adopting a second dog. Together the two dogs can amuse themselves and get exercise. Should I Get a Dog? If your first dog is socialized with other dogs then getting a second dog is a great idea provided that it is not intended to replace the time spent with your first dog.
