Why you should own a dog

Why own a dog? Most people know the answer to this question without even asking, especially if they grew up with dogs during their childhood. But apart from the obvious reason of just being a “dog person” what other benefits can dog ownership provide? Well, as it turns out, our furry companions have quite a lot of benefits that can make it a joy to share our lives with them.

Companionship

Companionship is a major reason, and perhaps the most obvious, to own a dog for dog lovers around the world. If you want a companion who is always going to be overjoyed at seeing you then a dog is the best candidate. As dogs are almost always in a good mood they are excellent company to have for lifting your spirits when you’ve had a tough day at work, or are just feeling a little down.

Staying Active

You’ve always got an excellent excuse to stay active if you own a dog. Whether it be a game of catch, running the obstacle course at the dog park, going for a jog, or even just a walk around the park your dog will love every minute of it right alongside you. If you would otherwise struggle at finding a gym buddy then a dog could certainly help you out in that regard.

Home Security

Dogs are also a great first line of defence for the family home. Sure, we can have our high tech alarm systems, but they can fail or be circumvented by crafty thieves. Dogs add an extra layer of challenge to would be intruders. Even gentle breeds such as Beagliers can make a racket when it comes to illegal entry into your home, alerting neighbours so they will at least look over the fence to see what all the fuss is about. Of course, some thieves will not be perturbed by dogs if they think the prize is worth it, but the vast majority will settle for an easier target if they notice a dog or two on the property.

Great for kids

More and more studies are coming out indicating that children growing up with dogs do better at school and are more confident on average. You can also teach your children about responsibility and caring for something other than themselves. While a goldfish could teach your children these things they just aren’t as much fun as a dog, and a fish certainly isn’t happy to see you when you get home from work (at least it doesn’t show it).

While there are plenty of great reasons and benefits to owning a dog it’s not for everybody. Always consider carefully whether a dog should be in your life as you don’t want to get one only to have to find a home for it later on; this is challenging to do for older dogs and can potentially put their lives at risk if they end up at the pound. It’s quite the commitment to have a dog in your life as they live 10 – 15 years, but if you’re the type of person who can make that commitment then the payoff is definitely worth it.