 If you have a dog, you already know how much fun and companionship they can bring. They also have some great mental and physical health benefits. We all know that they are successfully employed as guide dogs for blind people, hearing dogs, police and military aids, diabetes and epilepsy awareness - and their valuable work in international rescue operations is recorded too.
Dogs also been found to have important benefits to their owners:
• Dog owners are less likely to experience anxiety and depression than those without pets.
• Dog owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels - which are indicators of heart disease - than those without any pets.
• Interacting with a dog can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, natural chemicals which calm and relax us.
• Dogs provide loving and non critical companionship, so much so that dogs are being used to help young children learn to read, by sitting calmly while the child attempts to reads out loud to a teacher.
• Dogs need exercise, whatever the weather. This means exercise in the fresh air for the owner too, providing a mood enhancer and a fitness boost.
• Dogs can produce social benefits too. Pleasant conversations with strangers on a walk, or even lasting friendships can develop over dog ownership.
• Structure to the day is a must when you have a dog. No matter how chaotic your own life, the dog will require organised care. This can help a person to become more organised at times of stress.
• Looking after a dog can encourage children to grow up more secure and active and dogs provide valuable companionship for older adults too. Undoubtedly, a dog can add joy and unconditional love to your life.
While they don’t experience sophisticated emotions such as shame, spite or contempt, dogs possess a similar range of basic emotions as humans, such as happiness, sadness, relief, fear and frustration. The positive feelings they get from stroking and grooming encourages good relationships with those around them.
Rushing to get a dog without careful thought and planning is irresponsible. A dog should not be regarded as an antidote to the ills and discontentment of the potential owner. Having a dog is beneficial and a great comfort only for people who love and appreciate domestic animals and have the time, dedication and financial resources to keep a dog happy and healthy as a priority. Even if you love dogs, it is essential to realise that love in its sentimental form is no substitute for practical and reliable daily care. Dog ownership is a commitment that will last the lifetime of the animal. And at the end of that life, the owner will endure the sadness that comes with losing a much loved friend.
ADL provides courses in Dog Care and Dog Psychology and Training as well as an Ebook Caring for Dogs, invaluable for people who are interested in working with dogs or being a responsible owner.
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