What Are the Benefits of Having a Dog?

The presence of a dog can significantly improve both physical and mental well-being, especially if the dog is well-trained and has a gentle temperament. Many dogs, after undergoing rigorous training with leashes, are even given the title of "therapy dogs," and are part of animal-assisted therapy programs.

Like most working dogs, therapy dogs start training from a young age to follow leash commands, assist their owners, and help alleviate stress and provide companionship. Each year, many therapy dogs visit isolated elderly people, individuals suffering from depression, and others in need, helping to combat loneliness and ease their conditions. In fact, even a regular pet dog, through activities like leash walks and daily care, can unknowingly fulfill the role of a loyal “little angel” to its owner. 1. Having a Dog Can Improve Your Daily Routine Owning a dog can help improve your daily habits, especially those related to sleep and activity. When you have a dog, taking it for walks morning and evening becomes a basic routine. This means that you, as the owner, will need to avoid sleeping in and break the habit of staying up late. You'll also need to learn how to properly use a leash for walks. Additionally, walking the dog is not just about exercise—it also involves occasional training, such as teaching the dog to follow commands, use the bathroom correctly, and eat properly. In this process, the dog owner gets more exercise and improves their overall routine. 2. Dogs Can Boost the Immune System of Children Studies have shown that pregnant women who have contact with dogs can reduce the risk of their babies developing eczema after birth. Children who grow up around dogs generally have stronger immune systems than those who don't. A Canadian research team has conducted detailed studies on the benefits of dogs for children. Furthermore, allowing children to interact with dogs, walk them with a leash, and even train them can teach responsibility, foster courage, and help develop a sense of discipline. 3. Dogs Contribute to Mental Well-Being and Happiness Perhaps the most significant benefit of owning a dog is the positive effect it has on mental health and emotional well-being. When pet owners interact with their dogs using a leash or a grooming brush, their oxytocin levels increase. Oxytocin is a hormone that also influences dopamine production, which in turn makes people feel relaxed and happy. Many dog owners notice that their dogs are highly attuned to human emotions and will instinctively comfort their owners when they are upset. This mutual interaction, whether through walks or play, creates a relaxing and joyful experience for both the dog and the owner, further validating the term "therapy dog." 4. Being a Companion to Your Dog While dogs provide warmth, comfort, and emotional support to their owners, it’s equally important for owners to spend quality time with their dogs. This creates a reciprocal bond where both humans and dogs serve as "doctors" for each other's emotional needs, fostering a strong and healthy relationship. In conclusion, owning a dog brings a range of benefits, from improving physical routines to boosting immunity, enhancing emotional well-being, and creating a strong, supportive bond between owner and pet.