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Sharing Your Life With a Dog: 5 Benefits

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A new study out of the University of Brighton asked pet owners about their relationship with their dog and different dimensions of dog ownership (e.g., “What aspect of the relationship with your dog do you enjoy most?”; “How does greeting your dog make you feel?”). An interview approach was used to delve into the lived experiences of dog owners, as studies in the field of human-animal interactions can report inconsistent findings, findings from laboratory or manufactured interactions that fail to represent the experience of dog ownership within a home context, and a lack of research capturing the voices of dog owners. Interviews with dog owners lasted 20 minutes on average and revealed five key themes describing the benefits of having a dog. We explore each in turn next.

Benefit 1: Dogs Create Structure and Routine

As Participant #2 shared, “you have like a reason to get up … you have responsibilities that drive you.” Citing research that dogs provide meaning to the lives of the humans caring for them, authors Lea and colleagues argue that having a dog provides consistency and helps establish traditions. Walking was oft-cited by participants as one established routine that brought joy. Also shared across participants was the notion of providing care for dogs (e.g., feeding) that contributed to the dog’s happiness and overall feelings of happiness and positivity.

Therapy dog elicits smile from college student.
Therapy dog elicits smile from college student.
Source: F. L. L. Green Photography, used with permission

Benefit 2: Dogs as Mood Boosters

Building on this notion of dogs cultivating an atmosphere of positivity, participants shared that dogs were a source of joy and made them happy. As Participant #2 exclaimed: “They’re like the happiest things on earth.” Important to note here is that participants emphasized that dogs were just present in their lives and weren’t doing anything extraordinary—they were simply there.

Benefit 3: Dogs as a Source of Unconditional Love

Consistent with previous findings from studies examining human-dog relationships, participants shared that they viewed their dog as a companion. As Participant #1 disclosed: “When you’ve got a dog in the room, it feels like you’re not so alone.” Along with the companionship provided by dogs, participants described dogs having “a calming and comforting presence.” Considering the elevated rates of loneliness plaguing modern society, dogs—and pets more broadly—hold potential to fill a void and enhance the lives of those who are lonely or isolated. Participants also noted the “unconditional regard” characteristic of dogs—they help foster a non-judgmental atmosphere where mistakes are forgiven and missteps are overlooked.

Guaranteed smiles when college students meet dogs on campus.
Guaranteed smiles when college students meet dogs on campus.
Source: Freya L. L. Green Photography, used with permission

Benefit 4: Dogs as Social Glue to Other Humans

Dogs have been referred to as “social lubricants,” uniting people who otherwise would not become connected. Oftentimes, connections are established through the routine of walking where the same dog-walking route is followed and the frequency of crossing paths with others leads to connections, friendships, and the building of community. This increase in social bonds with other humans is known to contribute to well-being.

Benefit 5: Dogs Require Commitment and Effort, but It’s Worth It

In sharing their views on the dogs in their lives, participants weren’t reluctant to acknowledge that dog ownership can be stressful and demanding. There can be challenging behaviors to navigate and upheavals in providing care, however participants were also quick to acknowledge that the stressors of dog ownership were worth the effort. Participants recognized that their bond with their dog saw them through difficult times.

Researchers Lea and colleagues, in their new publication “Dogs as a gateway to the good life,” remind us of the collective benefits we get from sharing our lives with dogs. Participant #8 shared what many dog owners know firsthand: “Now that I have had a dog … I can’t go out for a walk and enjoy it fully without having the dog there.”

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