Why get a dog and the benefits of having one

Dogs can be expensive, damage your favourite pair of shoes, eat a lot, sleep a lot and require a lot of love and attention.

So why should you get a dog?

Benefits of having a dog

There are many reasons why you should get a dog and how getting a dog can benefit you physically and mentally, below I will discuss some great benefits or owning a dog:

Dogs can help keep you social, active and lose weight

Physical exercise is important to humans as part of a healthy diet, but motivating yourself to go ahead and do this is a different story. Dogs need to be walked everyday in rain, sleet, snow and sun and will often tell you when they want to go out, this is a great way of forcing you to get out and see what's going on in the world and meet other dog owners.

Dogs are ALWAYS happy to see you

No matter what time or how long ago you have left the house, a dog will always be happy to see you something that doesn't always happen with family members and friends.

Dogs teach your responsibility 

Having a dog requires a lot of responsibility, you have to learn how to clean up after them, feed your dog, teach him, and discipline him. Dogs also tell you how they are feeling by their different tones of voice so you will need to pay close attention to their body language to tell whether they need the toilet, feeding or even just some love and attention.

No need to throw away your left over food again

Dogs are like dustbins, they will eat just about anything! and you wont need to worry about those little bits of food that drop on the floor, as soon as you look down you dog has already eaten it. Remember to be a good dog owner and not let your dog eat something they shouldn't, some foods like chocolate are poisonous to dogs.

Feel safe and protected with a dog

Dogs can be very protective of their owners, how many times have we all heard are dogs growling at the door being knocked, although it may be intimidating to the person knocking, it gives you that sense of safety and protection. Dogs also can see any hear anything that goes on in the house before you do.

These are just a few reasons on why you should get a dog and what are the benefits of having one, but it all comes down to the owner. 

Get social with The Pet Guide and let us hear your comments on why you have (or deciding to have) a dog and what benefits you have had.