Original Article: https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/reasons-to-get-a-puppy
Puppies are adorable animals that can become some of the best companions for people. There are many benefits to living with a puppy, such as reduced isolation and an increased sense of purpose and responsibility.
While puppies are cute bundles of joy, we can’t overlook the fact that bringing home a puppy is a significant responsibility and lifestyle change. Dogs have an average lifespan of 12 to 18 years, which certainly makes them a long-term commitment. Therefore, it’s absolutely vital to take a good amount of time to consider if you’re ready to bring home a puppy. Here are some good reasons to keep in mind while you’re thinking about getting a new puppy.
The 10 Reasons to Get a Puppy
1. Loyal Companionship
Dogs are known for their strong loyalty to their families and their capability of forming strong bonds with humans. People can experience unconditional love from dogs, as dogs don’t judge or have prejudices about things like appearance, socioeconomic status, and education.
Many dogs are people-oriented and enjoy human companionship. While they aren’t the end-all cure for loneliness, they can help people feel less lonely with their presence. People are also more likely to engage in different activities and hobbies with a companion rather than doing them alone.
2. Physical Exercise
All dogs require some form of daily physical exercise, and caring for a dog often results in people becoming more physically active. Dogs need daily walks, and many can become good running companions. They also usually enjoy participating in other activities like hiking and swimming.
Studies have shown that dog owners are more likely to engage in physical activities. Along with aerobic exercise, people simply have to move around more when they live with a dog. Dogs need to be fed, let out for potty breaks, and engage in playtime. All these tasks require people to get up and lessen the length of time people can remain stationary.
3. You Have Time for a New Responsibility
Responsible dog ownership means being realistic and making sure you have enough time to raise a puppy. Puppies require round-the-clock care and attention, and you must spend a significant amount of time and energy on training them. Therefore, it’s important to make sure you have the capacity to take care of a puppy. If you have a busy lifestyle, it’s most likely not the right time to bring home a puppy.
A puppy is a serious responsibility that comes with challenges, but we think it is worth the effort. It’s a very rewarding experience, so adopting a puppy may be something you want to think about if you have the time and energy to raise one.
4. Physical and Mental Health Benefits
Many studies1 have shown that dogs can have a positive effect on people’s mental health. Dog owners can experience less stress, anxiety, and depression. Dogs may also help with easing feelings of loneliness and they can help reduce stress and anxiety for patients in hospitals and nursing homes.
Along with mental health, studies have shown correlations between dog ownership and improvements in physical health. Dogs may help lower blood pressure2 and reduce the risk of heart disease. Pets can potentially improve the quality of life of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia.
5. Add More Fun to Your Life
Life certainly doesn’t get more boring with a puppy. Puppies are simply entertaining and can even be fun to just watch and observe. They love to play and can get into some silly antics that make us laugh.
Living with a puppy can also increase your options for finding fun activities to do. Exploration and socialization are essential for puppies, so people usually get out more if they live with one. People are more likely to visit new locations like parks, pet boutiques, and walking trails.
6. Good Source of Motivation
Caring for a puppy brings many people a sense of deep responsibility and purpose because they’re completely reliant on their humans to get their basic needs met. Anyone who’s lived with a puppy can attest to the fact that their puppies are strong motivators for waking up and getting out of bed in the morning.
People can also start to take care of themselves more as they care for their puppies. They may prioritize their health more to ensure they can take care of their puppy well.
7. Lifelong Learning Experience
When you approach caring for your puppy with an open mind, you’ll find that there are so many valuable lessons to learn throughout your journey together. Puppies will definitely teach you about patience and taking your responsibilities seriously.
When you pay attention to your dog, you’ll find that there’s so much to learn from their way of life. For example, dogs are extremely mindful and present animals. When they’re interacting with people, they’re focused on the present and not thinking about the past or worrying about the future. They can help people to focus on the present moment and not get distracted or caught up in spiraling thought patterns.
8. Added Security
You don’t need a large guard dog in order to feel safer in your home. Dogs of all breeds and sizes can increase your home security. Surveys have discovered that homes with dogs are less likely to get vandalized or broken into by robbers.
Neighborhoods with large dog populations are also often safer. Walking dogs is an informal form of surveillance, and there’s a general increase of trust between residents in neighborhoods with more dog owners.
9. Find a New Hobby
Living with a puppy often opens avenues to new hobbies. Many people discover that they enjoy and have a knack for obedience training, and they may develop a new hobby of teaching dogs new tricks.
Puppies can also be trained to participate in dog sports. There are so many different events that dogs of all shapes and sizes can participate in, including agility courses, dock diving, scent work, herding, lure coursing, flyball, and volunteer work. Along with being a great form of exercise, participating in a dog sport is also a great way to spend time and bond with your puppy and make new friends.
10. Puppies Make You More Attractive
Puppies are adorable and naturally draw attention. However, did you know that puppies can also make their owners appear more attractive? Research has shown that people with dogs appear more attractive and approachable, and dog owners are often perceived as more kind, trustworthy, responsible, and patient.
People are also more likely to approach and strike up conversations with dog owners. Dogs seem to be an incentive for people to stop and talk, and they’re often good conversation openers for strangers and acquaintances.
Conclusion
There are many benefits to living with a puppy. However, it’s important not to forget the significant amount of time and attention they need to live happy and healthy lives. There are many good reasons to bring home a puppy, and there are also reasons as to why it may not be the right moment for you to get a puppy. Therefore, make sure to take the time to deeply consider if you’re ready and able to commit to taking care of a dog. Puppyhood in itself is challenging, but it’s also important to be prepared to care for a dog well past puppyhood and for their entire lifetime.
Featured Image Credit: demanescale, Shutterstock
Source: Dogster
