It is no secret that I absolutely adore my dogs! Getting Leo our first baby was the best decision I ever made. While there are more responsibilities having a dog such as vet bills and kennel costs, should you go on holiday, people often point out the bad and forget the good points. So I thought that I would share why I think that dogs make the best family pets.
Having a dog will bless you with many of the happiest days of your life, and one of the worst – Unknown.
There is a dog that’s right for everyone
There are so many breeds and crossbreeds, there is sure to be one that would be your perfect family pet. From the giant dogs like the Saint Bernard and the Great Dane to the tiny breeds such as a Chihuahua and all manner of shapes and sizes in between. There are long haired dogs, short haired dogs and even a few rarer breeds with no hair at all!
One of the fantastic things about dogs is that there is a dog for everyone. What one of us may think is too big or even ugly, another will fall in love with.
Unconditional love
Dogs have an incredible ability to give their unconditional love and loyalty. They are so excited to see you, even if you have only been out of the room for a few minutes. They want to be close to you and give you affection. Dogs will always make you feel loved and needed and that is something that most of us need to feel.
Mental health improvers
There have been many studies which have shown that having a dog can help improve a person’s mental health. I am also proof of that as my mental health has been much improved since getting our first dog. Dogs are known to be calming for those who suffer with anxiety and dogs are often taken into older people’s care homes. They are called ‘pat dogs’ and they greatly benefit the residents that get to see them.
Companionship
Dogs offer companionship and help eliminate loneliness. They can be so important for children who may be struggling to make friends at school or who are experiencing bullying as they can still have a best friend in the form of their dog. This can really help children process difficult emotions and not feel so alone. This is true for us adults as well, I am always talking to my dogs and they really help me feel as if I am with friends when I am with them.
A dog can snap you out of any kind of bad mood that you’re in faster than you can think of – Jill Abramson.
Teaches responsibility
Having a dog as your family pet is a great way to teach children responsibility. Even the smallest children can have responsibilities such as making sure the water bowl is kept topped up. Taking care of the dog as a family can bring you all together with a common goal of making sure that the dog is well cared for and loved.
Helps keep you fit
Having a dog is also great for keeping you fit and getting you outside as a family. Taking our dogs for long walks in the countryside at the weekends is one of our favourite things to do and even Faith loves coming along and seeing the dogs have such fun sniffing new surroundings. Daily walks can also add routine to your life.
So that is my six excellent reasons that dogs make the best family pets. We will forever be a dog family now and I thank every day that I get to spend with my fur-babies.
