25 Reasons To Get A Dog (And How They Make Your Life Better)

Everyone talks about how having a dog can make your life better, yet no one really says how. Sure, they provide companionship and curb loneliness but what about all the other reasons? This list could certainly be longer because having animal companionship, especially dog companionship, is extremely rewarding in hundreds of ways.

As humans, we have had dog companionship since the first wolf decided to take a chance on that first human. Since then, having a dog has been a social status and has become what many households call normal. Not everyone is a dog person, but this article is for those of us who are and also for those who might be on the fence. After reading all of the many ways having dog companionship can improve anyone’s life, those folks on the fence might consider a trip to the shelter to find the perfect friend to share their life with.

1. Exercise

Exercise is one of the ways you can bond with your dog and take care of yourself at the same time. Having a dog is one way you will always have a reminder to go for a walk or run. Dogs love going to the park and exploring, so if a hiking friend is what you’d most like, you’re in luck! Some people can even train their dog to run beside their skateboard or bicycle. Exercise is so much more fun when you have a grinning dog to do it with you.

2. Motivation

Motivation is something that ties in with the above-mentioned exercise that you will inevitably be doing once you do have a dog. The dog will not let you stay in bed all day, laying around feeling bad for yourself. They will make sure you get up and give them breakfast, take them outside for a potty break, and will want to play ball or go for a walk before the day gets in full swing.

3. Friendship

Friendship is given when you make the choice to add dog companionship to your life. A dog will always be your friend and oftentimes, your shadow. You will never be alone while sleeping, eating, or even when you take a trip to the bathroom. Dogs have a way of loving you with their whole heart and wanting to be part of your space and what you’re doing all the time.

4. Protection

Dogs are great to have whether you live alone, with a child, or with a full house. They all bark whenever a stranger is walking around the house. Chances are they will bark at the same neighbor and mail delivery person every single day. To some, it’s annoying and maybe even causes problems. To many, having a dog as your best friend and guardian is pretty awesome. They are great roommates, especially since crime has skyrocketed and it can be quite dangerous to live alone. It’s not just at home that they will protect you, either. If you enjoy going on hikes with just you and your dog in remote locations, that dog could very well save your life one day. Also, anyone considering robbing you will think extra hard about it if they see you walking with a big, scary dog.

5. Someone to Take Care Of

It can be hard to be alone all of the time for some people. Maybe you are a widow/widower, your kids have all left home, or you have found yourself without anyone except yourself to care for. Everyone needs a reason to get out of bed every day, and a dog not only depends on you for their food, bathroom needs, and water. They also need your attention and love; otherwise, they will get bored, and most turn destructive when they get too bored. Plus, it’s not nice to ignore your best friend’s needs. Dog companionship is fulfilling, and doing these simple tasks will make you feel more accomplished.

6. Unconditional Love

It is essential to have someone to love and someone to love you in this often difficult life. The look on your dog’s face once you arrive home after a long and terrible day will make you feel better about everything. After all, you have your very own live-in best friend who spends their whole day looking forward to the moment you get home and pay attention to them. A dog’s love is as unconditional as it gets. Even if you make the mistake of yelling at them or ignoring their hopeful gaze, they will still love you just the same day after day. There will never be a time that your dog will not choose you.

7. Getting Out More

It can be easy to stay inside, curtains drawn, binging your favorite show. It isn’t something that will happen too often as a dog owner. Your dog isn’t built to be cooped up always and will be the first one they tell. They will need to be walked frequently, and in doing so, you will be forced to go out. Getting out and moving will make you feel better, gives you more energy, and will inspire you to do even more. Try taking your dog to some parks you haven’t explored yet.

8. Lower Stress

By relaxing with your dog, you lower your blood pressure, and it feels amazing not to be constantly bogged down with stress. Take a page from your dog’s book and learn to relax at least once a day. If you time it just right, you can both relax together. Your dog will always want to be where you are, so having a relaxing lunch at a park or laying on your couch together watching a movie can be exactly what your cardiologist ordered. By learning to let go of stress, you will have a healthier heart, better blood pressure, and live a longer, happier life. Dog companionship is a fantastic destresser.

9. Less Depression

Having dog companionship means that they will never let you suffer alone as long as you’re around them. Your dog will be better than any antidepressant when taking your mind off your blues and feeling better. Dogs know when you are sad because they can sense it. Chances are that your dog will not leave you alone when you are feeling depressed. They will lay near you, lick your tears away and bring you their favorite toys. They are the best friends anyone with depression could ever have because they will motivate you to get up and continue with life. Dogs surely have bad days, too, but the difference between their sadness and ours is that they don’t just roll over and play dead; they get up and find something else to do.

10. More Confidence

Having dog companionship makes humans feel more capable of doing just about anything. There’s a reason a wingman/wingwoman is used in social situations; they give us the confidence we lack. You will feel much more confident by having dog companionship at your side whenever the going gets tough. Your dog might instill this confidence, but it is also instinctual for humans to want to take control of a situation if we are also looking out for another being. A dog will help you put your bravest face on and face the day.

11. Conversation Starter

Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, having a dog will draw people to you like moths to a flame. Pretty much everyone loves dogs, and people cannot resist talking to you about your dog or talking to your dog about how cute they are. It is a great way to make friends with like-minded dog-friendly people, and if they, too, have a dog, you might just have a friend to go along to the dog park next time. Having a friend who also likes your dog might even be able to help out if you or they need to leave town for a couple of days. A fantastic friendship can be built off the foundation of dog companionship. Just think about all the adventures you and your dog-loving friend can embark on. Another bonus is that dogs are pack animals, and it is good for them to have a same-species friend to chase balls and roll around with.

12. Hobby

Dogs love feeling important and like they are your favorite being on the planet. No matter your hobby, if you find a way to include your dog in it, you will both benefit. If you enjoy mountain biking, why not work on teaching your dog to stay next to you on the trails? If you prefer kayaking, get your dog a lifejacket and show them the ropes of water relaxation. Maybe if you’re more of the competitive type, training and agility would be great fun for you and your pup. Even if knitting is more your thing, you can make it an enjoyable time for your dog, too, by providing a special bone they get only when you are knitting. There are so many hobbies that you can share with your dog. If you’re drawing a blank, try googling it.

13. Someone to Share Dinner With

There’s one thing that dogs will always love, and besides you, it’s food. If you live alone and it’s difficult for you to strike up an appetite when you have no one to share dinner with, get a dog, and you will never eat alone again. Be sure that anything you share with your dog is safe and will not cause unnecessary discomfort. Some human food that dogs cannot eat may surprise you, so be sure to do your homework. Some safe foods are different types of unseasoned lean cuts of meat. Dogs, being pack animals, are instinctually programmed to eat meals together.

14. A Sleeping Partner

Maybe you don’t like sleeping alone, or perhaps you feel safer with your dog in the room; either way, there’s a good chance you are resting in a deeper and more healing way than those who do not sleep with their dog. Knowing that you and your dog are safe makes a world of difference to those who wake up multiple times a night. Also, when you brave the dark hallway to make a late-night trip to the bathroom, chances are your canine companion will follow you. There’s no reason to fear the dark if you have your protective best friend with you. If an intruder tries to break in or if you suspect there is someone snooping around outside; there is no better comfort than having a loyal protector sitting right next to you. If you are asleep and someone does try to break in, your dog will alert you and bark, which scares off most intruders.

15. Friendship and Entertainment for Your Other Pets

Regardless of whether you have a dog or cat that needs a friend, your pets will be much happier staying home while you go to work if they have someone to spend the day with. Having two dogs is a lot of fun because they will both want your attention but also be satisfied to play with each other. Having two dogs is like always having your own dog park right in your backyard. It will lower your dog’s anxiety about being home alone and make you feel even more motivated, protected, and healthy.

16. Stay at a BnB with a Friend

Many BnBs allow you to bring a pet, and what better way to enjoy your vacation than to bring along your best friend? If you plan ahead and find places and activities that will keep you and your dog happy, you will have a great time. If you have children, they will happily bring their dog along to make memories with. Many places have outdoor seating, so you can take your dog along. Dogs love the beach and any site offering new smells to sniff. You can even bring your dog camping or rent a cabin in a park. They could do some significant sniffing while you focus on relaxing in nature.

17. Better Anxiety Control

Dogs are better and safer at reducing anxiety than any medication out there. The same can be said for most companion pets. By stopping what you are focusing on and switching your focus to petting your best friend, you are reducing anxiety. The more you can escape your thought process when creating your anxiety, the more at ease you will feel. Dogs are great at taking your mind off of your troubles and refocusing it on throwing a ball, going for a walk, or taking a hike through a park. Sitting and petting our canine friend will lower our heart rate and blood pressure and make us feel much calmer.

18. Boosts the Immune Systems of Children

The dander and hair from a dog’s coat will help your child develop a strong immune system, and they will likely have fewer allergies as an adult. Dogs spend their time on the floor; your child will also share this space. The floor is up close and personal with dog hair and dander, and the more your child is around it, the better their immune system will develop. Dogs also have considerable bacteria in their mouth, and your child will receive plenty of kisses and face cleaning.

19. Better Cholesterol Control for Senior Citizens

It has been proven that having a dog lowers stress and increases physical activity. Higher stress levels can lead to high blood pressure and more cortisol being released, which can cause you to gain weight. Suffering from anxiety and depression can cause you not to want to leave the comfort of your home, which is also bad for your health because you are not getting enough exercise. Having a dog means you will be moving more and stationary much less, which in turn will help you maintain a healthier weight and feel happier. And with the lower cortisol levels, you might be able to keep any weight you lose off permanently.

20. Helps Teach Children Responsibility

Teaching any child responsibility is difficult, but it’s more likely to happen when you include a dog. Children love feeding their dog, and making it something they do for their friend morning and night isn’t too hard to accomplish. By taking responsibility for their dog, the child learns responsibility and gets to hang out with their dog simultaneously. Giving them ownership of the duties of having a pet empowers them to do more to care for their needs.

21. Helps You Find Love

It’s tough finding someone you can connect with, and it sometimes is even more difficult when you have specific requirements. With all the dating apps out, they can make it easier for you to meet someone who prioritizes dogs than if you met someone on the street. You can scroll through profiles and look for pictures of the person with their dog, and sometimes being an animal lover also shows up in their bio. Finding someone who falls into the same category is essential when you are a serious dog lover. By weeding out the people who aren’t animal lovers, you are saving yourself the headache of choosing to hang out with your dog or the person.

22. Adds Laughter to Your Life

Laughter truly is the very best medicine, and having a lovable goof for a best friend certainly helps keep you giggling throughout the day. Whether it’s the head tilt of confusion, tail chasing, or other hilarity, having a dog can be like living in a comedy. The more your dog makes you laugh, the more ridiculous they will act. Dogs know that laughter means happiness, and they love being happy. Be prepared to receive tons of sloppy kisses while you laugh.

23. Increases Empathy

It isn’t easy being an empathetic person, but it does make you appreciate life so much more. Even the most unempathetic person will feel that gentle tug when they see a dog chained out in the heat or see their buddy in pain. None of us want to see our best friend sick, injured, or sad. That is how they feel about you and why they are so insistent on cheering you up when you are feeling down. Empathy can hurt when your friend suffers, but it is also the most important life lesson. The outcome is empathy and compassion for all living beings or at least dogs. You cannot be a great pet parent if you are not able to put yourself in their “paws.”

24. Helps You Quit Smoking

By having dog companionship be a part of your life, you have accepted responsibility for another being’s life. Now that you’re responsible for your sweet pooch’s well-being, you must make better choices for both of you. You need to have healthy habits so that you will be around to take care of your dog because there is only one YOU. If you need an example of what losing your best friend is like, then being taken to a scary and confusing shelter, go to your local animal shelter and ask what animals are like when their human passes away and they are dumped by relatives at the shelter.

25. Amazing Instincts

Dogs and many animals have incredible instincts regarding other humans, places, other animals, and much more. If your dog is wary of a person, it can very well be for a good reason. Dogs can pick up on ill will or unjustifiable vibes like no other. If your dog growls at someone in your home, send that person packing unless there is a common reason why your dog might act that way after smelling someone. They could have a cat, smell like the vet, work at a shelter, or a number of other reasons. If the person is new to your life and home, trust your dog’s instincts. A dog will generally avoid somewhere that feels unsafe or makes them feel threatened. It’s also wise for you to heed your dog’s warning.