Could A Pet Dog Transform Your Life? Here’s How
Many people like the idea of getting a family pet, and a dog can be a great choice. There are many benefits to dog ownership, but one of the first things people consider is whether or not they can commit to a pet. It isn’t just about choosing an adorable pooch to add to your family, it is more about whether or not you can walk the dog each day. Whether they have somewhere to rest their head and sleep and to ensure they are not on their own for too long. Knowing that you can truly commit means that you are in a better position to add a dog to your family, and this could potentially be one of the best decisions you make.
There are so many fantastic benefits to dog ownership, and many people love the idea of what it could do for them individually and also their families. Does no one truly realize how a dog could transform their lives? But there are some great benefits to dog ownership and things that you can do to change your lifestyle for the better. With that in mind, here are what some of them are.
Image source – Pixabay – CC0 License
The type of dog you get
One of the first things that you need to think about when it comes to deciding on whether or not you rate getting a dog is to think about what sort of dog you may like to have. There are so many different breeds out there, and some will have their favorites, such as a chocolate lab, for example. However, whether you look at Labrador puppies, or decide on just seeing what puppies for sale there are local, you need to think about the type of breed and do some research. That is because the type of dog can depend on the sort of lifestyle they need to have, from the amount of exercise they need to other factors such as how long they can stay on their own. Learn more about breeds on DoggieDesigner.com.
It might be that you don’t want to go down the route of training a puppy, so it could be that you want to look at rehoming an older dog. Again looking locally to see what animal shelters or dog homes you have can be an excellent starting point. Discussing your needs and the type of dog that would suit can also help you to make the right decision. Often these dogs are trained in basic commands, so they can help you to enjoy the dog ownership element from the start.
Having someone loyal and with you all the time
One big benefit of having a dog in your life can be that you have something loyal to you with you all of the time. They make great companions, especially for someone living on their own or having to spend time by themselves. A dog will always be there waiting. It will be ready to give you affection, much for some love in return, and it can sit and calm you when life feels like a struggle. Having that sort of companionship can often be life-transforming, especially if you have a stressful and busy lifestyle.
Something else becomes more important
It can be hard not to be filled with your own self-importance if you live on your own, that is. Having children puts all of this to bed from the moment you hold your baby or even get that positive pregnancy test, but having a dog come into your life can help you absorb some of that self-importance you may have. It enables you to start thinking about something else, another living thing that needs your attention, your help, and your focus. It can certainly be a great life lesson to overcome and can definitely change the way you live and think moving forward.
Your emotions change
Do you think you have a handle on your emotions? Can you control your anger, frustration, your sadness, and happiness? Think again. Starting a family tends to change all of the perceptions in life, but if you are not quite there yet, a pet dog will certainly help prepare you for things to come. Your emotions change, and you become more in tune with how you feel. You become affected by things more as you start to focus and care for something other than yourself. It can be extremely endearing and, again, an ideal preparation for motherhood. Equally, if you are thinking of adding a pet to the family, then this can be a great way to help your children learn to control their emotions.
Image source – Pixabay – CC0 License
The exercise you get could change your lifestyle completely
Who doesn’t love the excuse to exercise? The truth is, not all of us have the will and motivation to get out and exercise as often as we should, especially if we have other things going on in our lives, like working and children to take care of. So having a pet dog can totally transform the way you see exercise. Walking the dog can actually be your fulfillment of exercise each day. Walking or running could work out well for you. It could also become a real family event, encouraging your children to put down their tech and get outside in the fresh air, even if it is just for half an hour or so.
They make you smile
These days, do we need a reason to smile? But the answer to that question can be yes in some circumstances. Life isn’t always going to be easy, and it can really get in the way of your enjoyment, especially when things are tough. But a pet dog can give you the power to smile, even when you don’t even feel like it. I would say it could be similar to how you feel when your children spontaneously laugh. It gives you that warm fuzzy feeling inside, and a smile just instantly appears.
It might encourage you to stay in a little more
You may be a social butterfly or feel the need to have to be out all the time with the family, but a pet dog could encourage you to stay in a little more, is there any harm in that? Staying in a little more often could also help you to save some money, and now that winter is upon us, there are even more reasons to have a movie night at home instead of heading out to the cinema. Get your pooch a cozy dog pet bed to settle down on, get yourself a hot chocolate, and snuggle up to watch a film together on those long, cold nights.
You learn to get over things far quicker
When you have children, you learn to get over things quickly. They make a mess, you clean it up, there may be apologies and hugs, and then all is forgiven, does that sound familiar? This type of relationship could be formed with a dog, especially a puppy. You learn very quickly that holding a grudge over things isn’t worth it, and this can help you in other aspects of your life as well.
It can prepare you for starting a family
Finally, while I might already be a mom, there are certain aspects of dog ownership that can prepare you for children. The mess, the emotions, and the commitment for one. So if you find yourself considering starting a family maybe a pet dog could be the ideal middle-ground for you and your partner. That being said, a dog can be a great addition at any time, and your whole family can embrace the difference in dynamics. Enjoy!
