Do Dogs Make Us Better People?

Dogs make everything better. They’re cute and they make their owners happier, but they aren’t just good companions. If you feel like you have changed for the better since you welcomed your pet pooch into your home, you’re not alone. One study found that over 90% of dog owners in the U.S. feel that their pet dogs make them better people. Here are few reasons why having a dog could be making us better.

They Model Selflessness

Dogs love us unconditionally, even on our off days. Rescues, in particular, have so much to teach us about trust and forgiveness. They don’t care about how much money you have in your bank account or whether or not we showered that day. They just want love, and give love. And when we feel loved, it’s so much easier to show love to others and even ourselves. No wonder 47 percent of dog owners polled say that their dogs have made them more affectionate!

They Teach Us Patience and Responsibility

Owning a dog take a lot of work, and sometimes, that’s precisely why you should get one. One survey found that 58 percent of pet owners say that their pets teach their children responsibility, but even the most happy-go-lucky adults can learn to embrace responsibility once an adorable furbaby is in the picture.

Having a pet teaches us how to take care of the ones we love, as well as encouraging us to commit to self-care. For example, dogs need to be walked regularly. This doesn’t just help get rid of your dog’s behavioral problems but also helps dog owners get enough exercise. Dogs help us make healthier lifestyle choices, improving not just our bodies, but also our mood in the long run.

They Help Us Cope

Going home to your dog at the end of a really tough day can make everything so much better. Life can be hard, but pets make it easier to cope with the bad times. We can count on our dogs to be there when we need company and to make us happier when we struggle to find things to smile about.

Studies have found that pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression, and have lower blood pressure in stressful situations. That’s because dogs help us relax and ease anxiety. The sensory relief we get from touching our dogs can quickly help us release stress. Our pets’ mere companionship can give so much comfort and help build self-confidence.

They Give Us A Sense Of Meaning

Pets help boost our self-esteem by giving us something to truly care about. 71 percent of dog owners say that having a dog makes it easier to wake up with enthusiasm in the morning. They give us something to work for and to look forward to. And when we adopt pets from shelters, this can boost our morale even more, as you’re not just giving a forever home to an animal, but also probably saving that animal’s life.

This survey shows that as smart as humans are, we can learn so much from our furry friends. Dogs help us become healthier, happier, and enjoy life more. And you don’t even have to be a dog owner to learn from these adorable furbabies. If you don’t have the resources to adopt a pet, volunteer at your local pet rescue center and start transforming for the better.