There’s no doubt that a dog is a big commitment. Time, finances, and attention – these are key components of successful pet ownership, and they all apply to dogs in abundance. That said, there are so many reasons dogs make the perfect companions.
It’s natural to be apprehensive about getting your first dog. Will all your effort be worth it, and can you keep up with a dog’s needs for its entire lifespan? If you’re thinking about it this way, though, chances are you’re already well on the way to being a responsible dog owner – starting with buying the best puppy toys for your new pet. So, with that in mind, let’s explore the many ways dogs can enrich your life for the better.
32 reasons dogs make the best companions
1. They are filled with pawsitivity
Whether it’s welcoming you into a room, bringing you their favourite toy or exploding with excitement when it’s time for a walk, dogs are infectiously upbeat. Having a constant positive influence in your life means you’ll never have to go long without a smile.
2. You’ll always be a Michelin starred chef in their eyes
Day after day, week after week, that same portion scooped into your dog’s bowl for every meal will have him doing cartwheels of joy, especially if it’s one of the best dog foods. You never have to feel self-conscious about your ability to prepare a meal with a canine companion around!
3. They are super photogenic
Be prepared to flood your social media accounts with pics of your pup – with cuteness in abundance, snapping your dog will become almost like a reflex! You’ll never be short of a pupdate to post.
4. They encourage you to get active
Having a dog is the ultimate excuse to spend more time in the great outdoors. Whether that’s to fulfil their daily walking requirement, play games like fetch or head to the dog park to catch up with other canine pals, there are so many ways to work out with your pet.
5. They love physical touch
Whether it’s a scratch in their favorite spot, a belly rub, or a fully-blown cuddle, dogs show their affection through physical contact and nothing makes them happier than fuss from their humans. You could even learn how to massage a dog to unlock more benefits.
6. They are always pleased to see you
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been out of the room for 30 seconds or have just returned from a day at work, your dog will welcome you home like a conquering hero. It’s such an ego boost!
7. They can join in with your favorite hobbies
Dogs make great participants in active pursuits such as hiking, running and cycling, or taking to the water. But they’re also happy to keep you company – or even join you - in quieter activities such as crafting, art and baking. For more ideas, check out our list of hobbies you can do with your dog.
8. They are great listeners
Your pooch can’t hold a conversation with you, but that’s not to say sitting down for a chat with them isn’t immensely valuable – especially as dogs actively listen to us to get a handle on our emotions.
Articulating our hopes and fears in the presence of our dogs can be really effective in achieving emotional release, and your pup won’t ever offer up unsolicited advice when all you need is to vent.
9. They help you unlock more social connection
How many times have you been walking your dog and stopped to chat with another owner while your pups play together? This leads to friendly ‘hellos’ whenever your paths cross and is how new neighborhood connections are formed, meaning your circle of local friends gets wider.
10. You can try canine sports together
From agility to scent work, or obedience trials to dock diving, there’s a whole world of dog sports just waiting to be enjoyed. Learn new skills together, make new friends, and strengthen your bond with your dog – there are so many classes to choose from and supportive communities to join.
11. They are the perfect adventure companion
With their boundless energy and love of new experiences, dogs are always supportive of and enthusiastic about any adventurous activity you propose. Whether that’s a new hiking route or trying your hand at a pup-inclusive water sport, dogs are happy to lend a paw and give anything a go.
12. They boost your mood
Numerous studies have linked dog ownership with reduced anxiety, lower likelihood of depression, and increased self-confidence, meaning your mental health could stand to benefit from a canine companion.
13. They liven up any get together
Be the most popular member of your friend group by bringing your dog to meet-ups – plus it’s a great socialization experience for your pup, too. It may be helpful to teach your dog to greet people politely so they are invited back in the future, though!
14. They help you establish a great routine
There’s nothing like adding a dog to your life to help switch up your daily routine. With pooch to walk, feed, and play with, having a dog is a huge motivator in adding structure to your everyday life. The reward is great when the byproduct of a quality routine is a happy, loving pup.
15. They can reduce stress
Taking a pooch into your home might just be the key to a more chill you. Several studies have shown that owning a dog can be linked to lower cortisol levels, which results in a reduction in stress. Just one of the many ways having a pet can lower your stress levels.
16. They can keep watch for you
Are you looking for the best guard dog breeds? Certain types, such as German Shepherds and boxers, make great watch dogs, so you can rest easy knowing your faithful hound will alert you should anyone approach your home.
17. They can always turn your frown upside down
When we’ve had a bad day we look to our closest friends for respite and we welcome their hugs, loving energy, and infectious smiles. Dogs give us all of this in abundance and can read our emotions, so can always tell when we really need them.
18. You can dress them up
Whether you want to wear matching outfits, are planning a Halloween party, or have a family photo shoot booked, your pup can take part in the costuming with his very own ‘fit. Plenty of costumes are available to buy, or maybe you fancy the challenge of making one yourself.
19. They can change your life
Life will never be the same after a dog. Not just because you have to adjust your habits and commitments due to the responsibility but also because of all the physical and mental benefits they bring about, as well as the confidence to try new things. They give you a whole new perspective, help you realize what’s important, and encourage you to appreciate the little things.
20. You can change their life
While buying a puppy is the more popular route to dog ownership, rehoming a shelter dog and giving them a loving family is a really rewarding and noble thing to do. Plus, when you adopt a shelter dog, you give that shelter a free spot for another pooch in need.
Taking on any dog shouldn’t be done lightly, whether that’s choosing the right breeder or rehoming a dog, but it’s important to find out the things you need to know about adopting a dog before taking the plunge.
21. They improve your workplace
In terms of morale, productivity and employee attendance, workplace pooches make things better. They can even boost creativity and social connections between colleagues, too. If you work from home, take a look at some of the best dog breeds for remote workers, and make the most of your breaks by finding indoor games for dogs to play.
22. Dogs don’t judge
It can be tricky to navigate the hangups we associate with making a misstep or faux pas. Not for our dogs, who hype us up no matter how harshly we might judge ourselves. If only we gave ourselves the love and acceptance our dog bestow on us willingly.
23. A dog could help you live longer
Recent studies have shown that dog owners have a reduced risk of fatality after a heart attack or stroke. Plus, perhaps because people who own dogs walk more on average than people who don’t, dog owners also face a reduced risk of cardiovascular conditions such as heart disease and hypertension.
24. They make you more attractive
Adding your pup to your online dating profile could offer a boost to your in-app popularity – Tinder members who include a snap of their dog in their profile can expect a 5% boost in matches.
25. They make independence possible
As well as providing emotional support to their owners, specially trained canines can help facilitate independent living for people with additional needs. There is so much to know about service dogs and the diverse ways they improve people’s lives, and whether you want to know how to train a service dog, think you could benefit from your own, or want to be a better ally, there are always all-round benefits to educating yourself.
26. They are the perfect excuse
While dogs are great at encouraging us to go out, get moving, and see people, sometimes they are fantastic for the opposite reason. No matter what it is – it could be you’re exhausted after a tough week at work, feeling under the weather, or would just rather have a duvet day – saying “I’m sorry, I can’t. The dog needs me…” is an iron-clad excuse. What’s more, we’re pretty certain your dog would relish a night in with their favorite human.
27. They are super-smart
As clever creatures who need just as much mental stimulation as physical, dogs love problem-solving. Whether that’s figuring out how to use the best dog puzzle toy, working out how to retrieve a ball from under the couch, or calculating how they might get a squirrel to come down from a tree, pooches are happy to get to work. The best part? You can get hours of entertainment out of watching them.
28. They can end up being collectable
Dogs are like candy bars – sometimes just one isn’t enough. There’s a lot to consider before getting a second dog – for example, how to introduce a new dog to your home and other pets – but when you have a pair of pups who love to play with each other and settle well in each other’s company, the rewards are endless. Plus, with more puppy love to give and receive, we’re struggling to see the downside.
29. They can have a wonderful effect on children
Having a dog of your own is no picnic, and introducing a family pet into your children’s lives is a rewarding way to teach lessons in responsibility, gentleness, and sensitivity. It’s not just about finding the best dogs for kids, though – you also need to be sure your child is ready to take on the responsibility. Making a puppy checklist where expectations and responsibilities are clearly set out is one way to gauge your family’s readiness.
30. They have a positive effect on seniors
Combating loneliness and reducing anxiety are just some of the benefits pooches bring to elderly owners. The best dogs for seniors are low-energy, low-maintenance, and big on affection. Not every senior citizen is in a position to own one, but therapy dogs are often engaged in visiting retirement homes or assisted living complexes for the benefits they can bring about.
31. They make us laugh
There’s no denying it – dogs are comedians at heart. Just look at the wealth of funny clips on TikTok or Reels and there’s your proof. Whether it’s catching a case of the zoomies or falling asleep in the strangest of positions, they never fail to make us chuckle.
32. They give us unconditional love
Our pups don’t care about who we were in the past or the path we are treading – all they care about is who we are in the moment, and they love us with their whole hearts simply for being ourselves. Given any choice, your dog will always pick you.
