Better Together: The Benefits of Owning a Dog for Us and Our Poochs

Learn how our relationship with our furry friends developed over time and how they benefit our everyday lives.

We’ve all heard the phrase “man’s best friend” before, and if you have the pleasure of owning a dog, I’m sure it makes a lot of sense to you! But when did this incredible bond with dogs start? 

We don’t have an exact answer, but we do know that dogs and humans have been besties for a long time — and by long time, we mean like 30,000 years long. Way back then, our partnership was born out of necessity. Everyone was simply trying to survive, and a big part of that involved hunting. Fast forward many millenniums, and our relationship with dogs is maintained through love and companionship. Because the best life is a shared life!

So, it seems our relationship with canines will stand the test of time, but are there any real benefits of owning a dog? Read on to discover more about how our wonderful bond was formed and how dogs and their humans can benefit from each other.

Dogs then and now

Dogs used to make excellent hunters, as they have sharp eyesight and an extremely keen sense of smell (all you have to do is cook bacon a few rooms away to discover this). But that’s not where their uses end. As daily life became about more than just survival, humans continued to develop dogs’ instincts and create new breeds to work alongside them. For example, when people began keeping livestock, dogs served as herders and guardians — think sheepdogs or border collies. Other breeds, like terriers, were responsible for keeping barns free from rodents.

It wasn’t until the late 18th century that pet ownership became popular among the middle-class. So, we can thank the Victorians for creating the dog-friendly family households we know today. While some dogs still have jobs, most have become much loved members of the family.

A great time to be a dog

In fact, dogs have never had it better. Our pets are like our children. We shower them with love, affection and gifts. We pamper them with tasty dog treats and feed them meals that look and taste like something we’d feed ourselves (Why, hello there, CESAR® NATURAL GOODNESS™ — it’s too bad we can’t actually eat them). They sleep in our beds and get tons of belly rubs and kisses.

The benefits of owning a dog:

While dogs definitely have it good, our four-legged friends make our lives better than we could have ever imagined. Here are just a few of the reasons why.

Dogs give us a sense of purpose and companionship

You’ve always got a friend when you have a dog. Being a pet parent gives us purpose and helps us maintain a daily routine, which can be really valuable for our mental wellbeing. Our canine companions also offer us their unconditional love and support, easing feelings of loneliness.

There are lots of fun things to do with your dog

Let’s face it, life’s simply more enjoyable with a dog. There are so many fun things to do with your dog, like walking or running through beautiful places together, meeting friends for playdates, going on dog-friendly adventures, doing agility lessons together and much more. There’s never a dull moment! Our article about the joy of growing up with a dog talks about this further.

There are health benefits of owning a dog

Dogs give us a reason to get up and move each day. Whether we’re taking our best friend for a walk around the block or exploring a new trail, that extra movement can have a positive impact on our physical and mental health. Check out our article about how pets help our mental health to learn more about this.

Dogs help us connect with others

Our furry friends can help us be more social with our human friends, as doggy play dates are on the cards. And the next time you pass another dog owner on your walk or strike up a conversation at the dog park, you can thank your pooch for helping you connect more with others.

Humans and dogs: We’re just better together! We’ve been best of friends for many millennia and we’re on track for many more. Visit our dog care blog for all our latest tips on owning a dog, caring for your pooch and showing them the love they deserve.