Why Do We Love Dogs So Much?
If you are a dog owner, you will know that the love for your canine companion is true love. According to a 2020/21 survey, dogs are unsurprisingly the most commonly owned pet in UK households. The latest data suggests that Labrador Retrievers are the most common breed in the UK, followed by French Bulldogs and Cocker Spaniels. But what is it about dogs that we love so much?
At Barking Mad, we love all dogs. Big dogs, small dogs, old dogs, fluffy dogs and grumpy dogs. We call them woofers, pups, pupsters and pupperinos, but most of all we adore our canine companions like no other. If you were to ask any dog owner why they love their dog so much, they would probably say “I don’t know, I just do!” Dog owners have a close deep bond with their pups which can’t be compared to any human relationship. However, here are some of the reasons we believe humans love dogs so much.
Dogs Improve Humans
Becoming a dog owner comes with a great deal of responsibility, some would say the same responsibility as becoming a human parent. But owning a dog makes us think of someone other than ourselves, we want them to be happy, so we learn and adapt, essentially becoming more caring individuals. Humans with dogs typically learn how to become more tolerant and affectionate.
Tackle Loneliness
Loneliness is very common in the UK, likely a result of an ageing population and the Covid-19 pandemic.
The perfect host with the perfect dog!
According to the Campaign to End Loneliness, the number of over-50s experiencing loneliness is set to reach two million by 2025/6. Loneliness is a very real social epidemic, in total, 45% of adults feel occasionally, sometimes or often lonely in England. This equates to twenty-five million people.
However, dogs give us a reason to get up and get out of the house. They help to combat loneliness simply by just being there. A home with a dog means you are never alone, there is always someone to talk to (even if they can’t reply). You are also more likely to speak to another human being if you have a dog, as they provide comfort and reassurance. Dog owners and dog walkers create local communities and unite those who may be experiencing loneliness.
If you are experiencing loneliness but can’t commit to a dog full time, we have a solution – become a Barking Mad host. As a host family you will care for lovely dogs while their owners are away.
Health Benefits
Being a dog owner or spending time with a dog has many health benefits. Dogs give us a reason to get outside and go for a walk every day and walking is one of the best forms of exercise. Stroking a dog has also been shown to have a calming effect on humans, decreasing stress and pain. This is because when you stroke a dog it releases endorphins such as oxytocin and serotonin.
Human Connections
As mentioned in the loneliness section, dogs help us to connect with others.
Barking Mad Hosts on an Autumn walk.
Becoming a dog owner or caring for a dog instantly connects you with a community of like-minded dog lovers. There are thousands of local dog owners Facebook groups and simply going for a daily walk to the park allows owners to become friends.
Dogs are Pawsome!
At the end of the day, the reason we love dogs so much is that they are totally awesome! They bring so much joy to our lives, whether that is by providing companionship or making us happier and healthier. So, we can conclude that we love dogs so much because they love us so much. They are the perfect companion in an imperfect world. They do not judge us for our flaws but simply love us, for us, this is true friendship.
Barking Mad Dog Home Boarding
If you are going away on holiday this year and can’t take your precious pup with you, we have a solution. At Barking Mad we offer a home-from-home dog boarding service, offering an alternative to kennels in loving dog-friendly homes. Find your local branch here.
