Can you believe there are actually people out there who have never owned a dog or a puppy. It’s true. This is a rare experience that cannot be compared to any other pet. Owning a cat is not the same. I mean do you own the cat or does the cat own you? Does it come when you call it by name? Is it happy to see you when you get home? Does it come to you when you need snuggles or when it wants snuggles? How about a gold fish. Yeah, try cuddling with that. I’ve never heard of a service fish before but I’m sure someone will try to bring one on a plane. A dog, as the say, is mans best friend. Why? because the loyalty and love the show you. And the fact they will never talk about you behind your back.

Here are some good reasons you should have a dog.

• A dog will clean up your kitchen floor
• A dog is the perfect exercise partner
• A dog is a great primer for parenthood
• A dog can make you feel safer in your own home
• A dog will be incredibly loyal to you and your family

Are dogs expensive

Have you ever seen a homeless man with a dog. That should say a lot. Dogs don’t need diamond studded collars. What they really want is a family to give them attention. Isn’t that what everyone wants. Even if you work a full time job this can still happen. At the end of the day some snuggles on the couch why you watch “The Bachelor” or a nice game of catch will make their day. Even the food doesn’t have to be expensive. You can buy very healthy dog food at a reasonable price. The bedding can simply be an old blanket with your smell on it. Or it could be the same bed you sleep in.

But I have children

Children are not pets. But they do want a pet. There is nothing better than for a child to grow up with a pet. That’s why children often bring home strays from the neighborhood. They want the best friend they could have. Here is a great post that really explains the benefits.

1. Babies who live with dogs get sick less

According to a study done at Kuopio University Hospital in Finland, babies who lived with dogs during the first year of their life were one third more likely to avoid respiratory illness and infection than their non-dog-owning counterparts. Many consider this to be a result of dogs causing more exposure to germs, increasing the babies’ immune systems to prevent sickness.

2. Pets help young readers gain confidence

Children who are learning to read often get self-conscious reading aloud around other people, but they don’t have that same anxiety around animals. Reading to a dog is the perfect way for kids to gain confidence.

3. Kids with dogs have less allergies and asthma

According to a study published in Clinical & Experimental Allergy, scientists have found that kids who grow up around dogs are 50% less likely to develop allergies and asthma than those who grow up without a dog.

4. Kids with dogs get more exercise

It’s easy to see how owning a dog would lead to spending more time outside and playing more. Dogs are a great companion for physical activities, and they require being walked if you live somewhere without a yard. All of that leads to healthier kids who are used to a more active lifestyle.

5. Dogs help reduce stress in kids with Autism

According to a study conducted by University of Montréal, the stress hormones of a child with an autism spectrum disorder are dramatically reduced when living with a trained service dog. A significant drop in behavioral problems was reported as well.

6. Family pets lead to sibling bonding

A dog in the family can help brothers and sisters grow closer through their common love of their pet. From sharing responsibilities for care, to just playing with the dog in the backyard, siblings can bond.

7. Kids who are allergic to dogs and live with them are less likely to have eczema

According to a University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine study, children who live with a dog when they are young, and also have an allergy to dogs, are four times less likely to have eczema.

8. Dogs can help kids learn important social skills

Growing up with a dog has been proven to help kids learn social skills, impulse control, and even improve their self esteem.

9. Kids grow up alongside a loving companion

Dogs are always happy to see you when you get home, and their love is unconditional. They’re the ideal confidant and an ever-willing playmate. There’s no better friend for a child than a dog.

10. Kids who care for pets learn responsibility

The daily commitment of caring for an animal is a great way to teach kids the importance of dependability and responsibility. To be a dog’s provider is an honor that requires a lot of patience and work.

How to buy the perfect puppy

Do your research. Nothing comes easy. You are going to want to make a good choice when it comes to breed and size. Some dogs can be expensive but others can be cheap or even free to good home. The bottom line is there is a great benefit for everyone in the family.