Have you ever thought about getting a dog? If you haven't, maybe you have failed to consider just how much a dog can improve and enrich your life. You've probably heard the old saying that dogs are man's best friend, and there's a reason why people say this. There truly is something special in the connection between dogs and their owners, something that can be hard to notice unless you own a dog yourself.

Yes, owning a dog isn't always easy. You must care for them, and make sure that they get food, shelter and exercise. Not all dogs are the same though, and if you're not really into exercising and walking, you can opt to get a dog that doesn't require much of it. Some breeds have very low requirements when it comes to exercise, and a quick 15-30 minute walk per day may be all they need. If you're willing to put in the effort, you might find that the rewards are astonishing.

If you have a dog, you're never really alone. They stay by your side no matter what, in good times and in bad. By taking care of your dog you gain a friend that will never treat you poorly. Dogs are extremely loyal to their owners, a unique trait when it comes to household pets. Cats, for example, are a lot more individualistic and less loyal than dogs. Take care of your dogs basic needs and you have a loyal partner for many years to tome.

The loyalty in dogs also goes beyond just being a faithful friend. If you're ever in danger, you can count on your dog to do everything in its power to help you out. This is true even with smaller dogs. A well trained dog can be almost as effective as a real bodyguard - they can help you keep intruders out of your home, and because of their sensitive nose, they can usually alert you of a fire well before a fire alarm.

All in all, dogs are a great source of companionship and joy in life. There's really nothing like coming home after a long day at work to a dog that's happy and eager to see you.

Sure, there are downsides to having a dog as well. You have to go on daily walks with it, which isn't always what you want, especially if it's raining. They can also be a little messy around the house, and you can expect to find lots of hair on your furniture (even with short-haired dogs). My recommendation is to get a Furminator deshedding tool for your dog - this little tool can reduce shedding by up to 90%. Just make sure you read some reviews first to find the right model for your dog.