When it comes to the decision of whether to add a dog to your family, one thing’s for sure: Pet ownership is not for everyone! If your job or lifestyle keeps you away from home most of the time, then adopting or buying a dog might not work out that well for you.

Dogs are very social creatures and need daily companionship and a lot of attention. If they’re left alone day and night, they’ll become increasingly unhappy. That often translates into undesirable behaviours, such as incessant barking, chewing on furniture, and other symptoms of separation anxiety and boredom.

The good news about welcoming a dog into your family is that the rewards usually outweigh the drawbacks. If you’re an animal lover, you’ll be able to relate to the many advantages of owning a dog (or maybe even two)!

1.  Dogs can bring a positive energy into your home. Assuming you’ve chosen a dog that’s a good fit for your family and lifestyle, it can be a lot of fun to have a dog in the house. Most dogs are playful, affectionate, and obedient, and are always thrilled to see you when you come home!
2. Dogs and exercise often go together. Unless you have a fenced in yard and can just let your dog out when it needs to relieve itself, it’s necessary to accompany your dog for neighbourhood walks. While this responsibility can be shared by different members of the family, walking your dog can be a great way to burn off a few calories, stretch your legs, and get some fresh air. There are also the health benefits of taking in a little natural vitamin D from the sun.
3. Dogs help you meet other animal lovers. Whether you take your furry friend to a nearby park or just a leisurely stroll in the neighbourhood, there will be a lot of chances to exchange greetings and small talk with other dog walkers and animal lovers. If you’ve just moved to a new neighbourhood and are looking for ways to meet your neighbours, going for daily walks with your dog can be an effective way to do that. An important side benefit of having Fido interact with other dogs and people is that it helps them get properly socialised — especially if you start the process when they’re still a puppy.
4. Dogs play a role in protecting your home and family. Some dogs are better security guards than others, but most have a protective instinct to bark when strangers are on the premises. While this is not a fail-proof security system, it can definitely be a deterrent to break-ins, burglaries, and other intrusions.

Although there are a lot of advantages to bringing a dog into your household, it’s always a good idea to carefully weigh the pros and cons, and make sure everyone in your family in on board before making the commitment.