Have you been rowing for months or even years to convince your half to get a dog? Here are scientifically or statistically proven arguments that he or she will not be able to refute. Your sweetheart will probably send you pastor, but these arguments will not fall on deaf ears.
Here are 12 arguments to use when talking about dog with your loved one:
1. Dog avoids loneliness feeling
According to an Ipsos survey, 50% of dog owners from all ages say they feel less lonely. If it leans over older people, who are more prone to loneliness, researchers at the University of Rochester have shown that older people with dogs are 36% less likely to experience loneliness. A dog is a positive presence in the home that brings comfort. Your furball is always happy to find you and will increase your self-esteem.
2. Dog reduces stress, anxiety and depression
A dog instantly calms and de-distresses, it's scientifically proven. Scientific studies are multiplying on the subject and are all agreed: having a dog has an anti-stress effect. The presence of a dog is calming, and as soon as there is an interaction such as a caress or a hug, the benefits are multiplied:
According to an Ipsos survey, more than 60% of dog owners say their pooch increases their well-being and calms their anxiety.
A 2005 study found a reduction in the level of cortisol - a stress hormone - from the first five minutes of interaction with a dog.
Another 2007 meta-study states that activities with animals are correlated with a reduction in depressive symptoms.
3. Dog promotes activity and physical well-being
According to the University of Liverpool, dog owners walk three times more than others, meaning twice more that the minimum moderate activity recommended by health authorities. Going out more often encourage sport practice in general, since it has been shown that people with a dog practice more sport (i.e. cycling, running, fitness) than others, even without their animal. Physical activity is essential to maintain a good balance in life, contributing to a better health which can increase life expectancy. This is precisely our next argument!
4. Dog extends life expectancy
According to a 2007 Swedish study following 3.4 million people, having a dog reduced cardiovascular disease by 23%, and the risk of death by 20%. Dog also reduce by far stress and loneliness, factors favoring these pathologies.
Your companion will even make you rejuvenate. A 2014 study from the University of Rochester found that older people with dogs have a level of physical activity equivalent to someone 10 years younger. With people having degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, dog reduce cognitive decline.
5. Dog detects diseases
Thanks to their highly developed sense of smell, dogs are able to detect bombs, drugs, but also diseases such as cancer. Tumors emit specific chemicals that the dog can identify, such as lung cancer in the breath, or prostate cancer in the urine.
The Institut Curie has established a reliability close to 100% by dogs in the detection of glycemic crises for diabetics.
6. Dog slows down diseases development
Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT), also called Zootherapy, is increasingly used in addition to traditional treatments. It is mainly used in institutions for old people. American researchers have proven that interaction with a dog has a beneficial effect in people with cancer, thanks to more stable blood pressure and lowered anxiety. Cynotherapy (branch of Zootherapy) helps the mentally ill to reduce their disorders by breaking the isolation and promoting an adaptation to social life.
7. Dog is the best training for parenting
You don't have any child yet, that's perfect! Welcoming an animal into your home is a very good "training" for the life of parents. It gives you insight into having responsibility for another living being. This common responsibility strengthens communication within your couple, as you will discuss a lot in order to agree on the basic principles of education.
8. Dog strengthens your children health condition
According to a 2015 study, children growing up with dogs are less prone to anxiety disorders. Three points to explain it simply. First, caring for an animal occupies the mind and helps to get rid of negative thoughts. Second, the presence of a dog has a calming effect and builds confidence and self-esteem. Third, the four-legged companion promotes social relationships and interactions.
It is also proven that children who grow up with a dog have a stronger and more developed immune system, due to the many germs they have encountered since childhood.
9. Dog instills a sense of responsibility to your children
Just as your pet has taught you responsibility, so it will with your children. Having a dog will allow the little ones to understand interactions such as being aware of hurting, since the dog will automatically react with a small sound or pinching. For older children, it show them ho to be responsible by involving them in daily tasks such as feeding or walking.
10. Dog can rescue anyone
You will find many miscellaneous facts on the web: dogs who can save their diabetic master during a hypoglycemic crisis, or those who also know how to call for help in case of discomfort.
Dogs have proven many times they can rescue any family member at any time. Isn't that cool anyway?
11. Dog is the best alarm against theft
Thieves would rarely risk breaking into a house with a dog! Able to hear them from very far, and to bark very loudly for long minutes, doggie is the ultimate alarm. Whether your dog is socialized or not, he will recognize intruders and will report them at any time of the day, whether you are there or not.
12. Dog is more useful than a tear gas against any agressors
You don't dare to jog in the forest, or go to the park next door at night? Well, all that will be over soon. You will no longer risk being bothered in the street by a dishonest person, because the presence of a dog, large or small automatically dissuades anyone. An abuser will not take the risk of being spotted or bitten. So take your pooch everywhere.
>> To fully convince your lover to get a dog, check-out my dedicated article "Comment convaincre son conjoint d'avoir un chien en 5 étapes"
PS: As such it does not sounds scary. Yet, no matter the size, it always dissuades as they all make as much noise, and can alert everyone.
All feedbacks and input are welcome !
Share any additional argument or proof to enrich discussion and help someone else to persuade their other half to take a doggie.
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