Turning Your House Into A Home:

3 Reasons Why I Should Have A Dog

By: Ava S

I believe that I should get a dog for many reasons. For example, they raise your mood, help you to reach your fitness goals, and teach a great deal of responsibility.

The first reason that I should get a dog is because they raise your mood and make for a happier home. Dogs have been proven to make people happier for such a long time. “In a previous study, Dr. Powell's group had shown that owning a dog promotes the flow of oxytocin, a hormone that decreases our heart rate and fosters feelings of well-being and relaxation.” This proves that by adding a dog to your family, you all will feel much happier.

The second reason I should get a dog is because they help you to reach your fitness goals. A study showed that even on winter days, people with dogs were more active than people without dogs on a summer day. “The researchers found that the people who didn't own a dog were sedentary for about 30 more minutes a day on average than those who walked their dogs. Everyone who participated in the study was less active on shorter days, colder days, and days with more precipitation. But the researchers discovered that, even during days with bad weather, dog walkers were more active than non-dog walkers were on the nicest days.”

The third and final reason why I should get a dog is because they teach a great deal of responsibility and routine. I know that a family dog can teach much responsibility to a child. “The daily feeding, exercising, grooming, and affection that all dogs require (and deserve) can teach children the importance of obligation and consistency, as well as an appreciation for the rewards that accompany responsible pet ownership.” Dogs also teach responsibility before getting a dog. Kids do more chores and treat people better when they know they are trying to reach a goal.

“A house is not a home until it has a dog” by Gerald Durrel. This quote really says a lot about the things a dog can do to a household. Dogs have been proven to raise moods, help to reach fitness goals, and teach a great deal of responsibility. Therefore, I should have a dog.