Did you know that having a dog can help make you more social? A 2005 study found that "Pets are positively associated with some forms of social contact and interaction, both with other pet owners, neighbors, and the broader local community (Wood et al.)" Another study in 2018 done in Australia found that dog walks increased the number so social encounters individuals had, as well as helping foster inclusivity and greater confidence (Bould et al., 2018). In fact, the title of the study was "‘More people talk to you when you have a dog ". The social lubricant/easing effect is something therapists who practice animal-assisted therapy (AAT) use to build rapport and trust quickly with their clients (Germain et al., 2018). Dogs can make social interactions easier and more engaging by giving people a framework of questions, comments, and a shared topic of interest. "What is your dog's name?" "How old is your dog?" "You have a sweet/cool/cute dog."

In 2000 Robert Putnam published the book Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of the American Community. His central assertion was that our social connections are decreasing both in quality and quantity and this reduces their social capital (Putnam, 2000). He defines social capital as "Features of social organization such as networks, norms, and social trust that facilitate coordination and cooperation for mutual benefit" (Putnam, 1995 p.65) Studies have found that individuals who walk dogs, especially in groups have higher levels of this social capital (Koohsari et al., 2021). This capital can be expressed in a multitude of ways from connections that turn into friendships, to business/employment opportunities to an increased sense of purpose. Statistical the life span benefits of weekly or monthly group meetings negate the effects of smoking a pack of cigarettes daily (Putnam, 2000).