Having a dog in your household can certainly be very enjoyable, as these animals can be very friendly, affectionate, and useful for us humans. However, you know what they say that you cannot have them all in life, as owning a dog also comes along with certain responsibilities and some possible downsides.
Dogs can be tamed, and if you treat your own dog well, it can certainly become your best friend. But remember that dogs also have their needs, such as food, going out for walks, toys to play with, and finding a mate.
Benefits
There are plenty of benefits to having a dog in the household. These wonderful animals can assure you companionship and unconditional love, as they are known for their loyalty and affection for their owners. Dogs can provide emotional support and unwavering love, enriching your life in many ways.
While dogs need a lot of physical activity, that can encourage you as an owner to stay active as well. If your dog loves to play fetch, for instance, you have no choice but to comply.
Let’s also not forget that interacting with a dog can reduce anxiety, stress, and feelings of loneliness. Having a dog can also facilitate social interactions, especially with the ladies if you’re not good at it, as let’s not forget that girls love domestic animals!
Last but not least, many people get a dog in their household for protection, as these animals have a natural instinct to protect their owners and their home. Dogs are known for their acute senses and alertness, which can act as deterrents for potential intruders.
Downsides
Having a dog implies that you need plenty of time to dedicate to your furry friend. That’s because dogs need daily walks, grooming, feeding, training, and visits to the vet. These are essential responsibilities that come along with dog ownership.
Let’s also not forget about the financial costs of owning a dog, as nothing comes for free out there. You need money to buy food for the dog, take that animal to the vet for checkups and vaccines, pay for licensing fees, and so on. You need enough money for these factors in order to ensure the health and well-being of your dog.
You also need to add more focus on cleaning your house if you get a dog, as these animals can shed fur, track dirt inddors, and create messes. Furthermore, some individuals from your household might be allergic to dogs or sensitive to pet dander, saliva, or fur.
Another important aspect of having a dog is that you need to offer consistent training to the animal. That’s because our furry friends need such training to learn obedience, good manners, as well as proper behavior. You can’t go out with a dog that starts barking at people for no reason, right? Dogs can develop behavioral issues such as chewing, barking, and aggression if they lack adequate training and socialization.
Ultimately, perhaps the biggest downside of having a dog is that it can limit your freedom and flexibility. You will need to consider the needs of your dog when you travel or make plans. But if you’re okay with the downsides, or you don’t even consider them downsides because you love your dog too much, it can surely be a good idea to keep that pet alongside you.
