Four Facts About Dogs That Will Turn Your Fear of Dogs Into Love
“Seriously, you don’t like dogs?” I was beyond shocked when I heard my cousin saying this. Later, I realized that there are quite a few people out there who are really scared of dogs. While some of them have suffered bad experiences with a dog, some of them are simply scared, as they don’t understand dogs at all.
Simply put, it may be the fear of the unknown. And, that is when it struck me that those who don’t know about dogs need more information about how dogs function, and about what absolutely wonderful creatures they are.
These four facts about dogs will change your stance on dogs forever — and may even make you adore these furry balls.
Dogs Discourage Loneliness
It’s not just a saying that “dogs are man’s best friend.” The unconditional love that you receive from a dog can make the sick feel better, and the broken feel whole. You will never feel lonely when you have a dog around.
Call it science or evolution, but most dogs are so high on the cuteness quotient — with their big ears, large eyes, and soft nose and ears — that just seeing them can give you a burst of happiness.
No matter how bad the day has been for you, or how up-in-arms the world stands against you, your pup will always paw you, scratch you, and put their squishy heads on your lap. Trust me, they do not leave you alone, even when you push them away, and when you look into those cute eyes, every bad day will turn into a nice one.
Dogs Are Health Monitors
Doctors often recommend that ailing people have a dog. Well, some of it is obviously the feel-good factor associated with dogs. However, there is some scientific backing to it, as well.
Rebecca Johnson, Director of the Research Center for Human Animal Interaction at the University of Missouri, says that pet owners take better care of themselves, and pet companionship transforms withdrawn, sedentary adults into active, social members of the community.
Having a dog gives people a reason to get up and get some exercise. It also acts as a social catalyst that connects dog owners with other dog owners and dog lovers.
Dogs Care Unconditionally for the Disabled and Depressed
Dogs can sense your mood, and comfort you accordingly. The chronically depressed often improve once they bring in a dog. Because of their innately caring nature, dogs don’t let depression or anxiety sink in an individual.
They also often act like ears and eyes for the disabled. Some dogs are even specially trained for taking care of children and adults with disabilities. They actually help such individuals by giving them a purpose in life, and providing companionship.
What dogs reinstill in such individuals is a sense of calmness and confidence. They feel more secure and relaxed while going out, knowing that something is always protecting them and watching their back. Dogs can also help those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Dogs shield their owners from anxiety. Many dogs comfort, lick, and kiss their owners when they have nightmares in their sleep. Dogs sense the turbulence and conflict in their owner, even when they are asleep, and try to restore calmness and peace to their owners through loving them.
Do you still need more reasons to love these fur balls?
Dogs Have a Great Sense of Humor
Now, this is the main reason why I love these animals so much: If there was one animal meant for the spotlight, it is definitely our four-pawed friends. They have an effortless sense of humor that can leave you laughing. Having them around is like constant comedy reruns. No — I am not talking about the horrible dog-shaming tactics; but rather, the genuinely cute and funny things that they do.
My dog, for instance, loves music and does the cutest two-pawed dance whenever there is Elvis playing in the background. Watching her doing the canine impersonation of Elvis is hilarious — the only thing that seems missing are the sideburns.
Another incident that I remember distinctly: Once, when I kept my dog at home and went for a long shopping trip, I returned home to a house full of black pepper powder and a sneezing pup! In my absence, out of boredom and curiosity, she had nibbled into a few pillows and brought the whole jar of pepper down. There was pepper everywhere. At first, I was really mad. But, upon seeing my peppered-nose, teary-eyed, sneezing pup looking at me, I could not stay mad — and even started laughing.
The debacle actually turned into a hilarious situation. If you own a pup, you know exactly what I am talking about; if you don’t own one, hang around one. You will know exactly what I mean when I say that they have an innate sense of humor, and an unintentional but adorable skill for entertaining.
A Word of Caution
For all of those who are not so fond — or are scared — of dogs, you may have started liking them a tad bit more now. Do exercise caution, however. Though we can’t generalize, there are some breeds of dogs that are more dangerous than others. Much of a dog’s demeanor also depends on the training by its owners.
Dog bites are the primary reason that most people have fear and apprehension towards dogs.One Pennsylvania dog bite injury lawyer says, “Many dog bite cases happen because of the negligence of the owner. In such circumstances, the victim gets badly injured and often develops a phobia of dogs for life. Legally, we ensure that the victim gets rightfully compensated, but the emotional scars often stay forever.”
Are Dogs the Right Fit for You?
There are many reasons why so many people love their dogs and treat them like royalty. When you get close to a dog, you may find ample reasons to love a dog. The four above are just the ones closest to my heart.
Go ahead — get rid of your fears and befriend a dog. But, always remember that, just like us, dogs take time to open up to their human buddies, too. Give them their space and time, and soon, you may understand the true meaning of unconditional love and eternal friendship with a dog.