How do dogs help us;mentally or physically? What can dogs do for us? Why is it good to have a dog? What is the benefit of having a dog?

​       Dogs have played such an important position/role in our society and in every
human being’s heart that has a dog or wants a dog because they are not only pets but to most of us, they are like a family member. Dogs play many roles, depending on what kind of dog they are. Dogs, such as working dogs, help people that are in need when there isn’t anyone that is able to help them out.
For instance, guide dogs.Guide dogs are really helpful. Guide dogs are, “a type of assistance dog, they are trained to help people in life with disabilities. Also known as I dogs, they are specifically trained to lead blind and visually impaired people, helping them navigate situations or obstacles they normally would not be able to”

(https://www.petinsurance.com/healthzone/ownership-adoption/pet-ownership/pet-owner-topics/guide-dogs/#:~:text=Working%20Dogs%20Navigate%20for%20Those,would%20not%20be%20able%20to). 

Another working dog is a police dog. Police dogs have helped humans physically because of their incredible nose to sniff out bombs, drugs, people and other potential threats.Police dogs are really helpful because when police officers run out of clues to look for a missing person or a murderer,in a certain area. They use the police dogs to use their nose and find the person. Now, even though police dogs have not always successfully found what the police were looking for, they have helped the police officers so much faster because of their senses. If you are interested and you want to find out more information about police dogs, click on the URL that I have attached below.

https://sentientmedia.org/police-dogs-a-necessity-or-a-disservice/#:~:text=Police%20dogs%20are%20trained%20to,safe%20and%20free%20of%20danger 

On the other hand, dogs have also helped us mentally. According to AKC(American Kennel Club), “Various studies have proven the effects dogs have on our health and well-being. For instance, in 2011, the American Psychological Association found that pet owners had “greater self esteem, were more conscientious, were more extraverted, tended to be less fearful, and tended to be less preoccupied than non-owners”
(https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/5-ways-dogs-help-humans-be-healthier-and-happier/).
 

On the other hand, dogs have also helped us mentally. According to AKC(American Kennel Club), “Various studies have proven the effects dogs have on our health and well-being. For instance, in 2011, the American Psychological Association found that pet owners had “greater self esteem, were more conscientious, were more extraverted, tended to be less fearful, and tended to be less preoccupied than non-owners”
(https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/5-ways-dogs-help-humans-be-healthier-and-happier/).
 

I did a little research on how dogs help us mentally, and I found Some really interesting information. I found out that dogs can lower our stress. Studies have shown that petting a dog or a pet in general, releases the oxytocin hormone and decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol, resulting in a more relaxed state. “Incidentally, scientists have confirmed that dogs reap the same benefits from being petted. In recent years, dogs have been brought into airports, nursing homes, even school campuses to help relieve stress and pressure”

(https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/5-ways-dogs-help-humans-be-healthier-and-happier/).
Studies back in the 80s, also showed that petting a dog can lower blood pressure. And later on the years, more studies proved that dogs really can lower the human body blood pressure. “In 2002, another study found that married couples who owned a pet had significantly lower heart rates and blood pressure levels than people without pets. Furthermore, in 2003, the American Journal of Cardiology published a reported that claims heart attack survivors who own pets are eight times more likely to live another year if they own a pet—this study confirmed the similar findings in the 80s by researcher Erika Friedmann”

(https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/5-ways-dogs-help-humans-be-healthier-and-happier/).

Wrapping up this article, there really is a difference between people who have a pet to pet, and to the people who don’t have a pet. So if you are one of the people that really wanted a pet, specifically a dog, I think that your parents would really understand if you provide them information like these because it really can help you mentally and physically.