Is it going to the gym? (that’s a no from many people.)
Taking meds? (one pill can lead to another …)
Reading self-help books? (good stuff, but gives you a lot of work to do!)
No! it’s easier than all that.
It may surprise you to know that what has been proven to improve your life - your happiness, your health, and even your longevity - is sharing your life with a dog.
Not only is a dog proven to bring many good health effects - a dog is fun!
Of course, those of us who have shared most of our lives with dogs know this already.
Some may think that’s all sentimental nonsense. But no - here are some facts about the effects of living with a dog.
Dogs - free healthcare for their people
• Touching your dog - stroking, patting, or cuddling - lowers blood pressure and cortisol (the stress hormone) and increases oxytocin and dopamine (the feel-good hormones). 1 (see references below)
• Dog-owners recover much faster from major illnesses, both mental and physical. 2
• Dog-ownership protects women in particular from depression. 3
• You’ll see less of your doctor and have fewer sick days. 4
Even insurance companies may ask if you have a pet if you’re over 75. Now they’re speaking through their wallet, so they are convinced!
• And here’s the big one: Just gazing into those lovely brown eyes* measurably increases oxytocin (the happy hormone) in the owner. 5
* This works just as well for Weimaraners’ green eyes and merle dogs’ blue eyes ;-)
Active steps to improve your life
We are told that the six pillars of a brain-healthy, Alzheimer’s-prevention lifestyle are:
Regular exercise
Healthy diet
Mental stimulation
Quality sleep
Stress management
An active social life 6
You can’t argue with those at any stage of life for all-round health and self-esteem.
And how many can your pet dog help you with?
All of ‘em!
Doctor Dog strikes again
• Your dog will get you out and about regularly - from forest trails to the local shops, from dog classes to dog sports, he’ll get you moving as well as introducing you to new friends and acquaintances. Consider a class on scentwork, for instance, which will open up your mind as well as being heaven for your dog.
• While you’re paying attention to what you feed your dog for his best health (don’t be seduced by the bag with the prettiest dog picture) you can pay attention to your own diet too. Check out this excellent site to learn more about dog foods and UK readers head over to claim three weeks' free home-cooked food
• All this fresh air and getting out and about will give you an appetite and encourage deep sleep.
• Nurturing gives people a purpose and value: giving your pet time gives you time.
• Putting someone other than yourself first will stop you slipping down the road towards self-absorption, loneliness, misery and blame.
• When you’re worried, turn to your dog for a quick dose of mood-elevating hormone, by stroking her or simply gazing into her eyes.
• Dogs live in the present - when nothing is required of them, they sleep: their example is worth a good few meditation classes. You needn’t dwell in the past, live now!
• And before you start worrying about the children in your home, it’s been proven that babies growing up with a dog in the family are less likely to develop asthma. 7
All of this is from your average pet dog at home. That’s before we even look at the dog’s astonishing abilities in cancer detection, seizure alerts, hearing for deaf people, easing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in veteran soldiers, and general assistance, to name but a few.
By the way, you can teach your own dog to be your assistance dog! (Start by teaching her to bring her lead to you before a walk.)
But aren’t dogs difficult?
Dogs are straightforward - there is no hidden agenda. Contrary to what you may have seen on popular tv programmes, they have no wish to rule the world. They are not stubborn or self-willed. They value a warm bed and a full bowl and are keen to fit in with you.
Dogs respond best to reward-based interactions involving choice. What a simple and stress-free way to interact with anyone! There’s no need for you to become a drill sergeant, no need to have a battle of wills. You want this dog to lower your blood pressure, not elevate it!
Instead of barking, “Sit! Down! Stand on your head!” you can quietly say “What do you do when I pick up your lead?” You’ll get the response you want (a sit, perhaps) and everyone is staying calm.
For more understanding of Choice Training and how it can transform your life till it is bursting with happy hormones, read this post And here is a free starter email course about Choice Training
Treat your dog as you’d treat a young child in your family and just enjoy peace and harmony together.
And lots of gazing into those melting brown eyes.
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REFERENCES
1. Vet J. 2003 May;165(3):296-301.
Neurophysiological correlates of affiliative behaviour between humans and dogs.
Odendaal JS1, Meintjes RA.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12672376
J Behav Med. 1988 Oct;11(5):509-17.
Cardiovascular effects of human-pet dog interactions.
Vormbrock JK1, Grossberg JM.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3236382
2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2854030/
3. Cline KM (2010). Psychological effects of dog ownership: role strain, role enhancement, and depression. J Soc Psychol. Mar-Apr;150(2):117-31.
4. Headey BW, Fu Na, Zheng R (2008). Pet Dogs Benefit Owners’ Health: A ‘Natural Experiment’ in China. Soc Indic Res. 87:481-493.
http://center4research.org/healthy-living-prevention/pets-and-health-the-impact-of-companion-animals
5. Horm Behav. 2009 Mar;55(3):434-41. doi: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2008.12.002. Epub 2008 Dec 14.
Dog's gaze at its owner increases owner's urinary oxytocin during social interaction.
Nagasawa M1, Kikusui T, Onaka T, Ohta M.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19124024
6. http://www.helpguide.org/articles/alzheimers-dementia/alzheimers-and-dementia-prevention.htm
7. http://archpedi.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2467334
