The Relationship between Dogs and Humans

Dogs and Human Relationship

Dogs are widely referred to as ‘Man’s Best Friend’. Dogs are included as part of human society. Our relationship with the dog is much more varied, intense, and independent than with any other living species. Keeping a dog as a pet is a joy and a privilege, but it is also a responsibility. Although dogs have their basic requirements similar, different breeds, have very different emotional needs, but you can always count on their loyalty, the dog’s superior physical design and senses were obvious to our ancestors and by harnessing these attributes, the dog became – and still remains throughout the world – our best animal friend. That relationship continues to evolve and develop, with dogs more popular now than they have ever been.

You can observe a great dog human relationship is when a dog really knows his owner by the way he communicates with him. A dog can be part of a family as the protector. They will always be there and protect you no matter what happens. Dogs also have feelings that can cope with humans. If you feel sad, they can comfort you. They know how to make you happy. Sometimes dogs need attention, that’s why sometimes dogs do things like, nibbling your slippers or gnawing your fingers. But dogs do little things that make us smile. They always bark to greet you at the door; they know when you need them, etc.

A dog can be the best pet for you but it is up to you if you prefer cats than dogs. As a dog owner, I have 10 reasons why dogs are called man’s best friend.

1. They don’t need to say anything to make you feel better on a really bad day.

Dogs literally don’t speak like us, humans. They just bark, whine, and wag their tails. They do this just to put a smile on our face. If you have a bad day, try talking to your dog about your problems even they don’t understand what you’re saying, they will just tilt their head and stare at you but in the end they end up making you happy by doing little things like hugging you, licking you (it means kiss to them)

2. They’ll protect you. Always!

Throughout history, one of the main jobs of the domesticated dog has been to protect its owners and guard against unwelcomed people or animals. While many modern dogs will spontaneously act as home guardians, there are particular breeds that are known for holding the characteristics needed to best avert unwanted intruders.

Expert dog trainers consider the following breeds to be the top 10 best guard dog breeds:

1. Bullmastiff– This breed is known for its physical strength, protection instincts, courageousness, and extreme family loyalty. If an intruder crosses its path, a Bullmastiff will typically use its strength to knock them over or block their path. The breed is very docile in a family environment, however, and makes a great household pet.

2. Doberman Pinscher– If you have a large piece of property that you are trying to protect, a Doberman pinscher is a great guard dog for you. This breed is incredibly fast and is able to reach an intruder in a short amount of time. Known as the fifth-smartest dog breed in the world, Dobermans are fearless, alert, and loyal dogs.

3. Rottweiler– Originally bred as cattle-protecting dogs, Rottweilers are known to be relentless protectors of their pack. They are an intelligent breed and extremely loyal to their owners. Rottweilers are known to be aloof with strangers until properly introduced to them and are very quick learners.

4. Komodor– Traditionally used to protect herds of sheep, the Komodor possesses natural guard dog ability. This breed is active, courageous, loyal and known for its dignity and strength. If properly socialized and trained in obedience, this breed makes a devoted family pet.

5. Puli– Pulis are known for their suspicious nature. They are always alert and will bark to alert their owners of anything out of the ordinary. Pulis are very smart and require constant companionship. They make great additions to families with active lifestyles, as they love hiking, running, and outdoor activities.

6. Giant Schnauzer– Giant Schnauzers are strong, powerful, and dominant dogs that require strict training. This breed requires a lot of mental and physical stimulation and requires constant attention. Giant Schnauzers are powerful, compact, and intimidating. Their extreme family loyalty makes them excellent guard dogs.

7. German Shepherd– German Shepherds are bold, confident, and fearless. They are extremely intelligent and quick to learn commands, thus making them a favorite police dog breed. German Shepherds have a calm demeanor when in a household but can quickly react when their family or home is threatened.

8. Rhodesian Ridgeback– Originally bred to hunt lions, this dog has a strong prey drive and tends to be independent in nature. Ridgebacks are loyal and make natural watchdogs. They are said to be selective in their barking so when a Ridgeback barks, it needs to be taken seriously. Rhodesian Ridgebacks must be properly trained and managed, as they are not naturally obedient. The breed loves to cuddle and often thinks it’s a lapdog.

9. Kuvasz– This breed is very territorial and has a strong instinct to guard its family and home. The Kuvasz tends to be aloof with strangers but craves affection from its family.

10. Staffordshire Terrier– Often confused with the American Pit Bull Terrier, the Staffordshire terrier was bred for bear and bull fighting. Their aggressive and protective natures make them excellent guard dogs but require them to be properly socialized and trained from an early age. Staffordshire Terriers make great household pets, known to only be aggressive when protecting a family member.

Owning a guard dog comes with great responsibility. In order to ensure the safety of family members, guests, and neighbors, guard dogs must be properly socialized and trained, and need to view their owners as their pack leaders.

3. Dogs have your back.

Dogs always have your back when you fall down. They don’t leave you behind. Like a true friend, they have the same problem as you are and the one you share everything with. They are always there right beside you when you feel down. They find things that you can’t find.

4. They just love to take care of you.

Dogs are likely to care about you even though you’re the one that should take care of them. They secretly watch over you even when you’re asleep just to be sure that you’re safe. They know how to make you feel safe around them.

5. Instant stress relievers.

Dogs are blessed for having a cute face. You can never resist their cuteness especially when they are still a pup. You can just stare at them the whole day to relieve from stress and depression. They’re like a stuff toy that you can play with. They will do anything for you just to make you happy.

6. Dogs are motivational tools.

Dogspreferbeing active, at least when they’re younger. Make use of their abundance of energy and take them on walks, or, runs. They’ll be exhausted and supremely entertained, and you’ll be on track to becoming a healthier person.

7. Dogs are very smart.

Intelligence varies depending on the kind of breed you get, but overall, dogs are some of the most intuitive animals around. This is demonstrated by their multiple facial expressions their ability to deviously hide toys in the strangest of places, and more.

8. You’ll never feel alone.

When you are alone in your house, you always have your dog beside you. You can do many things with him. You’ll have your best bud for the rest of your life.

9. Dogs won’t leave you.

When the time comes that you don’t feel you need a company of a dog, the dog will always be beside you because you are his leader. He is faithful to his owner even you scold at him. He is like your partner in life that you’ll never regret.

10. They know how to make you feel special.

Even though you are not that special to others, your dog always makes you feel special. You are his world; he follows you forever like a tail. He’ll never leave you nor make you sad. That’s how special you are to him.

There are also studies that have been conducted to research the physical, emotional, and social benefits of canine relationship.

Physical Benefits

• Studies of people undergoing stress tests or physical examinations have demonstrated that the presence of a dog lowered their heart rate and blood pressure during testing.
• People who own pets often have better physical health due to the need to exercise and care for their pets.
• People with pets have been found to have lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels when compared to people who did not have pets, even when matched for weight, diet, and smoking habits.

Emotional Benefits

• Pet owners tend to feel less afraid of being a victim of crime when walking with a dog or having a dog in the home.
• Pets can help us relax and focus our attention away from our problems and worries.
• More and more studies show how important touch is to our physical and emotional health.
• Pets decrease our feelings of loneliness and isolation by providing companionship to all generations.
• Pets can help ease the sense of loneliness or isolation we feel.
• Everyone needs to feel needed and have something to care for. Many elderly citizens or people living alone will tell you their pet gives them a reason for living.
• Having a pet can help us remain more active. We may not only get more exercise from walking a dog, but we also increase our activity through feeding, grooming, and otherwise caring for our pet.
• Pets provide some consistency to our lives. Caring for a pet can significantly affect our routine and gives us something to do and look forward to each day.

Social Benefits

• A study in a veteran’s hospital showed that the residents had more verbal interactions with each other when a dog was present in the room than when there was no dog present. Dogs were also shown to increase socialization among persons with Alzheimer’s disease in a Special Care Unit of a nursing home.
• Residents in long-term care facilities were more likely to attend activity sessions when an animal was going to be present.

Dogs have not only offered love and affection, but worked side-by-side with their human counterpart for centuries. That is why dogs are called a man’s best friend. A dog will be your loyal friend for life. They say dog is a man’s best friend. They are always there when you feel sad or depressed to comfort you. Dogs share a bond with us that are difficult to replicate with people. Caring for a dog involves a lot of responsibility. Dogs treat you like how you treat them. If you give so much love to them, they will give a lot more than you gave them. You treat them as a family member. Why dogs are the best pet? Dogs are the best pet because they never ask for anything in return but your love. You could say that they are the best pet, friend, or family you’d ever had, they will unconditionally love you. They are smart and can be trained and they very easily become part of the family. They are much more interactive than a pet that you just keep in a cage and have much more personality as well. They are also protectors of your home and family. He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. A dog thinks of you as his life, his love, his leader. A dog will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. That’s was it like to have a dog as a best friend.

References

Alderton, D. (2010). The Dog Selector: How to Choose the Right Dog for you. New York: Barron’s.

Dogs Are Better Than Cats. (n.d.). Retrieved from Buzzfeed: http://www.buzzfeed.com/tag/dogs_are_better_than_cats?s=mobile

Edward Jesse, E. (1846). Anecdotes of Dogs. Retrieved from Project Gutenberg: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/26500/26500-h/26500-h.htm

Fogle, B. (2006). RSPCA Complete Dog Care Manual. London: DK Pub.

Introduction to Dog Types. (n.d.). Retrieved from Purina: http://www.purina.co.uk/content/the-right-pet-for-you/choosing-a-dog/getting-a-new-dog/introduction-to-dog-types

Leighton, R. (1910). Dogs and All About Them. Cassell and Company, Ltd.

Youatt, W. (1845). The Dog. London.

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