Why Do We Own Dogs?
Approximately forty-two percent of all households own a dog and there are over seventy-five million individuals who own dogs. Trumping cats, dog ownership is ten percent higher worldwide. While dogs are one of the most beloved companions of man, the majority of owner’s don’t train dogs, and even fewer choose to participate in obedience competition. The difference is vast.
The discrepancy between obedience participants and dog owners is likely due to the amount of energy and effort it requires to train obedience. Most who do train obedience will tell you that training a competitive dog is much more demanding than any other type of canine instruction. As obedience is inherently unnatural to a dog it requires devotion and an extensive expenditure of creativity and resources to do well. Given the vast variety of training techniques out there, it’s a credit to the dog’s intelligence that most of these methods are reasonably successful.
Above their intelligence, dogs also show more affection and love than most other companions. Dogs live for us! They accept us as their master and they treat us like kings. It appears they know their welfare depends on us, and they bend over backwards to demonstrate their gratitude. They know how far to push the line, but still accept us as their master. Willing to adjust to an endless variety of lifestyles and schedules, they make us feel more worthy than we actually are.
By and large dog owners have lower blood pressure and happier states of mind. Our physical activity levels increase and our overall health is better. From lower risk of disease to strengthening your heart, the statistics don’t lie.
As dog owners we typically feel safer because our partners offer security as a friend and companion. Dog’s won’t suddenly move out on us in favor of a better alternative! They are always there for us, no matter what.
To sum it up, owning a dog offers a lot more benefit that winning a trophy. It’s pretty clear why every exhibitor at trial takes the best dog home with them…