5 Reasons to Take Your Dog With You Everywhere

Your dog deserves more hang out time than just a few hours on a couch with you every night. While most of us are unable to stay home with our dogs all day, there are ways to squeeze in more time with your lovable pet throughout the week. We all find time in our active lives to do the things we enjoy, from picnics and concerts in the park to fishing and camping. Here’s why you should use every opportunity you can to take your dog with you!

1. Dogs are social animals

Dogs love socializing and crave attention. Providing your dog with proper socialization, training, and love will ensure that you have a happy and healthy pet. Dogs that do not get enough socialization often struggle with anxiety, fear, and behavioral issues. Not only will your pet love spending extra time with you, their owner and best friend, they will benefit from interacting with other people, environments, and even other animals.   

2. Dogs get lonely

While our furry friends might not experience feelings of loneliness in the same way humans do, it’s clear that they do get lonely when left alone for long periods of time. Some dogs act out in obvious ways such as chewing furniture or digging through the trash, which is certainly not something you want to come home to after a long day of work. Other dogs will spend the afternoons barking and howling, which may not affect you, but just might drive your neighbors crazy. If you are unable to stay home and cannot take your dog to work with you, make sure you spend plenty of time with your pet before and after work so that they feel they are getting the love and attention they crave.

3. Dogs encourage you to be more active

If you tend to gravitate to the couch after work, that’s all the more reason to get out of the house. Before you get too comfortable in front of the TV, head to the park with your dog. The combination of fresh air and your dog’s enthusiasm may very well motivate you to walk a bit further or play fetch a little longer. You and your dog will both benefit from the exercise and time spent together.

4. It Helps Save on Doggie Day Care Costs

Sure, you could pay someone else to hang out with your dog, but wouldn’t you rather be the one playing with your pet? Doggie Day Cares are a great option for when you simply cannot be with your dog and don’t want them to be alone for long periods, but those fees can add up quickly! Why not grab the kennel and take your pet along with you to many of your leisure time activities and events? While most dogs love to play, a well-trained dog can still benefit from just laying around at your feet instead of lounging around the house alone. 

5. Dogs reduce stress

Studies show that friendly interaction between humans and dogs releases oxytocin in both humans and dogs. Oxytocin is often referred to as the “love hormone,” and helps create a sense of comfort and trust between you and your dog. In a New York Times article, pet expert, Karin Winegar, explains that “the human-animal bond bypasses the intellect and goes straight to the heart and emotions and nurtures us in ways that nothing else can.” Spending more time with your dog is an all around mood booster and stress reducer. 

If your employer has not instituted a Bring Your Dog to Work day yet, consider showing them this list!  Then, set your alarm a little earlier for some before-work playtime, dedicate some after-work hours to quality time with your pet, and always make the most of the weekends!