Why dog is man’s best friend

WE can learn so many things from a dog’s behavior.

“We have been l i ving alongside dogs for longer than any other companion pet,” says Royal Canin’s veterinary expert Lee Danks. “They have similar social values to us and because of that, we have harvested a closer bond with them. I t i s a self- perpetuating cycle. The more they are part of our lifestyles, the more dogs adapt their behaviour to fit in.”

Ac c o r d i n g t o th e Waltham Ce n t r e fo r Pet Nutrition, a l eading scientific authority in diet and well- being, research suggests that dogs may promote better physical and psychological health in their owners.

I n Waltham’s book on h u man- a n i mal i nteraction, it s t eam found: “Oxytocin peaks in both people  and their dogs when they interact positively. This ‘ feel good’ hormone suppresses the production of cortisol, the stress hormone.”

Lee explains: “With a dog, we engage i n high l evels of i nteractivity. Dogs are most content when we t ake c harge of t heir f i ve welfare needs: environmental, c o m p a n i o n s h i p , behavioural, dietary and health. They can also become quite malleable.”

Dogs seem to have the ability to sense what’s really going on. Many of us have l ost t ouch with this all- i mportant instinctual part of who we are. By paying attention to nonverbal cues such as body language and energy, we can learn more about our fr i ends, our l oved ones, and ourselves, says Philly. com.

According to Waltham, people regard dogs as i mportant members of their families – as friends, playmates and protectors – providing love, security and joy. “Interacting with dogs delivers real health benefits for i ndividuals and communities,” says Lee. “This can be seen in the simple act of taking your dog for a walk and making friends with fellow dog walkers in the park.”

For a dog, every evening that hooman’s around is Christmas evening. Every walk is the best walk. Every meal served i s the best meal, and every catch is the best game. We can learn so much by observing the way our pets rejoice in life’s simplest moments. Take time every day to celebrate the many gifts t hat are hidden in t he ordinary events of life./

Dogs seem to have the ability to sense what’s really going on. Many of us have lost touch with this all-important instinctual part of who we are.