Dogs are known as man’s best friend for a reason. They provide constant companionship, can reduce stress, and keep you physically active. For many dog owners, your four-legged friend feels like an integral part of the family.
However, owning a dog also creates an inherent sense of security.
You don’t need a big German Shepherd or Rottweiler to feel safe with your canine companion.
Psychological and practical aspects of dog ownership can improve your sense of safety and emotional support.
With a dog in your home, you’ll feel more secure while having a fuller heart and a sense of peace. Whether you’re already a pet owner or not, let’s dive deeper into how dogs enhance your understanding of security — and so much more.
Emotional bond
When you feel emotionally secure with someone, you also tend to feel safer and more comfortable — even in your home.
Dogs can provide that sense of emotional security, allowing you to relax more often without worrying about safety and security.
One of the best reasons to adopt a pet is to form a bond that will last their whole life.
A dog can make you feel incredibly safe if you struggle with mental health issues like anxiety. Anxiety tends to be fueled by the unknown and plenty of “what-if” situations. However, research has shown that dogs can help ease that anxiety in various ways.
First, they can alert you to any potential threats. If someone is at the door, they’re likely to bark. They also tend to react quickly to things, so if they sense you are in danger, they will soon step in and take whatever action necessary to protect you.
Additionally, something as simple as petting a dog can reduce your stress levels, calm your nerves, and help you fight back against anxiety. Simply having their presence around you will make a big difference in how you feel and provide you with a sense of comfort you wouldn’t otherwise have.
Getting a guard dog
Again, you don’t have to have a big or intimidating dog for them to be an excellent guard dog and protect you at all costs. Some of the most significant safety benefits of having any breed of canine include:
- They serve as deterrents for would-be criminals
- They are loyal
- They are fast
- Their acute hearing can alert you to threats before you see them
If you want to get a guard dog meant to intimidate anyone looking to cause harm, some of the best breeds that are easy to train are Boxers, Great Danes, Bullmastiffs, and Rottweilers.
However, remember that there are some potential risks when training a dog to guard your home and your family. I
If your dog bites an innocent person, like a visitor to your home or the local postal worker, you could end up in legal trouble, and your dog might have to be put down.
Proper training is essential for guard dogs, and until they know how to obey your every command and restrain themselves at appropriate times, don’t assume they’re ready for active duty protecting the home.
A sense of safety improves your quality of life
The presence of a dog tends to make people and places feel safer. Having one in your home will improve your security and motivate you to live your best life.
We already touched on how dogs can reduce stress and help with anxiety, but there are many other benefits to consider if you’re trying to adopt or make the most of your bond with your canine companion.
People with dogs tend to have lower blood pressure. They’re at a reduced risk of heart disease. They also tend to exercise more since dogs need regular activity.
Perhaps most importantly, a dog can provide a sense of togetherness within your home. Loneliness is a massive problem across the globe, leading to stress and other mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
Combining the joy of togetherness with a sense of safety will make you feel more comfortable relaxing in your own home. That can carry over into getting better sleep, which is an excellent form of self-care that can also improve anxiety and depression. It will also boost your immune system.
If you already have a dog, don’t hesitate to take advantage of the incredible benefits they provide. All they want in return is your care and love.
Let them be a source of comfort, strength, and security for you, whether you live alone or are trying to keep your family safe.
If you don’t have a dog, consider these benefits and bring a four-legged friend into your life. You won’t believe how much they improve things.
Miles Oliver is a proud dog lover and an outdoor enthusiast. He often writes on his patio with a hot cup of tea and his 4-year-old border collie mix by his feet. When Miles is not working as an independent freelance writer, he is most likely mountain biking and roaming the great outdoors with his four-legged companion.