Time for a friend with benefits?
Here are some ways that heading outside with your furry friend can be beneficial to you both.
Pets force us to go outdoors
Liz Erfe-Howard, who’s worked in the mental health field for close to 30 years, has had therapy dogs in the past and worked with a variety of populations in her career as a counselor. But Erfe-Howard, along with a good percentage of the population, also suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) — a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons. “Getting out with my dog — even when it is cold — just getting out in the sun helps,” she says. “That exposure to light, fresh air and the exercise are good for anyone. So many people want to interact when they see a dog.”
Pets get you out of your own head
“A pet of any kind makes you more social and do things you wouldn’t normally do,” Erfe-Howard says. “Getting out with your pet makes you think of someone other than yourself.” Until she lost her Golden Retriever therapy dog to cancer last year, Erfe-Howard would often walk Samantha through Colonial Williamsburg and on campus at William and Mary.
When walking with your dog, ease out of your comfort zone and take your dog places you’ve never been to but have been meaning to go — pick one of the numerous local scenic hiking trails, parks or beaches, depending on what your dog enjoys. Better yet, find a new favorite walking spot for you both.
Dogs make great walking or running companions
Studies have showed that dogs can make better walking or running companions than friends do. They don’t complain or cancel plans, and their energy can be contagious. They can get you walking even more, too — dog owners, on average, walk 300 minutes a week, while dog-less people average just 168 minutes a week.
All pets need exercise and dogs, especially, need regular walks to maintain a healthy weight. So why not turn those walks into something that will help you both? Doing activities with your dog can lower your weight, cholesterol and blood pressure. And don’t worry if it’s just you and your dog out on the trails. Dogs are companion animals — they will be happy just to spend time with you, even if you don’t cross paths with another soul!
If you choose to run with your dog, wait until he or she has reached full maturity, or until at least 18 months. Otherwise damage to growing bones can occur.
Your pet can benefit others
Your dog doesn’t have to be a trained therapy animal to be helpful. By taking your dog to pet-friendly stores and other establishments, you will naturally encounter other pet lovers. And you never know the number of lives your pet will touch. Think about the last time you walked your dog or saw a dog out, even riding (safely) in a car. Did you smile? Did you think, “Oh what a pretty dog? How fun! What breed is that?” The very same thing happens to others when they see you with your pet. Seeing your dog may have made their day.
Even the act of training your dog can help others. Getting your dog out in public and teaching him or her to sit, stay, refrain from jumping and greet other dogs appropriately strengthens their good behaviors. That, in turn, makes you happier and less stressed — and others will appreciate those efforts as well. This also serves to socialize your dog and is great for puppies. To top it all off, you and your dog can set a good example for others, especially those who may not have much experience with animals.
Animals bring rare unconditional love and acceptance into our lives, are constant companions and provide non-judgmental emotional support. They also help us get more exercise and just plain feel better, so do yourself, your dog and your community a favor by getting out there — together.
