Wonderful World of Dogs and Their Roles in Society

Wonderful World of Dogs and Their Roles in Society

Woof, Woof! That’s a wonderful sound of pure joy and contentment for most people! Dogs are excellent animals with whom people can form mutual and dynamic relationships. Growing up, I always had dogs at home. The sound of them barking brought smiles and laughter. They provided a lasting companionship and the best benefit was our special bond. Aside from being loyal, affectionate, smart and wonderful companions, some dogs are trained to provide protection and assistance to people with disabilities or other special needs. They can perform many jobs because of their great sense of smell and hearing.
In the psychological role, a dog, for example, encourages a sense of responsibility, caring and communication. In a child, the relationship instills friendship and confidence. These are qualities children need as they grow. As a child, I always felt I was not alone and learned the responsibilities of caring for my dogs. Having dogs around gave me a sense of being responsible and trustworthy. One of the responsibilities for children is teaching their dogs basic obedience skills. In some families, siblings share the responsibilities such as walking the dog, feedings , grooming and pooper scooper duties. Dog ownership can also be beneficial for older people living alone. For people living alone, a dog can provide psychological health benefits assisting them by reducing negative moods and loneliness. Dogs are affectionate and will not hold grudges. The benefits are just as rewarding for people working at full-time stressful jobs. Being greeted with enthusiasm at the door after a long day at work by your dog and best friend is the best feeling of unconditional love.
Assistance and guide dogs are trained to assist people with disabilities, such as people who are blind or visually impaired and are allowed anywhere the person goes. They may help with different tasks such as opening and closing the doors, picking up items they drop, or pressing the button at traffic lights. These are a few examples in which they assist people, however, for these people, they are also their best friend and companion.
Our wonderful dogs are also used for therapeutic reasons in hospitals, hospice and nursing homes. Patients at these locations can often feel withdrawn and depressed. Spending time with a dog, improves their physical, mental, and social aspects of their well being. They look forward to their visits and while at the same time provides them something to talk about. These visits increase socialization and people with depression feel less isolated. I have noticed that people who get visits from therapy dogs seem to have a decrease in stress and anxiety. Family members appreciate the service knowing their loved ones are being comforted during difficult times.
In recent years, schools, colleges and universities have been providing therapy dog services to students during stressful times. Dogs are non-judgmental and can be helpful companions to students in the process of learning and with their development. They can be used to teach social skills and responsibilities. Another way they help is with emotional problems such as grief or a personal crisis. These emotional problems often interfere with school and their inability to function with daily activities. Students are not opposing these services, on the contrary, they welcome their visits and see it as a healthy method of reducing stress.
Read–to-Day Programs are also becoming popular with the help of well trained dogs and their owners who give up their time to assist in improving literacy. The programs were designed to help children with poor reading skills. Children with especially low reading skills often lack confidence and become intimidated. They are self-aware of their lack of reading skills and become too self-conscious and fearful of being ridicule. Reading participation becomes a problem but, with the help of an animal such as a dog, the problem can be resolved. When children read to others, such as dogs, it helps improve their reading, vocabulary and comprehension skills. It also builds their confidence and self-esteem thus allowing them to make progress. Reading to a dog allows them to concentrate on reading because they feel relaxed knowing a dog will not laugh at their mistakes or criticize them.
These are just a few roles dogs play in human society. Dogs in today’s society have many roles. Although dogs are beneficial and comforting, it is important to understand that it takes time and money to keep a dog. Caring for a dog entails patience and understanding. They require time and attention and may curb your social activities.
If you are interested in obtaining a dog, consider a mixed breed as they are known to have fewer health problems, but whether you choose a mixed or purebred, dogs can be adopted from your local animal shelters. If you don’t have time, money or stamina to own a dog, there are other ways to experience health benefits of being around dogs. You can always volunteer at an animal shelter or walk your neighbor’s dog.
A dog is a “man’s best friend” as many people say. They have become invaluable to our human society. Benefits of dog ownership are endless and they perform their roles without expecting anything in return, except for our love and affection.