If there’s one thing we can all agree upon, it is the amazing capabilities of man’s best friend. Whether dogs are improving a person’s quality of life by performing tasks as a service dog, helping law enforcement and military teams in potentially dangerous and volatile situations as working K9s, or simply bringing joy and happiness as a loved pet dog, there seems to be no end to how dogs can help humans.
Aside from the tangible benefits of being in the presence of dogs, there are also some other upsides that sit beneath the surface. In fact, it seems that barely a month goes by without a new piece of scientific literature espousing the benefits that dogs can bring to our lives. Working with dogs – whether their role is as a pet, a service dog, a therapy dog, or any other you can think of – provides numerous physical and mental health benefits for us.
Of course, at Highland Canine Connect, we have known the power of working around dogs for some time. Our mission is to build human-canine connections that strengthen communities and improve lives.
This mission doesn’t just positively influence those who receive fully-trained service dogs through our donation program, or the kids we help through our work in schools. The benefits extend to our team of volunteers, who show up because they believe in the mission of our nonprofit. These hard-working volunteers get to be around our dogs in training, whether they’re participating in our school reading program, visiting elderly residents in nursing homes, or even at our fundraising events. Not only are our volunteers making a huge difference to their community and the people who comprise it – they are also reaping some of the many benefits of working with dogs. In this article, we’re going to outline a handful of those benefits.
Reduced stress
It is more than just a ‘feeling’ that dogs help to reduce our stress – it’s actually backed by research. Scientific studies have demonstrated that being around dogs has been shown to significantly reduce stress in humans. The simple act of petting a dog has been linked to lower cortisol levels (cortisol is the body’s main stress hormone). Being in the presence of dogs has also been linked to reduced blood pressure and lower heart rates.
Increased physical activity
Dogs need to move around – and that fact encourages us to move around. Whether you’re taking your dog for a gentle walk around the block, playing an enthusiastic game of fetch, or going on a mountain hike with your four-legged friend, it’s an inescapable fact that owning a dog will result in an increased level of physical activity. Even gentle and moderate forms of exercise have been shown to result in increased lifespans, improved lung and heart health, and an overall higher quality of life.
Improved socialization
If you take a dog out in public, it can become an obvious talking point, particularly with other dog owners. Socialization and interaction with other people is absolutely essential to reduce loneliness, which can cause long-term mental health issues. It is not only our volunteers at Highland Canine Connect who receive the benefits of socialization as a result of handling our dogs in training – younger children in schools and elderly residents at nursing homes also benefit from these conversations.
Emotional support
It isn’t just a cliche – it’s the truth. Dogs offer us unconditional love when we are feeling at a low ebb, providing us with comfort and attention. This companionship can be particularly valuable at times of emotional struggle or in the aftermath of traumatic events. Surely, all of us have at some point felt soothed, relieved or happier just from the mere act of petting our dogs.
Routine and structure
Dogs rely on a structure to their day, from walks to feeding time. This routine is not only important for them – it can also help their owners who may struggle with sticking to a plan each day. Having an outline for each day can provide valuable structure, particularly for those who may be isolated or suffering with mental health issues.
Sense of purpose
Major factors in depression include feeling isolated and lonely, in addition to feeling a sense of helplessness or lack of purpose. Retired people may not feel that sense of depression, but they may feel directionless or bored after leaving the workforce. Owning a dog, or being involved in training dogs for others, can provide an immediate sense of purpose.
Want to work with dogs? Volunteer with us!
Our programs at Highland Canine Connect are inclusive and designed to benefit the community as a whole – including our volunteers. In itself, volunteering has several benefits, and these can align with the upsides of working with dogs. If you’re looking for a way to give back to local communities and improve the lives of others through canine connections, volunteering as part of our team is a great endeavor to pursue! If you’d like to get involved, email us at connect@highlandcanine.com or call us on (704) 500-8367 for more information.
Looking to help our non-profit in other ways? Learn how you can make a donation to help fund our programs, or attend our upcoming Annual Cornhole Fundraiser on October 5!
