A new study says that most dog owners would rather spend time with their pup than their friends.
Fox News reported that a study of 2,000 dog owners conducted by smart dog collar company Link AKC says more than half prefer their pet over pals. Owners said they sometimes skip out on social events to be with their dog.
Eighty-one percent of those surveyed said they spoke to their dog like they would a friend. Single dog owners were twice as likely to talk to their pet about relationship problems. Eighty percent of owners said it’s a deal breaker if their partner didn’t like their dog.
The study found that six in 10 pet owners said their dog takes care of them in some way, with many saying their pet helped them get through a breakup or death of a loved one.
Credit: Astrid Stawiarz
Credit: Astrid Stawiarz
Sixty-two percent of the pet owners surveyed said their dogs helped get them out the house at least twice a day for a walk and more than two-thirds said their dog helps them exercise more regularly.
"The physical benefits of dog ownership are often the first that come to mind, but we've found the emotional and mental health benefits of having a furry companion are just as impactful," Link AKC chief marketing officer Herbie Calves told Fox News. "People consider their dogs members of their family and are looking for ways to connect and interact with them on a deeper level."
The survey supports Calves’ claim. Fifty-five percent say unconditional love and constant companionship is among the biggest benefit of dog ownership.
“Dog ownership is a great responsibility but also comes with great physical, emotional and mental benefits,” Calves said.
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