Life is better with dogs. Not just because they're cute, but because they make people better. Nearly all dog parents (93%) in the United States say their dog has made them a better person in at least one way, according to a new study. The study found that dogs predominantly have a positive effect on a range of emotional, behavioral and even physical qualities in humans.
Seven in ten (71%) dog parents say their pup has made them a happier person, with nearly four in five saying it's easier to wake up in the morning because their dog greets them. About half of people say their dog has made them more patient (54%), more responsible (52%) or more affectionate (47%). More than four in five (83%) say their dog has made them more active, with 72% saying their dog plays a role in their workout decisions. In addition, dogs are the ultimate therapists with 85% of dog parents saying that their dog has helped them through a difficult period in their lives.
And dogs don't just stay in the backyard anymore. Today's generation of modern dog parents are happy with their pup in every area of their lives, even the bedroom and bathroom. There is no such thing as too much when it comes to dogs.
Nearly half (49%) of dog parents say their dog always or often shares the bed with them and over a third (36%) say they sleep in an uncomfortable position to keep their dog next to them at night . A third (33%) admit to having been intimate with someone while their dog was in the room. More than two in five (43%) dog parents allow their dog to follow them in the bathroom all the time or often while they are using it. So, in many ways, dogs are treated like the human members of the family. (And sometimes even better!)
One in four dog parents take their dogs to social gatherings (26%) and about one in five (19%) have secretly taken their dog to a place where dogs are not allowed. More than a third (34%) sometimes take their pup on a date with their significant other or a potential partner. Nearly one in five (19%) would like their dog to go to a wedding too. Almost half (45%) wear dog clothes for their dog and more than one in five (22%) have organized a birthday party for their dog.
There is no denying the true love that people have for their dogs. More than four in five (83%) consider their puppy their best friend. In fact, nearly nine in ten (87%) dog parents say they love their dog more than they ever thought possible and over half (56%) wish their dog could understand how much they mean to them. For many, the bond between man and dog is the same as the selfless love between people.
The average Americans in relationships tell their furry friend that they love them six times a day, which is about as often as they tell their significant other. Nearly nine in ten dog parents (87%) admit they are more accepting of their dog than of a human, and about half of them say they snore (52%), eating treats during the day (48% ) or making a mess in the house (47%) are more tolerable. More than one in four (28%) dog parents have a secret with their dog that they haven't told anyone else.
Nearly all dog parents (97%) would be willing to do anything to make their pup happier. In fact, nearly two in five (38%) would move from a house or apartment to one with a larger yard so their dog could have better playtime.
