014 A NATION OF DOG LOVERS
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IT’S A DOG’S LIFE!
With the demise of the Queen’s beloved corgis and the rise of the petnup, we ask why are we a nation so besotted by our pooches (other pets are available)?
David Leck “I
f I’d had him fi rst, I don’t think I’d have bothered with children,” a neighbour
remarked recently as she sauntered by with her cockapoo. And I’ve a friend who appears overly attached to a t-shirt proclaiming, ‘If I can’t bring my dog, I’m not coming’. These may be somewhat extreme examples of the nation’s obsession with our pooches but they set the tone for the more than eight-and-a-half million UK dog owners. The reasons for bringing a furry, four-legged friend into the family unit (and around one million of us acquire a puppy every year) aren’t entirely altruistic – all the research suggests they benefi t us socially, physically and mentally. Dog owners tend to be fi tter,
have greater opportunities to meet people, enjoy the benefi t of an in- house security guard and, with that irresistible “always pleased to see you” trait, having a dog can boost our mood, help us de-stress and even reduce the risk of depression.
Who let the dogs out? reduced and happiness enhanced. Some
Those benefi ts are also fi nding their way into the corporate world with the likes of Amazon, Airbnb, Google and The Blue Cross all proudly sporting their “dog friendly” workplace credentials. Tunbridge Wells’ CT Travel has its own wellbeing director in the shape of cockapoo Willow (right).
A study of 2,000 dog owners found they have made four new friends while out for walks or at puppy school. It also identifi ed 54% of people believe having a dog has boosted their confi dence as they talk more easily to strangers, have seen stress levels
commissioned by children’s tv channel Boomerang, also highlights the need to recognise dogs are pack animals and require early
socialisation in order to avoid separation anxiety.
“Dogs that mix nicely together can form strong
even found love, meeting their other half while taking Fido around the block. The research,
Willow
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