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"Empowering puppies to be all they can be with and for their forever families."


Why bother with service, therapy and facility started puppies? Isn’t a dog, just a dog? But I don’t need a service animal, I just want a pet. These are all common statements and questions breeders using this program receive daily. So let me ask you this. When you spend time with your dog, is it therapeutic? A calming walk in the woods or along a beach, a game of fetch in the yard, cuddling up on the couch after a hard day, a greeting at the door when you return from work. Aren’t all those things better with a dog? A 2023 Time Magazine article claims the following 20 benefits of having a dog:
- Increases in exercise levels – The dogs aren’t going to walk themselves. Dog walking isn’t just for exercising them, it’s so much more! Dogs engage the world first with their noses. Their sense of smell is intense to say the least. Humans have 6 million olfactory receptors in their nose, dogs have between 125 million and 300 million. Walking your dog is a new adventure each and every time you take them outside, even along the same route. When dogs use their nose, it stimulates a calming effect in their brain. To say it another way, it tires them out mentally. So, walking your dog tires them physically and mentally.
- Reduces chances of developing eczema – So having a dog can clear up my complexion? Yes, please!
- Prevents social isolation – Our post Covid world is one where we are comfortable being at home, some people may even struggle with leaving their homes. Owning a dog will help get you out of the Lazy Boy and back into society again.
- Development of emotional bonds – Dogs often feel empathy. They can sense your mood and help to calm you when upset. Have you ever had a hard day change for the better just by seeing your dog's happy face and wagging tail, so excited to greet you as you enter the room? I know I sure have.
- Owners are happier – Can you really be a grouch with an 80lb lap dog on your lap? I think not.
- Reduction in feelings of pain – Please see above, 30 minutes with said 80lb lap dog on your lap, you don’t feel pain, you actually don’t feel much of anything anymore. All kidding aside, I still have more research to do on this subject but find it fascinating.
- Reduces anxiety – I don’t know a more natural way to calm anxiety than to be in the presence of a good dog. One that loves you unconditionally and is always there, waiting for your return.
- Decreases blood pressure – It goes without saying if you are caring for all your dogs needs, you are moving your body, socializing, anxiety is reduced, you’re overall happier and you’ve developed a great emotional bond, it only makes sense that your blood pressure is decreasing as well.
- Reduces allergies and asthma in children – I love this fact. Children growing up with dogs are learning empathy, responsibility, caring and kindness and now we are seeing they are also receiving health benefits as well.
- Owners tend to live longer – Taking care of your dog means also taking care of yourself, therefore causing your life expectancy to increase.
- Help with weight loss – Those long walks with Fido are paying off!
- Decreases doctor visits for elderly – This leans into the same premise as weight loss, decreasing blood pressure, living longer. When we are healthy and feel good, we tend to visit the doctor less.
- Improves well-being in Alzheimer’s patients – This one is near and dear to my heart. When socializing our puppies we always visit a few seniors’ homes. The joy the puppies bring to them is tangible. Those that seldom have lucid moments will very clearly tell you about a dog from their past, a fun anecdote or tale. Here’s a little secret, these are my favourite moments when socializing the puppies.
- Decreases triglyceride levels – Yet another health benefit! There are just so many.
- Owners get sick less often – Who has time to get sick when the dog needs us to be our best for them?
- Facility dogs reduce stress in the workplace – Some offices have a soundproof room to release your pent up stress and emotions, and some have a fluffy furball that is there to cuddle, walk and talk to. I work from home now (thanks Covid) and can sometimes be found talking to... one of the dogs about a frustrating moment in my day. Montague is the best for this as he tilts his head as if he is listening intently, but not really understanding a single word I’ve spoken.
- Increases empathy – In a world where you can be anything, be kind. Dogs teach us this so clearly. They love us unconditionally and we should be passing that forward into the world.
- Increases understanding of responsibility – There is nothing better to teach you responsibility than having something that relies entirely on you to survive.
- Improves communication for those with communication impairment – I’ve seen this in action, and it was so special. In one of my courses, we got to see a nonverbal child open up to her service dog. It didn’t happen all at once, but as she warmed up to the dog, she began to speak. It also happens when an elderly person starts to rub their hand through the soft fur of a dog back. It’s really quite moving.
- Reduces PTSD symptoms – If you’ve formed an emotional bond with your dog, developed a pattern of walking and socializing with your dog, reduced your anxiety, it only makes sense that spending time with your dog would also reduce any symptoms associated with PTSD.

These are the benefits of just owning a dog. By my understanding, most of these are therapeutic by nature. There are so many health benefits, socialization opportunities, exercise and movement practices and adventures that come from owning a dog. When looking to add a dog to your life, contact a breeder who is using the empowered puppy program to help match you with a dog that is best suited for your needs, family dynamic and lifestyle. If you have a dog and you are looking for ways to be more engaged with them, feel free to contact me for some helpful tips and training advice.