Dogs are a major part of today's society. Most families around the world own a dog. More than 44% of people in the United States own a dog (U.S. Pet Ownership Statistics). There are tons of dog breeds, some of the most popular being Labrador Retriever, French Bulldog, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. The number 1 pet in the world is a dog. Dogs look for leadership and companionship, and they are great to have as something to build the family and make everyone closer. Dogs even help many people with stress, disabilities, work, and so much more.

People and kids often stress over many things everyday. Dogs can be incredibly beneficial in helping with this. Spending time with a dog has been shown to reduce anxiety and lower stress levels. Individuals who own dogs typically have lower blood pressure and a lower risk of heart disease. It has been shown that even simple activity with a dog increases levels of the uplifting brain chemicals dopamine and oxytocin, which develops positive emotions and strengthens bonds between owners and dogs (American Heart Association). The companionship and unconditional love that dogs provide can offer comfort during challenging times. Colleges and many other schools as it gets closer to finals bring in dogs to calm the students down. Additionally, engaging in activities like walking or playing with a dog can promote physical activity and relaxation, further aiding in stress relief. Dogs have a unique ability to sense their owner's emotions and offer support, making them valuable allies in managing stress and promoting emotional well-being.

Dogs are not just amazing at aiding with stress, they can also be incredible helpers for people with disabilities. Service dogs are trained to assist individuals with various disabilities, such as visual impairments, mobility limitations, and medical conditions like epilepsy or diabetes. Aid dogs have received specialized training to warn their owners of potentially fatal blood sugar highs and lows (hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia). The dog owner then knows to test their blood and administer insulin or consume glucose to correct the levels. Diabetic alert dogs give their owners an increased sense of security and freedom, much like other service dogs do (Types of Service Dogs). Service dogs are allowed to be with their person, even in places that don’t allow pets. These dogs are put through an extensive amount of training before being guardians to their owner. Their presence can enhance independence, safety, and overall quality of life for individuals with disabilities, making them invaluable partners in everyday tasks and activities. 

Dogs are like superheroes when it comes to the workforce. In law enforcement and the military, specially trained dogs play vital roles in many tasks. In law enforcement, police dogs often referred to as K-9 units, mainly being German Shepards, assist in detecting drugs, explosives, and tracking suspects. For drug dogs after 64 seconds of searching, canines were able to identify hidden drug samples on average, with 87.7% of the indications being true and 5.3% incorrect. (Efficacy of Drug Detection). Their strong sense of smell and ability to run very fast make them extremely valuable in search and rescue operations. Similarly, in the military, dogs are trained for tasks like bomb detection and in dangerous rescue missions. Some dog breeds are people in truffle hunting. Truffles are a fungus that is very hard to find. They grow underground in random spots. Truffles have a strong smell which is what these working dogs can pick up and trace for miles.  Their loyalty, intelligence, and ability to follow commands make them indispensable partners in high-pressure situations. Beyond these fields, dogs also excel in roles such as therapy dogs and even as emotional support animals in various workplaces. Their dedication and skills make them essential members of many work environments. 

All in all, dogs have a major positive impact in today's modern world. They help people from feeling lonesome, depressed and can teach someone responsibility. Dogs are also a major part in the workplace saving people on rescue missions, sniffing out drugs, and working to comfort people in therapy. Dogs are the most popular pet in the world for a good reason and begin to surprise us everyday.

Works Cited

American Heart Association. "5 Ways Pets Help with Stress and Mental Health." 100 Years, 20 May 2021, www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-bond-for-life-pets/pets-as-coworkers/pets-and-mental-health. Accessed 12 June 2024.

"Efficacy of Drug Detection by Fully-trained Police Dogs Varies by Breed, Training Level, Type of Drug and Search Environment." NIH NLM Logo, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24631776/#:~:text=On%20average%2C%20hidden%20drug%20samples,the%20drug%20sample%20within%2010min. Accessed 13 June 2024.

Reisen, Jan. "15 Unique Jobs for Working Dogs." American Kennel Club, 1 Sept. 2023, www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/working-dogs-jobs-for-dogs/. Accessed 12 June 2024.

The Tuscookany Team. "Unveiling the Secrets of Truffle Dogs in Tuscany." Tuscookany, 31 Aug. 2023, tuscookany.com/blog/unveiling-the-secrets-of-truffle-dogs-in-tuscany. Accessed 13 June 2024.

"Types of Service Dogs and How They Benefit People with Disabilities." UDS Foundation, 15 Feb. 2020, udservices.org/types-of-service-dogs/. Accessed 13 June 2024.

"U.S. Pet Ownership Statistics." American Veterinary Medical Association, www.avma.org/resources-tools/reports-statistics/us-pet-ownership-statistics. Accessed 12 June 2024.