How Dogs Can Help with Mental Health – Mind Boosting Benefits of Dog Ownership – Part 2

You might find the idea of a robot dog amusing, but there are many people (ageing adults and young adults alike) who are simply not able to care for a real pet – and this is where the robot comes in. It started with Paro the seal, who has been used in Europe and Japan for over a decade to help stop loneliness in older people.

Now, there are cat and dog versions that are just as soft and interactive as their seal counterpart, and they have been designed to help boost the mind of those who simply cannot have a pet of their own. The cat version purrs and has vibrating fur while it does so, while the dog will bark and cock its head when you speak to it.

A number of studies have been conducted on these robotic animals, and each of them has found that loneliness and depression were massively reduced in the groups that were able to use the fluffy creatures. Some even preferred it to a real dog because they could choose to have it on their lap, and it could not run away or choose someone else to interact with.

One study even sent a control group on regular trips around the city and to bingo halls, only to find that feelings of loneliness and depression had actually increased when compared to the robot animal group. Having a robot pet also decreased the level of worry in care home residents as they would not have to worry about what happened to it if they went to the hospital or died.

A study was done with children and a robotic dog as well, and in this one there was both a robot dog and a real dog for them to play with. When spoken to afterwards, the children found both to be a good social companion, and liked the portability of the robot dog, but also found that the robotic version was able to do less with them than a real dog, which they disliked.

For an ageing population, and those who cannot care for dogs, the robotic (and fluffy) version of our favourite pet is certainly just as beneficial as having the real thing – especially when battling depression and loneliness. However, in the case of children, there was less excitement as they could not interact or play with it as much as they could a real dog.

It might seem like these form of support dogs is one and the same, but there are actually some key differences between them. Both forms of dog are available in the UK and the USA, but the rules surrounding them are certainly not the same. In this section, we look a little more at each for you.

These dogs are available to anyone who has a physical or mental condition, and in the USA, you can even register your own pet as one using government websites to do so. Usually, these dogs are allowed most places, but they do not have the same access as a registered and trained service dog. They are comfort animals as opposed to service ones. 

This is because emotional support dogs do not require the same level of training to be approved (and some do not have any at all), which can lead to the system being abused. You will often find that an emotional support dog is allowed on a plane, but will be denied access to restaurants and some stores, which is in contrast to a service dog.

In the UK, emotional support dogs do not have full recognition, and the access for them is even more limited. This is because the government is stricter on the issue than the USA to help prevent untrained dogs from being allowed in areas that service dogs inhabit, helping to ensure that criticism towards service dogs is reduced.

These dogs are trained by charities and organisation to perform tasks for those with physical or mental illnesses in a bid to help them live more independent lives. Aside from being useful in this regard, they also act as emotional supports and companions, giving their owners someone to confide in and rely on. Training often takes around a year before the dog is sent to their new home.

They are also allowed absolutely everywhere with their owner – from the supermarket to the cinema – giving them more access than an emotional support dog. Unlike these, however, those who want a service dog requires proper medical referral and documentation if they wish to be put on the waiting list for one.

There is not much difference between British and American service dogs, they tend to follow the same training routines and allowances in each country. However, in the USA you are more likely to find an abundance of charities that train service dogs for veterans who are suffering from PTSD.

Not everyone is able to have a dog, whether it is because of living allowances, work hours, or studies. For those who do not get to enjoy the company of a furry friend at all hours of the day, there are therapy dogs, and these can be an absolute blessing for many across the country.

While this wasn’t a common practice a few years ago, professionals have started to realise that schools and universities (as well as colleges) can actually be very stressful places – especially during exam periods. Some institutions have therapy dogs available throughout the year, but many give students the option to come and cuddle one during exam period to relieve stress and anxiety.

Primary and secondary schools also use therapy dogs more regularly, especially in schools for autistic children and those with learning difficulties, as the calm and gentle interaction with the dog can help them to concentrate as well as leave them feeling more relaxed. There is a large number of programmes for therapy dogs in school available, including things like weekly reading sessions.

There has also been an increase in the number of therapy dog visits to care homes and hospices, offering the residents and patients a chance to interact with the dog. This can help to alleviate feelings of depression and loneliness, as well as provide a chance for them to interact socially with both the dog and the handler. This has been showed to leave residents feeling happier and more relaxed.

Hospital visits from therapy dogs are not particularly widespread at this point in time, especially with concerns about the transfer of germs from dogs to humans. However, there are a few places that do have weekly (or more) sessions for a select group of patients so that they can take some time away from their beds. This has been shown to leave patients feeling happier, more positive, as well as relaxed after the visit.

If you cannot own a dog of your own but would like to spend more time with them to help with your own mindset and mental health, there are a number of shelters and rescues in every country that you can volunteer at. It allows you to spend the whole day with dogs, giving you a chance to bind with them all, as well as releasing some of the stress and fear you might be feeling.

Responsibilities vary from walking them around the rescue grounds, to cleaning their kennels out and ensuring they are fed and watered. There is also playtime and training, each of which is incredibly important when it comes to keeping the dogs happy and preparing them to be rehomed. Plus, if your situation changes and you can have a dog, you might end up finding your new best friend.

Many have asked how it is that dogs and humans are able to live together so well, especially when we are members of different species. While dogs have been genetically separate from wolves for around 100,000 years, they still hold many of the same values – and ones that are shared by human families, both in the past and today:

• They are territorial
• They hunt together and with great teamwork
• They are emotionally bonded and capable of missing each other when separated
• They do not leave the sick and elderly behind, instead caring for them

Some argue that dogs are actually the ones who domesticated us, but in reality, we did it for each other. There has been symbiosis between us for thousands of years, and over time we have learned to rely on each other for different things.

Dogs act as our guards and watchers, trackers, hunting aides, guardian for children, and a way to give comfort during long nights. In return, we have offered dogs a place to sleep, food, and our protection – as well as affection.

Due to this, our ancestors actually experienced a decline in their senses for things like scent and hearing because of the way we rely on dogs, and there have been scientific studies to prove the way our brain has shrunk since we bonded with them.

In fact, our brains have shrunk by a tenth over time. However, in comparison, the dog’s brain has shrunk by 20% due to the protection and safety that we offer them – much like the way livestock’s brains have shrunk for the same reasons.

It’s nothing to be upset or concerned about though, as our relationship with dogs has continued to strengthen and grow. They have proved themselves to be incredibly attentive creatures, and ones that are able to predict our every move – like when we are about to get up and go make food, or prepare to head out for a few hours.

Much like wolves, they can also read human body language – to the point that they are able to follow our gaze in order to locate hidden food, something that even chimps have not been able to figure out. They can also sense our emotional state, offering unconditional love and affection when we need it the most. Their remarkable abilities are part of what makes them so easy to live with.

The phrase “a dog is for life, not just for Christmas” should be one that everyone follows. When you pick your dog up, they instantly become your commitment for the remainder of their life. They are living beings with their own thoughts and feelings, so you need to make sure you are ready for one first. This section takes you through the costs, the responsibilities, and also how to choose the perfect one for you.

Dogs are not necessarily cheap to care for, and they do require you to spend money on them regularly for basic needs such as food, toys, bedding, vaccinations, and treatment for parasites (fleas and worms). In addition to this, you have the monthly cost of pet insurance, which is an essential thing to have if your pet ever falls ill.

Aside from these basic expenses, there are also going to be unexpected vet bills that are not covered by insurance. Things like treatment for allergies, a cut paw, or grass seeds in their ears are just some of the common reasons why people need to make unexpected visits to their local vet. You need to ensure you always have a little money put aside just in case.

Owning a dog has its own set of responsibilities as well, and you need to make sure that you are ready to take it on. Every day, your dog will need the following from you in order to live a happy and healthy life:

• Food (breakfast and dinner)
• Water (refilled a few times a day)
• Walking
• Attention and playtime (for mental stimulation and bonding)
• Training (for good behaviour and mental stimulation)
• To be let outside to use the bathroom (several times a day)

They need all of this, and they especially need time with you because they are very social creatures. They become a part of your pack, and it is essential that you put the time aside to care for them the way they need and deserve. You will also need to be prepared to check them over regularly for ticks and injuries, as well as take them to the vet for check-ups and if they are feeling unwell.

Remember that dogs, especially puppies, can be destructive as well. Pups like to chew, and while some might get lucky, there will be many who end up going through multiple pairs of shoes. Even adult dogs can tear things up if they are left alone for too long without entertainment – boredom is a terrible thing for a dog, so make sure you are ready and do your homework before you get a dog.

Before choosing a breed, it is important to know that every breed of dog needs to be walked for at least an hour every day. Just because you pick a small dog does not mean that it does not need to be exercised. If you cannot find the time to walk them, or have health issues that prevent it, you must hire a dog walker to do so for you.

There is no right or wrong breed for mental health, but there is for your lifestyle. If you aren’t particularly active or home a lot, never get a husky/malamute (or any other kind of sledge dog) because you won’t be able to give them the time and energy that they need. The same applies to herding breeds as these also need a lot of mental and physical stimulation.

Much of the time, people opt for dogs like Labrador’s and Golden Retrievers due to their happy go lucky nature and easiness to train. They are a good dog to go for, and there is a reason they are the most popular choice in many countries. Just make sure that the dog you pick is going to fit in with your lifestyle before you commit and bring it home.

One final thing to consider is shedding. All dogs shed, even some of the ones that they claim do not, and so you need to decide which breed is going to suit your shedding limits best. Dogs with double coats shed a lot (like Akita), and will require you to vacuum regularly. Poodles, on the other hand, barely shed but do need a lot of grooming work. Do your research carefully before you buy!

There is no right or wrong answer here. There is nothing wrong with going to a breeder for a puppy or picking one up from your local rescue. If you do decide to go for a puppy from a breeder, make sure you pick someone who is Kennel Club registered and responsible. The mother should be at least two before having her first litter, and should have no more than three litters in her lifetime.

You should also be able to meet the mother with her puppies in the family home – something we go into in the next section. For rescue dogs, it is important to go meet them first and learn more about their background.

Many become depressed in the kennels, and you will find that they are a lot happier and perkier once they get to a new home. You can fine purebred dogs in shelters, but cross breeds are just as filled with love for you.

If you are choosing a puppy from a breeder there are a few things you need to check for first, and we have organised them into a handy list for you to inspect:

• The mother is present, and they are all in the home of the breeder together
• The mother and father have passed their health tests (hips, eyes, elbows)
• The puppies have been checked over by a vet
• The puppies will have their first vaccine by the time you take them home
• The puppies are worm treated correctly before they go home
• The breeder, parents, and puppies are all Kennel Club registered

Puppy mills (or farms) are a serious issue, and one that needs to be stopped. Designer breeds and backyard breeders are fast becoming an issue, with unhealthy puppies being sold from parents that have not had the proper health tests.

The main issue with puppy mills is that the mothers are kept in dark cages for their entire lives, forced to breed from their first season – and every season after – without ever seeing the outside world. The puppies and parents often become sick, with puppies dying quickly after arriving at their new homes.

Sometimes, the owners of puppy farms will place the pups in the family home with a fake mother. You will be able to tell that a mother is fake as she will not be too interested in the puppies, will not try to feed them, and her teats will not be long and full. It’s a common scam, and one that many fall for. The best way to stop puppy farms is to buy from responsible, and KC registered breeders, or go to your local shelter and adopt.