Question

"Owning A Dog Is Good For You?" asked by alyssa_pignataro

https://newsdetective.org/29014/owning-a-dog-is-good-for-you 

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/10-science-based-benefits-dog/

Although the claim that dogs are good for you, can be true, I think that the claim is also opinion-based/biased and inflated, given not everyone likes dogs. Claiming that owning a dog is good for someone, disregards the many factors causing dogs to be quite challenging pets. These factors being behvorial issues, the financial impact, and time and commitment. Another issue with this claim is that although owning a dog may have its positive effects/aspects for someone, it doesn’t necessarily for the dog. According to Time Magazine https://time.com/6990723/case-against-pets/ (“The many harms of pet keeping” section, second paragraph), states that “physical confinement, social isolation, and chronis exposure to stress – the hallmarks of captivity – can lead to measurable physiological damage, including loss of neural plasticity and a long-term activation of the fight-or-flight response …” Given the information in this paragraph, connects to the above factors i listed, the first one being behavioral issues. As dogs are kept as domesticated pets, they are confined to a sheltered environment that may or not be safe or healthy, as well as being taken care of, shown affection and loyalty, and fed consistently and generously without having to work for it as animals do. Given these circumstances, dogs can become aggressive, territorial towards other dogs, people, animals. 

Answer 1

The claim that “owning a dog is good for you” is partially supported by scientific evidence, but it can also be considered overly broad and opinion-based. According to the American Kennel Club, dog ownership has been linked to health benefits such as reduced stress, increased physical activity, and improved heart health. However, this claim does not account for the full picture. Not everyone enjoys or benefits from dog ownership, and it comes with significant challenges—such as behavioral issues, financial strain, and the time commitment required. Additionally, while dog ownership may benefit some people, it doesn't always benefit the dogs themselves. As Time Magazine reports, domesticated animals often experience “physical confinement, social isolation, and chronic exposure to stress,” which can lead to psychological and physiological harm. These issues can contribute to problematic behaviors like aggression or territoriality. Therefore, while owning a dog may be beneficial for some, it is not universally good for all people—or for the dogs—making the original claim both situational and subjective.

Comments

You did a good job of clearly explaining the reality of owning a dog. Many people think that getting a dog will be fun and easy, but it can be quite challenging (and expensive). One thing I wish you had done differently though was to use another source besides the one the original poster used.

Answer 2

The claim "Owning A Dog Is Good For You" has some links to beneficial habits but is overall opinion based. There are struggles with owning a dog if an individual has allergies, financial struggles, lack of time available, etc. which could determine if a dog would be good for them or not. The American Kennel Club article (https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/10-science-based-benefits-dog/) explains that there are benefits to doing activities like being outside, de-stressing, and socializing with other pet lovers but claiming dogs are good for you isn't true for everyone. There are many different types of dog owners and not all of them engage in going on walks and sufficiently stimulating their pets which makes this claim more opinionated and biased. There are also many dogs that need special care as well due to health issues which could do the opposite of the claims stated in the article. Dogs that are sick or have disabilities can cause stressful times and limit you from doing the activities listed. The American Kennel Club states "Dogs Encourage You To Move" which can be true for most dogs but isn't the case for sick dogs, lazy dogs, or those who only run around on their own in the enclosed backyard. This type of activity doesn't encourage your own individual activity so it can't be true that dogs encourage you to move and get more exercise. These claims are not always the case so it can't be true or false.