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 "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. 

Comments

You did a great job at disproving the generalization that owning a dog is good for you by going into the details about the different ways that it isn't and can even be bad.  I hadn't even thought about the kind of dogs that need special care due to health issues and whatnot. And I liked how you explained how dogs take up a lot of time and money, which most people forget about. However, I think you should have found a bit more sources to back you up. The source you provided only includes the benefits of having dogs, which goes against what you're trying to say. So maybe including some sources about how a dog can be bad for you or something adjacent would really help out your fact check.

---

Your fact check is worded very well and gives a new perspective than people would think about owning dogs. It makes sense that there are many things that go into being a dog owner other than the good parts. Your information shows these differences and how it may not always be good for you.

---

I agree with your claim on how this opinion-based belief cannot be either true or false. The benefits you've stated from the AKC are very good reasons that may benefit a lot of people in numerous ways. The idea that owning a dog may be good for you could be true for some and not for others. Surely the benefits like having a companion and the exercise given from taking your dog for a walk could improve your well-being, but it is not necessarily good or bad for someone.

---

I agree with your statement that the claim is more opinionated than solid fact. Its easier for dog or pet owners to say that having a dog is good for you, and yes people tend to get more outside activity and sometimes happiness and comfort, that doesn't ignore the other factors that come with owning a dog. Like you said perfectly, there are struggles with owning a dog such a allergies, financeability , etc. So i like your claim that if has some beneficial habits, but that doesn't ignore other aspects that aren't as positive.

---

I think you did a very good job going into depth of why having a dog is good for you. I never really thought of it that way, but now that i read that my opinion is changed. Overall, it is very well-worded and interesting to read.

---

Your fact check was very well articulated and you proved that the statement is moreso based on someone's opinion rather than a generalization. I enjoyed how you pointed out that not all dogs are the same and not all people are looking for the same thing in a dog. Overall I agree with your claim and liked how you incorporated your outside information into the fact check.

---

I agree with your overall point that the claim "Owning A Dog Is Good For You" is more opinion-based and doesn't apply to everyone. It’s true that owning a dog can have benefits like encouraging exercise and socializing, but as you mentioned, this isn't the case for everyone—especially if the dog is sick, lazy, or has special needs. It’s also important to consider factors like allergies, financial struggles, and time constraints, which can make dog ownership stressful rather than beneficial. I also appreciate how you pointed out that not all dog owners engage in the activities that could lead to these benefits, like walking their dogs. Your comment does a great job of highlighting the complexities of dog ownership and shows that the claim can’t be generalized to everyone. Adding some references to studies or expert opinions on the downsides of dog ownership, in addition to the benefits, could make your argument even stronger!

---

I think you did a really good job fact checking this! you highlight how broad the claim of "owning a dog is good for you" and point out how it's more of an indivudal choice. You also point out that factors such as allergies, finances, time, and a dog's health can affect whether owning a dog is truly beneficial. While the American Kennel Club lists real benefits, you correctly note that not all dog owners experience them, making the original claim more opinion based than factual.

---

You make a valid point that the benefits of owning a dog are not universal and depend on individual circumstances, such as allergies, financial situations, and available time. While dogs can encourage outdoor activities and socializing for many, not all dogs or owners experience these advantages, particularly if the dog has special needs or health issues. Therefore, while there are proven benefits for some, the claim that owning a dog is inherently good for everyone is indeed subjective and influenced by various factors.

Answer 2

I agree with the claim that owning a dog is good for you, especially when it comes to mental and physical health benefits. Like someone else pointed out, having a dog encourages daily exercise and reduces feelings of loneliness, which are both great for overall well-being. To back this up further, the Animal Health Foundation shares studies showing that dog owners often experience lower blood pressure and stress levels. However, it is also important to consider the responsibility and time commitment that comes with dog ownership—it is not beneficial for everyone.

https://www.animalhealthfoundation.org/blog/2012/10/8-health-benefits-of-having-a-pet/?psafe_param=1&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADy0rxDD0Z1VFt6GgI9YgA00oV8Yx&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtpLABhC7ARIsALBOCVor5FAn96AeslVFXQRDYBdgVuTLgqxiBJxmlSBsvCbNATufWl1dbBkaAhDxEALw_wcB

Comments

I also agree with this claim, getting a dog really helped my mental health and got me to go outside more often. How would you argue against the cons of dog ownership, as you say it is not for everyone? I think higher financial costs can sometimes outweigh the pros of pet ownership for some people.

---

I also agree with having a dog because they make you feel calm and loved. As someone with a dog, having a dog around helps you a lot when you are going through things. Dogs just make your day a lot.

---

I think you have a perfect answer to the claim! you state your stance and back it up with evidence but also give it a real world aspect especially when you brought up " it is also important to consider the responsibility and time commitment that comes with dog ownership" good job

---

I agree with the claim as well, I do appreciate the many studies mentions in the animal health foundation article but we do have to take into consideration the biases of the organization. Seeming on how the organizations goal is for people to donate to their cause. This doesn’t necessarily make the claim untrue just something to look into.

---

You make a great point—owning a dog definitely has proven mental and physical health benefits, like increased exercise, reduced stress, and less loneliness. Studies do show lower blood pressure and cortisol levels in dog owners, which supports the idea that pets can boost overall well-being. But you’re right to mention the responsibility side too. Not everyone has the time, money, or stable living situation needed to properly care for a dog. If those needs aren’t met, the stress of ownership could outweigh the benefits. It really depends on the person’s lifestyle and ability to commit long-term.

---

I like what you said here, there are two sides to this topic, there is no doubt a stress factor in regards to owning any kind of pet. On the part where you mentioned the lower blood pressure and stress levels. We’re there any other lifestyle factors that should be considered when measuring something like that?

---

I agree with your points, there’s a lot of research supporting the idea that dog ownership can lower stress and promote physical activity. Though I do think it’s worth being cautious about using the Animal Health Foundation article as a main source since it’s a secondary summary rather than a primary research study. If you cited original studies from journals like Circulation or Scientific Reports, which have directly linked dog ownership to lower mortality and better heart health, you could make your argument a bit stronger. I appreciate that you pointed out that dog ownership is a major responsibility, because it’s definitely not a guaranteed benefit for everyone. That also added more credibility to your argument.

---

I agree, my personal experience with owning a dog has shown me that it improves your mental health and well-being. I appreciate your use of a credible source.

---

I also agree with this claim, getting a dog really helped me build better daily routines and become more active. How would you argue against the cons of dog ownership, since you mention it’s not for everyone? I think for some people, the time commitment and responsibility can outweigh the positives of having a pet.

---

I enjoyed your factcheck but I feel it's more opinion based, though you mentioned at the end it's not beneficial for everyone which I appreciate.  I also believe having a dog can be good for you though not for everyone. I enjoyed the sources you provided and the studies done on the benefits of having a dog companion. This said owning a dog can have the opposite effect for people in finical situations, people with allergies, a dog with special needs or training issues. I believe if a person knows what they are getting into and can support a dog it can be super beneficial like you mentioned. But I agree it's not a one size fits all!:)

---

I agree with your claim that owning a dog is good for you. I am a dog owner, and I see my health has increased because of it. I get more physical activity because of my dog through walking her. You used credible sources to show your opinion on the topic, which I think elevates your claim. Dogs can have a stressful side due to being responsible for another life. In my opinion, having a dog outweighs that fear because they can have so many positive effects. Especially in the case of service animals, dogs can help people who need extra help. It isn't for everyone, but for the people who enjoy dogs, there are major benefits.

---

I agree with your points that owning a dog can offer significant mental and physical health benefits, particularly in reducing loneliness and encouraging exercise. The studies you mention, such as those from the Animal Health Foundation, support these claims, showing the positive impact dogs can have on stress and blood pressure. However, as you rightly noted, the time commitment and responsibility involved may not be suitable for everyone, and it's crucial to weigh these factors before deciding to adopt a dog.