The Psychology of Being a Dog Person

Being a dog person is more than just a preference, it's a way of life. Studies have shown that dog owners tend to have lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body mass index compared to non-dog owners.

Dog owners often report feeling a sense of responsibility and purpose, which can be especially beneficial for people who live alone. As one study found, dog owners are more likely to have a strong sense of community and social connections.

Being around dogs has also been shown to increase levels of oxytocin, often referred to as the "feel-good" hormone. This can lead to improved mood and reduced stress levels, making dogs an excellent addition to any household.

For another approach, see: Dogs Sense Evil

Owning a dog can be a fantastic experience, but it's essential to consider the responsibilities that come with it. Dogs are extremely loyal, 100% committed to you, and will go to great lengths to protect you.

You'll need to be an energetic person to keep up with your dog's playful nature. Most dog breeds love to play and run around, so be prepared for regular exercise sessions. Dogs are great exercise buddies and need to be taken out at least twice a day.

Dogs require regular training to avoid behavioral problems in the future. Unlike cats, they need more attention and guidance to become well-behaved pets. Training your dog will take time and effort, but it's worth it in the long run.

Owning a dog can be expensive, with costs including dog food, yearly check-ups, grooming, and dog kennels when you're away. You'll likely spend more on pet food than if you had a cat, as dogs eat more than their feline counterparts.

Consider reading: All about Dogs Dog Training

Dog people are known for being grounded, pragmatic, and dutiful, as well as warm, outgoing, sociable, expressive, and group-oriented. This warmth and sociability make them a great match for people who are shy and independent.

Their grounded and expressive nature brings a sense of stability and enthusiasm to a relationship. In contrast, cat enthusiasts, who are often shy and nonconformist, bring a creative and self-sufficient edge to the table.

Cat people are often described as shy, solitary, impersonal, serious, and nonconformist, but also creative, sentimental, independent, and self-sufficient.

Their independent nature makes them great problem solvers, able to think outside the box and come up with unique solutions.

Cat enthusiasts bring a creative and self-sufficient edge to a romantic relationship, which can be a great complement to their partner's warmth and sociability.

On the other hand, dog lovers are grounded, pragmatic, and dutiful, as well as warm, outgoing, sociable, expressive, and group-oriented.

Their social nature makes them natural peacemakers, able to bring people together and create a sense of community.

While cat and dog people may seem like opposite extremes, they can find common ground and create a harmonious relationship by appreciating each other's differences.

Related reading: Am I a Cat or Dog Person

Attachment styles can play a significant role in shaping our relationships, and it's fascinating to see how cat and dog owners differ in this regard.

Dog owners tend to have lower anxiety and avoidance in their human and animal relationships, which makes them skilled at nurturing connections.

Their preference for forming strong, companionable bonds can be an asset in a relationship, fostering mutual respect and understanding.

On the other hand, cat owners often exhibit more attachment anxiety, which can bring a unique viewpoint to romance.

Their appreciation for personal space and individuality can foster mutual respect for boundaries and self-sufficiency in a relationship.

Recognizing and appreciating these differences can be key to creating a balanced and harmonious partnership that brings out the best of both types.

Cats break the rules all the time, and cat people also tend to be non-conformists. Rules and rigidity about things are less important to cat people.

Dog people tend to be more rule-bound than cat people. Essentially, they are more obedient, like their dogs, and more likely to follow the rules.

Additional reading: Cat Person Dog Person Quiz

Cat people often have a more relaxed attitude towards rules, which can be refreshing for those around them. This doesn't mean they don't have their own set of rules, but they're more flexible and open to change.

On the other hand, dog people tend to thrive in structured environments with clear expectations. They appreciate the predictability and stability that comes with following rules.

Cat people's non-conformist nature can sometimes be misinterpreted as laziness or a lack of discipline, but it's just their way of doing things.

Attachment styles can greatly impact our relationships, and research has shown that dog owners tend to have lower anxiety and avoidance in their human and animal relationships.

This means they may be more skilled at forming strong, companionable bonds and nurturing connections with others.

Dog owners also tend to be more anxious in their romantic relationships, but this can be an asset in a relationship, fostering mutual respect for boundaries and individuality.

In fact, a study found that cat owners, with their preference for independent pets, bring a unique viewpoint to romance that can be an asset in a relationship.

By recognizing and appreciating these different strengths, dog owners can create a balanced and harmonious partnership that brings out the best of both types.

It's interesting to note that cat ownership is still significant, with 15 cats for every 100 people in Australia.

Dogs, however, are the clear favorite among pet owners, making up 39% of all pets in the country.

In fact, dogs outnumber cats by a significant margin, with 19 dogs for every 100 people in Australia.

This trend is reflected in the overall pet ownership statistics, where dogs have a higher percentage of ownership compared to cats, which is 29%.

Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, with an estimated 33 million pets.