‘The Dogfather’ says dogs can improve human lifespans
Celebrity dog trainer Graeme Hall, also known as ‘The Dogfather’, has recently spoken out about the importance of dogs and the benefits they can bring to humans, especially within care homes.
Hall, who has his own Channel 5 series called ‘Dog’s Behaving (Very) Badly, has revealed that dogs, among other animals, have a positive impact on the health, wellbeing and happiness of the elderly in care homes.
According to studies, spending time with dogs can significantly reduce a person’s resting heart rate, meaning they are less stressed, which is often why dogs make great therapy animals.
Being around dogs, especially ones that have a significant bond with a person, also triggers the body to release oxytocin, a hormone that protects the heart. Reducing their resting heart rate and protecting their vital organs can only increase the quality and length of a person’s life.
The Dogfather believes that dogs are great for human health and the impact they make can not only improve the lifespan of the residents within care homes, but can also extend the lifespan of the pets themselves.
Additionally, Hall believes the brain also benefits from four-legged company as the amount of care they need can keep people active and stimulated.
In terms of the most suitable breed for the elderly, there is no specific type that is recommended. The only considerations would be the dog’s temperament and energy levels. Hall has explained that:
“If you come to a care home, it’s a bit like starting a new school. But if you’ve got a dog, people flock to you, and it’s easy to make friends – before you know it you’ve got a social group around you.”
Ultimately, the benefits of owning dogs are numerous.
A dog owner since the early 80s, after convincing his parents to buy a Yorkshire terrier named Sadie, Darren created Dream Dogs so dog owners could find the best dog related information on the Internet.
