While dogs make wonderful companions in an increasingly urbanized society, they do, however, present some constraints that humans must assume. The following are some of the positive aspects of having a dog in the house:- added social stimulation within the family. Talking about the dog, taking care of him, playing with him and being interested in him are all positive for the group;- companionship from the dog, which is especially important for persons living alone;- relaxation that comes from walking the dog, playing with him and petting him (some studies have even shown that a person's heart rate decreases when petting a dog);- the sense of protection that the entire family feels in the presence of a dog who guards the house;- friendship and sense of companionship, even emotional attachment that is sometimes very intense and that bonds the owner with his faithful four-legged friend;- the responsibility that comes with buying or adopting a puppy;- the undeniable support role a dog plays in raising children. Moreover, dogs are widely used by psychologists to assist in reintegrating problem or delinquent children or adolescents;- the understanding and sympathy from this animal, which at times are apt to transform human beings;- the feeling of value and achievement that some people have when they are accompanied by their dog and can show him off;- facilitation of social contacts in a society in which people hardly ever talk to strangers and in which walking one's dog provides a way to talk with other people walking their dogs;- finally, the feeling of prestige that some people have in owning a certain breed of dog. Objectively speaking, however, it is questionable whether this is actually a positive virtue since a dog is not like a sports car....
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