you only asked for the benefits that list is way to long :p Here is a brain dump instead... - I got one 3/4 months into lockdowns after deciding i would never

you only asked for the benefits that list is way to long :p Here is a brain dump instead... - I got one 3/4 months into lockdowns after deciding i would never spend that much time in an office again. Don't get one if everyone in the house spends the majority of they're time out of the house, it's not fair on the dog, they are the definition of social. i take him to day care when i do need to go to the office. - I also wasn't comfortable getting a shelter dog as we already have cat and my previous dogs didn't like cats, so we played it safe with a pup. - Walking is only fun if you teach them how to walk nicely, having them act out makes the walk infuriating. - Make sure you and your partner are on the same page in terms of training technique and the "rules, boundaries and limitations" of the household, we weren't and thats why he walks poorly. - get them socializing with every other creature possible and in the right way, mine wouldn't bat an eye at a cat or a chicken but will pull your arm off to say hi to other dogs. - similar to the first, having a night out and staying at a friends is more complicated than without a dog this isn't a big deal but is not something i ever considered when i was a kid (obv). - they are not cats, they are toddlers if not more intelligent but it means they need the same kind of attention as one. pros - it's nice having someone to talk to when i'm the only one home plus it gets me do excercise in various forms throughout the day. i no longer need to pedal my bike. - Just having them around is much less lonely/very comforting. overall me and my partner have benefitted for having a dog