Why Are Dogs So Therapeutic?

[joeylittle]

I just think animals - all of them - are honest. Every moment of their lives, they are completely present to what they are experiencing. And when they are experiencing you, they are totally present to you. You can tell, when petting an animal, that they are taking in and enjoying what you are doing - and you can tell when they are tolerating it but are really focused on something else - it's not a mental thing, the muscles of their body shift and you can feel whether they are tense, annoyed, distracted, or what.

There's just no BS with animals. And dogs - unless they are completely dominant - are also happier when they are clear about who is in charge, so they will generally willingly give you a good amount of status automatically, which simply contributes to their interest in being keyed in to you. Relating to dogs that are strongly alpha is a different experience - but again, they are totally honest about it.

I know that's what it is, for me. They put me more in the moment, because they are in the moment. It's easy to get into "their" moment.

 

[Born to Run]

If you would be looking for a more scientific answer, this thread may interest you:

https://www.myptsd.com/threads/dogs-hijack-human-bonding-pathway.52829/

 

[Faolán]

For me, personally, dogs are therapeutic because they are the only "person" I can completely trust. My dog never judged me. He was always there, no matter what and he would always and unconditionally love me. I could be myself around him, and he always gave the right response. He was emotionally attuned to me. He would never intentionally hurt me. I never got this from a human, and I'm wondering if this is even possible. Most of all, my dog was stable in his behaviour and responses to me. With some people you just never know what you get. I felt safe with him. For me a four legged companion is the best therapy.

 

[Behati]

Animals are amazing. I couldn't have a dog so I bought rats instead (I know... It sounds messed up). I don't think I've had a human give me love like these little rats did. They seemed to be incredibly in tune with me, and would sit in my hood when I went for walks when I couldn't be in my house due to anxiety or just general restlessness.
Caring for them really distracted me from my anxiety. It was a very beautiful time in my life - but unfortunately they do not live for long... :'(