Though loneliness is something many of us feel, it can still cast a heavy shadow. However, having a dog in your life can bring companionship, joy, and a renewed sense of connection. With Loneliness Awareness Week (9-15 June 2025), you might be wondering: can a dog help with loneliness?
At A&T Trained Dogs, our expertise in canine behaviour confirms that dogs are powerful allies when it comes to fighting feelings of isolation. In this guide, we’ll explore how dogs alleviate loneliness, practical steps to prepare for dog ownership, and how our dog training services can support you in building a meaningful bond.
Want to know more about how a dog can help? Contact us to find your perfect companion.
The Impact of Loneliness
In the UK, more than 3 million people feel lonely often or always, heightening risks of depression, anxiety, or even heart disease. With the rise of remote work, social media, and urban isolation, the epidemic has been intensified and continues to get worse.
Loneliness Awareness Week is a reminder to seek connection in the world. Dogs, with their loyal and empathetic nature, can provide a unique and heartfelt solution for those suffering with loneliness. Our dog behaviourists regularly witness how dogs create lasting emotional bonds with people, providing a companionship that feels unconditional and deeply uplifting.
How Dogs Help with Loneliness
Do dogs help with loneliness? Both scientific research and real-life experiences suggest they do, delivering emotional, social, and physical benefits that effectively counter isolation.
Emotional Support
Dogs offer unwavering companionship, soothing feelings of emptiness with their intuitive empathy. A gentle nuzzle, a playful leap, or a wagging tail can feel like a warm hug, reminding you that you’re not alone.
Studies show that petting a dog lowers cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. It boosts the feel-good hormone, oxytocin, as well, which can make you feel calmer and less anxious. Breeds like Labradors, known for their emotional sensitivity, are particularly adept at this, as explored in our low maintenance dogs guide.
For example, a Labrador might recognise that you’re having a tough day and curl up beside you, offering silent comfort. Our one-to-one dog training enhances this bond through trust-building exercises, ensuring your dog becomes attuned to your emotional needs.
Here are some other key emotional benefits a dog can provide:
- Constant presence reduces feelings of isolation.
- Empathetic responses, such as seeking physical touch during an owner’s sadness, fosters connection.
- Playful interactions can create a welcome distraction, lift mood, and ease depressive thoughts.
- In training sessions, dogs can build a deep, mutual trust with their owners.
Social Connection
Dogs act as a natural social catalyst and can break the cycle of loneliness by sparking interactions. By simply walking your dog in the park or visiting a dog-friendly cafe, you might find yourself engaging in friendly chats with fellow dog owners, which can increase your sense of community.
Many can find this kind of socialising daunting, but dogs provide a low-pressure way to connect, as their presence naturally draws positive interest from strangers. Joining our puppy training classes not only improves your dog’s skills, but also introduces you to like-minded owners, creating friendships that can long outlast the training sessions.
Routine and Purpose
An absence of structure can often create or exacerbate feelings of loneliness, leaving days feeling aimless and empty. Dogs require a standard routine of daily care, which includes feeding, walking, and grooming, instilling a comforting routine and a sense of purpose. By keeping your dog happy with a positive care regime, you can shift your focus from isolation to responsibility, enhancing self-worth.
Regular walks, guided by techniques in our how to teach a dog to heel guide, encourage physical activity, countering the lethargy typically associated with loneliness. These daily rituals, from preparing a meal to brushing your dog’s coat, create a grounding and comforting rhythm that anchors you in meaningful tasks.
Physical Touch
Physical touch is a powerful antidote to loneliness, yet those living alone might find it scarce. Dogs provide this closeness, playful romps, or simply resting by your side, fulfilling a fundamental human need.
Affectionate breeds like Cavapoos, available through our dogs for sale, are particularly adept at offering warmth and comfort. Our grooming services keep your dog clean and cuddly, making every interaction a soothing experience that brightens the day.
Preparing to Welcome a Dog
Before you bring a dog into your life, you’ll need some thoughtful preparation to make sure you have a positive and lasting experience for both you and your new companion.
Assess Your Lifestyle
When choosing a dog breed, look for one whose needs can align with your lifestyle. If you’re active and outdoorsy, a high-energy breed such as Border Collie might be the one for you. If you have a more relaxed routine, you might be better suited to a Basset Hound.
Likewise, if you live in a small flat, compact breeds, as high highlighted in our dogs for allergies guide, are ideal. Urban dwellers should choose dogs that won’t be overwhelmed with the bustle of the city, while rural owners might opt for breeds that require more exercise. Consider your work schedule as well to ensure you have time for at least one walk a day.
Financial Commitment
If you’re wondering, do dogs help with loneliness?, it’s important to remember that owning a dog involves ongoing costs that require careful budgeting. Monthly and annual expenses included:
- Food
- Treats
- Toys
- Vet check-ups
- Vaccinations
One-time expenses, such as spaying or neutering, can improve your dog’s long-term health, as detailed in our spay day guide, Unexpected medical bills can arise, so setting aside an emergency fund is a good idea. Our doggy hotel provides care during travel, simplifying financial planning.
Time and Training
When you put aside dedicated times for walks, play, and training, you’ll find your dog thrives and your bond grows. However, it’s important to have balance, as too much time together can lead to separation anxiety in both you and your dog. Training commands like ‘stay,’ as taught in our off-leash recall training guide, create independence and will keep your dog comfortable when by themselves.
For dogs that don’t demand as much exercise, plan for 60 minutes of daily walking (less if the breed is less active), 30 minutes of play, and 20 minutes for training. By maintaining consistency in this plan, you’ll nurture your relationship.
Emotional Readiness
Dogs do make wonderful, life-changing companions, but they are not necessarily a complete cure for loneliness. If you’re grappling with severe depression or emotional distress, consider professional help to address underlying issues before adopting a four-legged friend.
Dogs require patience, particularly during the adjustment period when behaviours like chewing or barking may test your resolve. They also need a lot of positive attention otherwise they themselves can suffer adverse psychological problems, so make sure you’re able to provide it before committing to one.
Home Setup
You can create a welcome environment for your dog by preparing your home. Make sure it’s equipped with the essentials: a crate for security, a comfortable bed, engaging toys, and food and water bowls. Designate a safe area where your dog is free to relax and decompress by themselves, which will be especially important during the transition period.
For prospective dog owners with allergies, hypoallergenic breeds are recommended, as outlined in our dogs for allergies guide. With our grooming services, you can keep your home clean and dog happy.
Choosing the Right Dog
When you’re certain that you’re ready to take care of a dog, it’s time to choose the right one for you. It’s essential to consider breed, temperament, energy level, size, and age when making your decision. Here are some useful tips:
- Affectionate breeds like Golden Retrievers provide exceptional emotional support with their calm and empathetic natures.
- High-energy breeds like Border Collies are better suited to active owners who enjoy running or hiking.
- Low-energy breeds like Pugs are perfect for those who spend more time indoors.
- Puppies require intensive training but will grow alongside you.
- Adult dogs bond quicker to their owners, and with less effort.
- Urban owners should look for dogs who can tolerate noise and crowds.
- Rural owners are perfect for active, outdoor-loving breeds.
At A&T Trained Dogs, our dog behaviourists assess dogs carefully and make sure that each can adapt happily to their new lives.
Challenges of Dog Ownership for Loneliness
Dogs make the best companions. However, ownership comes with its own challenges and responsibilities that require preparation to maintain the positive impact of a dog:
- Time Demands: Start with short walks and training exercises, such as those in our how to train your dog no guide, to avoid being overwhelmed by the daily commitment of looking after your dog.
- Separation Anxiety: Spending excessive time with a dog can cause separation anxiety for both parties. See our one-to-one dog training, where we introduce gradual separations and calming commands.
- Behavioural Issues: Chewing, barking, and resource guarding are all behaviours an untrained or unhappy dog might exhibit. Our aggressive dog training camp uses targeted strategies to improve the relationship.
- Emotional Expectations: Though a dog might make significant positive changes in your life, they cannot fully replace the human connection we all need. It’s important not to rely solely on them for social and emotional needs.
You can complement your pet ownership with social activities, such as our puppy training classes, to build a balanced support network that enhances your dog’s role in combating loneliness.
Tips for Maximising Your Relationship
To get the most out of your dog’s ability to reduce loneliness, adopt these strategies to deepen your bond and enrich your relationship:
- Build a Routine: Have set times for walks, feeding, and play. This will create stability and reduce anxiety.
- Engage Socially: Visit dog parks or take your dog to training, where you can meet other owners, expanding your social circle through shared experiences.
- Train Regularly: By training together every day, you strengthen your bond and boost your collective confidence.
- Show Affection: With regular affection and play, you can show your dog you love them.
- Maintain Health: Take your dog to the vet and groom them regularly.
Even though it’s better to have a stable routine, you can make small adjustments here and there to really treat your dog. For example, take them to the beach once every few weeks rather than the park.
Conclusion: A Companion for Life
Can a dog help with loneliness? Absolutely! Dogs can provide unparalleled emotional support, social connections, and a sense of purpose, making Loneliness Awareness Week the perfect time to make the next step.
At A&T Trained Dogs, we’re committed to helping you find and nurture this life-changing bond. Explore our dog training services, browse our dogs for sale for a compatible companion, or learn more on our about us page.
Ready to welcome a dog into your life? Contact us or call 01524 587315 to get started.
FAQs
Can a dog help with loneliness in older adults?
Absolutely. Dogs can provide the same companionship for seniors as they do for younger people. Low-energy breeds like Pugs are preferable, as these require minimal exercise.
Do dogs help with loneliness in children?
They can. Many children are able to form deep emotional bonds with their pets, and this connection can help ease feelings of isolation or anxiety.
Which dog is best for a lonely person?
Affectionate breeds like Golden Retrievers or Cavapoos suit lonely individuals, offering emotional support.
Should you get a dog if you’re lonely?
Dogs can definitely help, but ensure you’re ready for the time, the emotional commitment, and the financial investment that having a dog will demand.
