A DOG IS A MAN’S BEST FRIEND: EXPERIENCES OF DOG OWNERS

IN POBLACION NABUNTURAN

PSYCHOLOGY AND EDUCATION: A MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL

Volume: 35
Issue 6
Pages: 692-705
Document ID: 2025PEMJ3394
DOI: 10.70838/pemj.350608
Manuscript Accepted: 03-12-2025
 Psych Educ, 2025, 35(6): 692-705, Document ID:2025PEMJ3394, doi:10.70838/pemj.350608, ISSN 2822-4353
Research Article

A Dog is a Man’s Best Friend: Experiences of Dog Owners in Poblacion Nabunturan

Justin Jay B. Justiniane,* Zach Raphael R. Ambrad, Daniella M. Comiling, April Rose S. Donaire,
Clouie M. Rendon, Lj Mikaila Lendio, Angel M. Abapo, Jomarie G. Turtoga
For affiliations and correspondence, see the last page.
Abstract
The main purpose of this study is to explore the nature of the relationship between humans and dogs. The benefits of
this study consist of making the community pay attention to how human-dog relationships can have a positive effect
on the physical and mental health of individuals. This study used qualitative methods under phenomenological design
to investigate the understanding of dog owners in Poblacion, Nabunturan about human and dog relationship. The study
focused on the residents of Poblacion, Nabunturan, specifically the 10 dog owners who were selected through
purposive sampling techniques. Using thematic analysis, the transcript of the interview was analyzed. Dog owners
shared their insights based on the element of the given questions. Themes unveil from their responses to the question
such as emotional bond and family connectivity, various motivations for entering the field of dog ownership,
memorable Journeys towards dog ownership, health-giving and Social benefits of dog companionship, awareness of
how to become a responsible dog owner, emotional and practical challenges towards dog health, achieving emotional
resilience through various mechanisms of coping, successful preparation for the introduction of dog/s to their lives,
choosing the right dog breed depending on your specific needs and circumstances. Findings show that the participants
have seen their dogs as part of their family and companions. One of their reason for raising dogs is for security. They
also stated in their experiences that dogs helped them in their overall well-being. They also faced challenges such as
losing their dog/s and cleaning their dirt. Coping involves a lot of determination in order to heal completely. They
advise aspiring dog owners to be aware of the responsibilities before adopting a dog/s. Future researchers may be able
to further explain the topic of how dogs perceive human interaction since this study focuses on the owners’ experiences
and challenges.
Keywords: human-dog relationships, companionship, experiences, phenomenological design

Introduction
Dogs have been an important part of humans' lives for over a millennium. Researchers have developed an interest in the interaction
between humans and dogs due to their unique bond and how it impacts both humans and dogs. The researchers have investigated how
the human and dog relationship does not get the attention it should have, resulting in neglect of the physical and mental health of a dog
owner together with the dog itself. This study was made to give emphasis on the overall well-being of humans and dogs and how their
bond helps them with their overall physical and mental health.
In Korea, Park et al. (2021) said that numerous studies have detailed that dog possession is successful in empowering physical action.
The duration of physical activity by dog ownership has increased due to the activities needed by the dog. The total amount of vigorous
activity duration was significantly higher than non-dog owners affecting the overall health of Korean dog-owners, in this way, this
ponder pointed to explore the impacts of dog proprietorship on the sum of physical movement in an agent sample of Korean grown-
ups.
However, in the Philippines, a study was conducted on the Filipino elderly with pet companions. de Guzman et al. (2009) stated that
the elderly's self-esteem or self-efficacy booster and social proactivity builder parts regard self-perceived health that may have been
improved due to the many positive factors the animal companions have given them.
According to the experiences of one of the researchers, living with their dog for the past few years has benefited the researcher a lot,
from being the emotional support to a fun playmate, the dog gave the researcher the companionship they needed. The dog did not only
affect the researcher but also their little sister, the researcher has observed that whenever the dog interacted or played with their sister,
she was overwhelmed with joy and filled with hap, they have also noticed that the dog is very gentle towards the little girl and does
not play rough, as if it cares for the little sister.
This study was conducted by the researchers mainly on how the human-dog relationship influences dog owners in Nabunturan, Davao
De Oro. This led the researchers to wonder, how their bond grew, how did it affect their overall health, why was this study had not
conducted in Nabunturan before, can this study affect the community of Nabunturan, will the citizens of Nabunturan bring awareness
to human and dog relationship once they read and understand this study, is the experience of the researcher the same with other dog
owners.
Research Questions
In this section, the researchers presented the questions. These questions are formulated in a general tone. These questions will aim to
describe the elements that will be measured in the study:
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Research Article

1. How do pet owners perceive the experience of raising a dog?

2. What motivations drive individuals to raise a dog?
3. How do pet owners describe their experiences in raising dogs?
4. What challenges do pet owners encounter in raising a dog, and how do they impact their daily lives?
5. How do dog owners cope with the challenges of raising their pets?
6. What insights and suggestions do experienced pet owners offer for successfully raising a dog?
Literature Review
The perceptions of dog owners.
Human creatures endeavor to discover meaning in their ordinary lives. The social centrality of the human-animal bond is no special
case. This article draws upon a subjective ponder looking at the subjective encounter of living with a companion pooch. Puppy
proprietors were welcomed to take an interest in center bunches. Based on a topical investigation, three subjects are highlighted: (a)
this is often a sacrosanct relationship; (b) all we have is nowadays; and (c) I'm getting to settle you, hang on. Talked about in light of
intriguing viewpoints, these discoveries may lead to a more profound understanding of the human-animal bond in inquiry about and
clinical work (Maharaj, 2016).
Indeed, the main role of the modern household pet is to serve as a companion to humans. While a close connection between humans
and dogs can be beneficial for both parties, not all partnerships are successful. The aspects that influence the success or failure of a
dog-owner relationship remain unclear. However, it has been suggested that dog features, such as cuteness and personality, may play
a role in determining the quality of the relationship. In a research study involving 1,668 dog owners, the researchers looked at the
relationship between dog’s cuteness, dog’s personality factors, and human-dog relationship quality. The participants finished
relationship-quality surveys, rated the dog's personality and physical cuteness, and were also asked to submit an image of their dog
(Thorn et al., 2015).
The reasons of dog owners.
Moreover, a dog gives us affection, companionship, support, and help with all of our basic needs. The presentation will begin with a
quick overview of dogs' history and the duties they have to their owners. A dog is an obedient friend and partner to its owner. They
thrive on affection and love to help their benefactor. Substantial evidence on how a dog can provide the emotional support and services
needed by owners with disabilities is also presented in the next topic section. Service dogs can help replace lost senses, and research
will show how a dog can be used to provide a service to resolve the loss of health functions (Wade, 2021).
As for O'Keefe et al. (2019). Research shows that having a dog in your household may enhance adherence to exercise routines, improve
fitness, and reduce visceral fat in your human companion. Because dogs tend to polish up the physical performance and mental health
of their owners, experts on the subject have long recommended having dogs around as a preventative measure against cardiovascular
disease. Dogs can force their owners to intentionally increase their outdoor workout, which may further enhance their health benefits.
Recently, a large cross-sectional analysis discovered that spending more than 120 minutes per week in a natural outdoor setting is
correlated with higher levels of health and well-being.
The experiences of dog owners.
Compatibility in action preferences refer to the shared satisfaction of every day exercises, such as strolling and collaboration with
others, and it is a marker of the behavioral measurement of compatibility, which primarily alludes to work out and play. It has been
found that people who are more congruous with their dogs have distant better; a much better; a higher; a stronger; an improved; a
stronger relationship with them, which can clarify a few of the benefits of human-dog interaction (González-Ramirez, 2019).
As for Andrea Wu and Ruth Wei (2023), one of the most common mental health disorders experienced by children is anxiety, and they
have a negative effect on their social, academic, and health functioning. But according to them, dogs can boost positive emotions and
reduce anxiety levels. Interacting with dog/s and experiencing their warmth presence helps reduce stress and improve your social
interactions. They also stated here that the animal – assisted therapy (AAT) has a great benefit for those children who have experienced
anxiety.
The challenges of dog owners.
Numerous studies have explored the impacts of behavioral issues on companion animal welfare, but few have examined how these
issues influence pet owners. They detailed how their pet's behavior specifically or in a roundabout way influenced family connections
and those with family and companions. Most detailed a solid human-animal bond whereas moreover announcing a run of negative
passionate reactions to their pet's behavioral issue. Collaborative connections between creature wellbeing and behavior experts and
human mental wellbeing experts may guarantee that both the pet's and the owner's needs are met when overseeing a pet's behavioral
issue (Buller & Ballantyne (2020).
On the contrary, living in close quarters might cause social tensions between humans and dogs when it comes to food and

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Research Article

companionship. In response to these conflicts, dogs have evolved behavioral patterns that help them avoid punishment and seek out
reinforcement. Studies on dogs' behavioral reactions in dog-human social conflict scenarios are, still rare. Observation was also done
on the canines' exploratory, submissive, and passive-active behavioral reactions. This study focused on the behavioral reactions of dogs
during a behavioral instructions task and a person refusing food in social conflict situations (Kühne, 2016).
The coping mechanisms of dog owners.
Pet owners who have lost their pet frequently have feeling of embarrassment and loneliness following the loss of their pet. The types
of coping mechanisms used by grieving pet owners were recognize and included: isolation, social support, continuing bonds,
commemorate, religion, and relationships with other animals. In general, this study was able to recognize agreement among literature
that bereaved pet owners are likely to experience being voiceless surrounding their loss (Park et al., 2021).
The direction of causality cannot be inferred because people with mental health problems can get dogs to relieve symptoms, which was
also confirmed by qualitative analysis. Key themes were positive effects on the owner's well-being and happiness by providing purpose,
companionship and self-acceptance, enjoyment and recreation, as well as reducing emotional pain and suffering and reducing risky
behavior. However, the negative effects of a strong relationship include anticipatory grief over the loss of the dog and concern about
the burden of responsibility and ability to meet the dog's needs (Merkouri et al., 2022).
As stated by Jillian et al. (2022). For those who are visually impaired, guide dogs improve mobility and boost confidence, but they also
restrict to travel. This study looks into how UK guide dog owners travel habits are affected by their relationship with a guide dog.
Qualitative observations highlight the affective aspects of the partnership that impact behavior changes in travel to respect guide dog
boundaries and well-being. This research enriches the study of human-dog connections in tourism and broadens our understanding of
the variety of interpersonal relationships that impact accessible travel behavior.
The suggestions of dog owners.
It is recognized that hounds are actual pain relievers. Precisely, therapy dogs and certified service dogs have been shown to lessen
academic stress. Reduced stress is associated with increased examination scores and academic act. Scientific studies have revealed that
dog visits help elementary school students increase their literacy and reading skills. Students said meeting therapy dogs during exam
weeks made them feel more assured about the approaching exams (Woehr & Newman, 2020).
Methodology
Research Design
This research utilized qualitative methods under phenomenological design to explore dog owners' understanding of human-canine
interaction. Phenomenology is a kind of study that seeks to explain the nature of things through the way people perceive (Dovetail
Editorial Team, 2023). In this type of research, points of view, perspectives, and interpretations have been pointed out as a shape of
how we see and understand our world.
Participants
The participants of this study consisted of 10 persons who are dog owners and residents of Poblacion, Nabunturan. The inclusion of
our criteria is the participants that currently own at least one dog and they have owned a dog for a minimum of 5 years and the age
group must 18 years old and above. They were selected through purposive sampling techniques. We used purposive sampling technique
to ensure that the said participants have the qualities we needed for our study. According to Neetij & Bikash (2015) the purposive
sampling method is one of the most popular techniques in which the researcher plays a major part. Purposive sampling was used to
ensure that our participants meet the specific criteria we aim to get.
Procedure
In this section of the study, a methodical procedure is implemented to gather relevant information and address our research objectives.
The researchers used a qualitative approach; therefore, an in-depth interview (IDI) was used when gathering data. In-depth interviews
are valuable when you require a comprehensive understanding of a subject. They provide a wealth of personal context regarding
intricate issues or novel topics, where you seek not only people's opinions but also the reasons behind their thoughts. With their flexible
structure and openness, in-depth interviews excel at exploring sensitive subjects where deep personal insights are crucial (Politz, 2024).
First is to look for participants. According to Neetij & Bikash (2015) the purposive sampling method is one of the most popular
techniques in which the researcher plays a major part. Purposive sampling was used to ensure that our participants meet the specific
criteria we aim to get. Second the researcher asked for permission to interview with them, by that, the researchers would be able to
know if a person is willing to be a part of the study. The third is to go under the research tool validation process, this would be helpful
when gathering data to ensure that the tools used are aligned with the research objectives. Fourth is to get ethical clearance from the
research committee, this would be our basis to start the interview procedure. Fifth, aside from asking for permission the researcher
handed out the consent form, this helped the participants know more about the research, what would be the aim of the study, and what
are the benefits of the study.

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Moreover, as the researchers planned, Following the set standards, we initially identified two to three volunteers and selected them
according with their acceptable dog-caring experience. We then found more people who met the same criteria to ensure everyone was
chosen according to their suitability for the research. The data gathering happened at the chosen time and venue of the participants, this
would be convenient on the participants' side. Lastly, during the whole duration of the interview, the researchers documented all the
responses through note-taking and recording.
Data Analysis
As a form of qualitative inquiry, the thematic analysis method was used to analyze the data gathered through in-depth interviews (IDI).
Thematic analysis is a method for analyzing qualitative data that involves searching for recurring ideas (referred to as themes) in a data
set (Riger & Sigurvinsdottir, 2016). The first stage of thematic analysis is the researchers familiarizing the data we’ve gathered from
the interviews. This involved reading and re-reading the dataset. The second stage of thematic analysis is coding. The researchers
identified meaningful segments of the data and proceeded to assign a code to them. Now, the third stage of thematic analysis is
identifying themes. The researchers looked for similarities and recurring ideas from the codes to identify potential themes. After the
themes had been defined, we reviewed the themes to see how well they represented the coded data. In this stage, the researchers gave
a clear description of the themes and defined them precisely, giving them names. The last stage of this analysis is writing up, the
researchers created the final report, which offers a comprehensive summary of codes and themes from the data set.
In terms of serving the data safely. The process of data analysis is coded and was done in a personal computer so that the data would
be only available to the researchers and cannot be accessed by anyone.
Ethical Considerations
There are significant moral problems and worries that have particular consequences for this qualitative investigation. The methodology
used in this study can lead to the emergence of various issues and concerns. The ethical dilemmas relevant to this study include concerns
about the permission to conduct the research, confidentiality, and anonymity. Full ethical standards were adhered to in conducting the
study, including etiquette evaluations and consistency measures, especially in handling participants and their information, including,
but not limited to:
Voluntary participation. The participants from the chosen institution were allowed to participate in the research study voluntarily,
without facing any backlash or negative outcomes. The study’s aim and advantages were clearly explained to both the institution and
the participants before data collection. Careful consideration was given to ensure that participants fully understood their rights. The
assent form and informed consent were provided following approval from the school head, ensuring that all participants willingly
agreed to take part in the study. Additionally, participants were informed of their right to withdraw from the study at any stage without
facing any consequences.
Privacy and confidentiality. The researchers safeguarded the participants' statements, personal details, and identities to guarantee full
confidentiality. Identifying information was removed or anonymized, ensuring that all responses remained untraceable. The collected
data was used solely for research purposes, with strict adherence to ethical data management practices.
Recruitment. The selection of participants was based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure the relevance of the study.
Only individuals who met the required qualifications were included, while those who did not fit the criteria were excluded. The
distribution of participants also reflected how they were spread across the target group, ensuring diversity and representation in the
study.
Falsification. The study does not show any intention of deliberately altering the results to fit a specific approach or anticipated outcome,
nor does it show any evidence of exaggeration or misrepresentation.
Results and Discussion
The structured themes and the emerging themes served as the framework for discussion. Each of the emerging theme was linked to
related literature, a discussion was clench to determine their similarity with the theme.
Theme 1. Emotional Bond and Family Connectivity
The emerging theme developed in this structured theme were dog/s are regarded as a family, seen as loyal and devoted creatures, and
a source of happiness and stress relief. These were the perceptions of the participant towards dog ownership. The findings showed that
the dog/s are not just a pet but rather a part of the family. Another perception of the participants is that dog/s are loyal and devoted
creatures towards their owner. One of the participant stated she can feel the loyalty of her dog on it reacts when she got home. In
addition, having a dog also brings happiness and stress relief as what most of the participant stated.
Participant #1 mentioned that,
“I can truly say that our dog is now part of the family. It is not just a pet but a real part of our family. So personally, it is truly part of
the family, not just a pet but a real part of the family.”

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In relation, Benz-Schwarzburg et al. (2020) has stated that the people connected with creatures in various ways and on various levels.
We are undoubtedly living in an “animal's world,' within the sense that our lives are exceptionally much interwoven with the lives of
creatures. This too implies that creatures, like those dogs we commonly allude to as our pets, are living in a “human's world” within
the sense that it is us, not them, who, to an expansive degree, characterize and oversee the intuitive we have with them. In this sense,
the human-animal relationship is nothing we ought to romanticize: it comes with clear control relations and hence with a set of
obligations on the side of those who work out this control. Connections with pet dogs are both exceptionally far reaching and
exceptionally strongly, regularly driving to solid connections between proprietors or caregivers and animals and to a treatment of these
dogs as family individuals or indeed children.
On the basis of Woehr & Newman (2020). It is known that dogs are effective pain relievers. Specifically, therapy dogs and certified
service dogs have been shown to reduce academic stress. Reduced stress is associated with increased test scores and academic
performance. Scientific studies have shown that dog visits help elementary school students increase their literacy and reading skills.
Students said meeting therapy dogs during exam weeks made them feel more confident about upcoming exams. However, what is often
not considered is high school students and the influence of dogs, especially the dogs they own. This study involved collecting and
analyzing surveys to see whether high school students who own dogs perform better academically than their classmates who do not
own dogs. The results showed no correlation between high school students owning dogs and having higher academic achievement, but
they support the proven theory that dogs reduce stress.
In addition, dogs like connecting with people, and the human-dog connection (HDR) is essential for domestic dogs. This relationship
has developed beyond friendship to include dogs living as "service animals" for people who have disabilities such as blindness,
deafness, difficulty moving around, and a variety of health illnesses like as cardiovascular disease, epilepsy, diabetes, depression, and
autism. This review highlights HDR's beneficial effects on animal welfare and people with health or behavioral issues, particularly
those with special needs. HDR has been shown to benefit both humans and companion animals by promoting happy settings and
positive feelings through physical and mental activity. A close connection between humans and dogs increases their well-being and
reduces stress. (Menor-Campos et al., 2023)
Theme 2. Various Motivations of Entering the field Dog Ownership
The emerging theme in this structured theme is for a dog to serve as a guard dog, dogs are considered as a companion, friend, and a
playmate, dogs are used for breeding and extra income, and being influenced by others. These were the reasons of participant on why
they raise a dog. The findings showed that one of their reasons in raising a dog is that for them to have a guard dog. Findings also
showed that they consider dogs as their companion, friend, and a playmate. Another reason also is that it is for breeding and extra
income. One of participant stated that he sells the puppy to have an income. Lastly, their reason is that they influenced by others such
as family members.
Participant #5 mentioned that,
“Totally, I really did not want a dog, it is my daughter Hannah who wanted it. Of course, eventually, I saw that she was loved by the
dog, Of course, you will end up loving it too.”
In relation, the main role of the modern household pet is to serve as a companion to humans. While a close connection between humans
and dogs can be beneficial for both parties, not all partnerships are successful. The aspects that influence the success or failure of a
dog-owner relationship remain unclear. However, it has been suggested that dog features, such as cuteness and personality, may play
a role in determining the quality of the relationship. In a research study involving 1,668 dog owners, the researchers looked at the
relationship between dog’s cuteness, dog’s personality factors, and human-dog relationship quality. The participants finished
relationship-quality surveys, rated the dog's personality and physical cuteness, and were also asked to submit an image of their dog
(Thorn et al., 2015).
Furthermore, understanding the method of connection arrangement in youthful children have been a central point in child advancement
inquire about for decades. In any case, youthful children's connections are not as it were with human creatures; they too frame bonds
with companion creatures, especially dogs (Canis familiaris). Given the number of mutts that are kept by families and the sum of time
that youthful children spend with these creatures, the child–dog bond merits encourage ponder. In this survey of the writing, youthful
children's intelligent with companion canines are investigated from a connection hypothesis viewpoint. Research on human–animal
interaction could be a burgeoning field of request that incorporates well-established disciplines (e.g., human science, brain research,
child development/family thinks about) as well as rising areas, such as anthrozoology, neurobiology, ethology, and bio ecology
(Jalongo, 2015)
Moreover, a dog gives us affection, companionship, support, and help with all of our basic needs. The presentation will begin with a
quick overview of dogs' history and the duties they have to their owners. A dog is an obedient friend and partner to its owner. They
thrive on affection and love to help their benefactor. Substantial evidence on how a dog can provide the emotional support and services
needed by owners with disabilities is also presented in the next topic section. Service dogs can help replace lost senses, and research
will show how a dog can be used to provide a service to resolve the loss of health functions Wade, H. (2021).

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Research Article

Theme 3. Memorable Journeys towards Dog Ownership

This emergent theme is generated from the structured themes connected to the experiences of dog owners. This theme states that the
joyful journeys towards dog ownership includes deep challenges that allows deep emotional connections in caring for a dog. Dog
owners may state a range of difficulties encountered, but this difficulties results in personal growth that can highlight their journey as
a dog owner.
Participant #2 mentioned that,
“And then maybe when raising and training the dogs to behave. If even they have different types or class, they are tame-mable. That
means when you raise a dog, you should learn everyday especially to their behavior that you tame them.”
Initiated by the study of González-Ramírez (2019). Compatibility in action preferences refer to the shared satisfaction of every day
exercises, such as strolling and collaboration with others, and it is a marker of the behavioral measurement of compatibility, which
primarily alludes to work out and play. It has been found that people who are more congruous with their dogs have distant better; a
much better; a higher; a stronger; an improved; a stronger relationship with them, which can clarify a few of the benefits of human-dog
interaction. The individuals within the bunch with more prominent compatibility detailed more subjective bliss and less seen stretch, a
steady dog-feeding schedule, and more visit day by day strolls and playing sessions; furthermore, for their mutts, they detailed a lower
recurrence of forceful and dreadful behaviors and higher trainability scores. In conclusion, compatibility in movement inclinations
makes a difference clarify the benefits of human–animal interaction.
Moreover, Topics related for awareness and access to recreational activities include service dog orientation and the influence of
lifestyle. Owners felt that having a service dog had a positive effect on recreational activities. The emotional bond between owner and
service dog is multidimensional, encompassing trust, maintaining independence, enhancing socialization, and creating a need to
participate in recreational experiences. The cognitive hierarchy model as well as theories of experiential learning and transformative
learning were applied (Hicks & Weisman, 2015).
In contrary, a study states that more than 70% of guide dog owners report that their mental health has been affected by a guide dog
attack, there is a lack of in-depth qualitative studies examining this issue. This needed a deeper understanding of the impact of a dog
attack on the overall health and well-being of dog owners. A total of 20 semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with dog
owners whose dogs were victims of a dog attack. The findings show that a dog attack can have a lasting impact on the physical,
emotional, social and mental health of guide dog owners. Service providers managing the consequences of an attack should therefore
recognize the potential long-term health impacts of guide dog owners and the importance of comprehensive support (Marquès-
Brocksopp, 2015).
When studying the roles and experiences of service dog teams, it is imperative to consider the bond between animals and humans in
the process. As the need and recognition of mental health service dogs and veterans with PTSD continues to increase, it is important
that academic research is conducted to not only maximize the benefits to humans and reduce the behavioral and systemic barriers
facing service 4,444 dogs. Service dog teams but also to ensure the health of the service dogs themselves. This important research
paper will show that although people who share their lives with service dogs receive many mental health benefits from their partnership,
they face many challenges behavioral and systemic barriers in exchange for this benefit. The goals of the study were: to engage four
people in sharing their lives with service dogs to discuss and reflect on the mental health impact of the animal-human relationship to
engage mental health significant others the impact of service dogs, exploring the systemic and behavioral barriers faced by service
dog owners, generating and disseminating current knowledge about mental health benefits of the human-human bond animals in
general and service dogs and human companions add specifically, and finally in number influence the national acceptance and policy
of service dog. By conducting a literature review as well as qualitative phenomenological research, interviewing human companions
who share their lives with service dogs and their loved ones, five themes related regarding the relationship between animals and humans
and mental health were discovered: that. The journey to getting a service dog is a long and sometimes complicated process; Overall,
having a service dog for mental health issues or PTSD can be a positive experience; that the bond between dog and human in the service
dog (STUDIES, B. O. A. I. I. , 2015).
Theme 4. Improve well-being and Social Benefits of Dog Companionship
This emerging theme indicates the benefit of dog companions to the owners. Having a dog/s is therapeutic, their presence is a remedy
for those who have experienced mental problems. Additionally, the result revealed that the life of a person who has a dog is more lively
than those who do not have one. Lastly, dogs can help you with your social life by having activities outside like walking, and playing,
and is a great way to get outside, meet new people, and create connections with other dog owners.
Participant #6 mentioned that,
“I am happy when I see my dog getting excited when I come home, then I will feed my dog. It can remove my stress a little, I do not
care if it's a little, all I care about is that it can remove my stress.”
This aligned with the study of Andrea Wu and Ruth Wei (2023), one of the most common mental health disorders experienced by

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Research Article

children is anxiety, and they have a negative effect on their social, academic, and health functioning. But according to them, dogs can
boost positive emotions and reduce anxiety levels. Interacting with dog/s and experiencing their warmth presence helps reduce stress,
and improve your social interactions. They also stated here that the animal – assisted therapy (AAT) has a great benefit for those
children who have experienced anxiety.
Moreover, this is in relevance in Kotrschal (2023), dogs and humans share extremely social and cooperative minds. Dog supports the
wellbeing and even the mental and physical health of their owner’s. This social match was refined over millennia of domestication,
leading to the remarkable similarity of social brains and minds between socio-cognitive specialists, dogs and humans. Thus, it can be
said that a dog’s welfare, health, and even the welfare of their human partners are significantly influenced by the quality of their
relationships with their human masters.
It supported the statement of Carr et al. (2020) Those people who had a dog, proclaimed to have a better mental health. Those people
who had experienced self-management of chronic pain find a positive vibe and interacts with companion animals ;more especially,
dogs. Studies consistently found that people who live with dogs, experience social support benefits that improve their health.
This aligned with the study of Rault et al. (2020), The human–animal relationship is additionally impacted by human characteristics,
such as the person’s familiarity to the creature, attitudes, skills, and information. There’s developing prove within the logical writing
that a positive human–animal relationship can bring inherent rewards to the animals and in this manner advantage creature welfare.
Assist inquire about is required on the basic forms to set up a viable positive human–animal relationship, particularly in respect to the
sort, recurrence, and length of human interaction essential.
Moreover, this is concurrent to the study of O’Keefe et al. (2019). Research shows that having a dog in your home can improve
adherence to exercise routines, improve fitness, and reduce visceral fat in your human companion. Because dogs tend to improve the
physical performance and mental health of their owners, experts on the subject have long recommended having dogs around as a
preventative measure against cardiovascular disease. Dogs can force their owners to intentionally increase their outdoor exercise, which
may further enhance their health benefits. Recently, a large cross-sectional study found that spending more than 120 minutes per week
in a natural outdoor environment is associated with higher levels of health and well-being.
Theme 5. Awareness on how to become a responsible dog owner
This emergent theme revolves around the structured theme of a responsible pet ownership, considering the commitment, benefits,
financial considerations, and health and safety concerns potentially involved in care taking.
Participant #2 mentioned that,
“It is needed because they are also living beings, they need to be fed and of course you should give them rights. Rights to eat, rights to
play and not letting them to roam around the neighborhood.”
One aspect of engaging in a responsible ownership that is most emphasized is that treating dogs as part of family members and offering
them proper care. By doing so, this involves fulfilling their basic needs such as food, water, shelter, and hygiene. Participants also
stated the care goes beyond physical care but also emotional support and playtime to spend with them. These responses of the
participants indicate that they perceive their dogs as rather companions who also deserve love and attention. According to Woods
(2023), It has been evident in recent years that family members include pet dogs. Dogs are treated similarly to children, and according
to research by the American Veterinary Medical Association, 85% of dog owners consider their animals to be members of the family.
According to some research, the figures are much higher up to 94%.
Dog ownership is actually two-way street. Dog owners found and receive the emotional and companionship benefits that their pets
give them back. This sense of reciprocity between the dogs and the owners even more prompted responsible ownership. Participants
also stated that the love and loyalty they get from their dogs turning the effort of taking care of them really worthwhile. According to
Robinson and Segal (2024), having a pet, especially a dog or cat can lessen loneliness, lower stress, anxiety, and depression, promote
play, and even improve cardiovascular health. Taking care of an animal can contribute to a more confident and active childhood. For
older people, pets offer invaluable companionship as well. But above all, a pet may bring genuine happiness and unconditional affection
into your life.
Though some participants have emphasized the financial responsibility that goes with taking care of a dog, the overall sentiment among
them is that the love and companionship outweigh the cost. Responsible ownership takes on responsibility particularly on budgeting
for food, veterinary care, and other supplies. However, it can be analyzed that the majority of the participants see these expenses as an
investment into their pet’s well-being and their own happiness. Union Lake Veterinary Hospital (2022) states that financial
commitments play a major role in responsible pet ownership. Making a budget will help you better understand the true costs of pet
ownership, including those for food, medical care, grooming, and boarding.
The recurrent inconsistencies observed across studies investigating dog ownership and human well-being, without taking into
consideration the individuality of each dog–human relationship, drove the use of a new investigative approach in this study. A
framework based on the comprehensive range of activities/events dog owners could be involved with, due to the existence of a dog in

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their lives was created. According to Barcelos et al. (30), research should not only classify people as "dog owners," but also concentrate
on operationally defined dog-human related activities (DHRA) as independent variables. This strategy considers any interactions or
dog-related occurrences, whether direct or indirect, as important variables impacting the quality of the relationship. The time they spend
together and the things they do together greatly influence the relationship that exists between people and animals. For instance, studies
show that there is no statistically significant difference in the psychological well-being of dog owners compared to those who do not
own dogs, highlight the importance of walking and play with animals (33) Barcelos, A. et al. (2021).
Theme 6. Emotional and practical challenges towards dog health
The emerging theme developed in this structured theme was the concerning health issues a dog owner may encounter along the way of
taking care of one. The findings have revealed that these health problems occur often when raising a dog.
Participant #7 mentioned that,
“The most common thing that I have to go through when taking care of my dogs is that they become weak. That hurts; they become
weak; they look very pitiful; and I do not know what the remedy is. If only I could be the one who got sick.”
As Reaney, S. J. et al. (2017) Stated The point of this thought was to see the intuitive between the event of well-being conditions in pet
mutts (as detailed by their proprietor), conduct, and the dogs` score on center (positive and negative) influence. Binomial calculated
relapses were conducted, with either current or past involvement of an extent of common well-being and pain-causing conditions
included as subordinate factors, and affectivity spaces, hostility, and age as autonomous factors. For most of the common well-being
conditions (with the exemption of the dental, vision, and hearing issue category), age was an indicator of both current and past
involvement of a well-being condition.
Furthermore, in numerous cases, disease within the creature populace is respected as it were a creature wellbeing issue, but may
frequently to constitute a chance to open wellbeing. This applies particularly in creating nations where individuals frequently are living
beneath conditions of extreme destitution and after that regularly in nearness to their creatures. It is frequently cheaper to anticipate
illnesses inside the animal populace than it is to treat infection within the human populace. Be that as it may, to avoid illnesses in a
populace it is vital to know which irresistible maladies are circulating. Ectoparasites were not as common on the client mutts,
assumingly because of customary treatment with diverse spot-on pharmaceuticals and lesser contact with other pooches and
contaminated environment as what Johansson, S. (2016) have said.
Alongside Christiansen, S. B., et al. (2013). study, the studies Thinks about in human medication appear that care of chronically sick
family individuals can influence the caregiver`s life in a few ways and cause “caregiver burden. This subjective think about reveals
impacts on an owner`s life, when going to the care of a matured or chronically sick pooch and reflects on the varying parts of caregivers
with creature and human patients. The puppy proprietors detailed a few changes in their lives due to their dog's condition: items of
common sense like additional care, changes in utilize of the domestic, and limitations relating to work, social life, and accounts.
In addition, Buller, K., & Ballantyne, K. C. (2020) stated that numerous studies have explored the impacts of behavioral issues on
companion animal welfare, but few have examined how these issues influence pet owners. They detailed how their pet's behavior
specifically or in a roundabout way influenced family connections and those with family and companions. Most detailed a solid human-
animal bond whereas moreover announcing a run of negative passionate reactions to their pet's behavioral issue. Collaborative
connections between creature wellbeing and behavior experts and human mental wellbeing experts may guarantee that both the pet's
and the owner's needs are met when overseeing a pet's behavioral issue.
Theme 7. Achieving emotional resilience through various mechanisms of coping
This emergent theme is generated from the structured themes that are related to achieving an emotional resilience through different
type of coping mechanisms. It refers to the ability to adjust, to overcome, and to move on from hard circumstances like this and it also
involves enhancing coping skills and techniques to productively deal with and get through challenges.
Participant #6 mentioned that,
“Then when my first dog died, I just transferred my love to another dog that I live with. But that dog is carved in my system, because
that dog is very kind.”
According to Park et al. (2021), pet owners who lost a loved one used various of coping mechanisms, including ongoing attachments,
social support, memorialization, religion or spirituality, isolation, and relationships with other animals. Many pet owners suffer annual
grief with the loss of their beloved pet. Few data on the grieving process and coping strategies used by pet owners who have lost a pet
have been collected to date.
Moreover, this is in relevance with Golbeck (2024), stated that In times of loss, resilience is important for mourning and recovering.
While most dog owners and other pet owners believe that their animals are members of the family and there are differences in how
they manage their pets last moments of life and their pet time of loss. The owners are frequently forced to deal with expectant grieving
in their pets final days. These challenges cause the dog owners to feel guilty about their choices and question themselves if they made

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the right decision.

This agreed with the study of Lucy Hone (2017), she stated in which the loss of a loved one may be unavoidable, our sadness need not
keep us stuck. An increasing amount of research has shown that we are capable of resilient grieving, that we are able to naturally
respond to painful loss by finding new and important meaning in our lives and by finding ways to grow. Through the use of resilient
grieving strategies, we can eventually overcome our grief and start to enjoy life to its fullest.
This is similar with the study of Hone et al. (2023), it has long been recognized that one of the major burdens in life for individuals is
the loss of a loved one. Additionally, misunderstandings about grieving remain in many health professionals' practices regardless
recommendations from researchers and actual proof to the contrary. We proceed to address how we utilized knowledge from resilience
research, solution-focused therapy, and positive psychology in particular to promote healthy mourning adaptation.
Theme 8. Successful Preparation For the Introducement of Dog/s to their Lives
Raising dogs is a commitment and responsibility. This emergent theme is generated from the structured themes connected to the
suggestions of dog owners for aspiring dog owners. This theme states that raising a dog will require commitment and responsibility.
Through adequate preparation, you can establish a seamless transition and cultivate a favorable, enduring bond with your new dog.
Participant #10 mentioned that,
“You should be aware if your dogs are hungry, if they still have food, are they healthy, and are they okay in their shelter that you
provide.”
This relates to the findings of Mead et al., (2023) that says there is a lack of understanding regarding the factors that influence people’s
decisions to get a dog and how they go about doing so, with little knowledge about how much research potential owners undertake
beforehand. Individuals who had owned dogs before or had experience working with dogs were less inclined to conduct research before
getting a new dog. Demographic characteristics were also linked to the probability of carrying out prior research before acquisition, as
younger potential owners and individuals with educational qualifications were more inclined to have conducted research. Pre-
acquisition research was more common among current owners who got their dog from a breeder, a specific breed or a mix of two
breeds, or as a puppy. Moreover, qualitative data aligned with and provided further insight and background to these results. Nearly half
of existing owners neglected to perform pre-purchase research, indicating a necessity for greater recognition of its significance and the
creation of specific measures to promote this practice. It may be of interest to animal welfare and veterinary organizations to understand
the various factors that affect whether dog owners conduct research. Thus, this understanding can help in developing interventions to
better educate people before getting a dog.
After being obtained, a dog typically becomes a beloved member of the family, making it difficult to return or sell like a defective item,
as it would affect the emotions of both the owner and the dog. This quote is supported by Blackman et al., (2019). In relation to the
issue of dog surrender, there is an increasing demand for interdisciplinary studies to examine how dog owners are deciding to get a dog
and, by placing emphasis on varying factors, can make better choices when acquiring a dog. Additionally, the survey results analyzed
using the Pearson-Blotchky method indicate that dog owners fall into two groups, each emphasizing different qualities when looking
for a new pet. The initial category includes dog owners who valued rescuing a dog, the dog’s compatibility during the first meeting,
and their belief in the dog’s compatibility with their household. The next category includes owners who valued a dog’s physical
appearance, ability to predict temperament, and breeding methods. Though each group had different priorities, neither group ended up
making significantly better choices in terms of overall satisfaction with the dog they chose.
People’s choices in where they get dogs and the qualities they look for can give clues about how they view responsible pet ownership,
since getting a dog is the initial stage of owning one. This statement is supported by Bir et al., (2017). A larger proportion of women
compared to men believed that adopting a dog from a shelter/rescue is the only responsible method. A higher percentage of women
than men, along with individuals from higher income households, recognized source as being significant. The best-worst methodology
was employed to gather opinions on the most and least ethical methods of obtaining a dog. Three subsets were distinguished, with one
showing a significantly high preference rate for adoption. The second group showed a more balanced distribution of preference for
different dog acquisition methods, while the third group expressed a preference for pets classified as “homeless.” Further exploration
of the values and beliefs influencing the preferences of these groups is essential in order to create personalized communication strategies
for companion animals that are well-suited to each group.
Having unrealistic expectations about ownership can lead to giving up the ownership rights, so it is important to comprehend the
discrepancies between owners’ expectations and the actual realities of ownership. This quote is supported by Anderson et al., (2024).
Several ownership aspects were found to meet expectations, but there was a discrepancy between expectation and reality for certain
aspects. The majority of respondents found that vet visit expenses were more than they had anticipated, with other factors that frequently
surpassed expectations being rehoming fees and the level of patience required. Many people were pleasantly surprised to find that the
damage to their furniture and garden was not as bad as they had anticipated. In the thematic analysis, four themes emerged that
represented what owners found most surprising about owning a dog: emotional connection in human-dog relationships; the influence
of dogs on human health and well-being; comprehending the nature of dogs; and fulfilling the responsibilities of ownership. In general,

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these findings help us grasp the dynamics of interactions between dogs and humans, underscoring the intricate nature of the relationship
between a dog and its owner that could involve unexpected drawbacks. The goal is to align owners’ expectations with reality before
acquiring a pet, decreasing the risk of negative consequences for both the animal and its owner.
Theme 9. Choosing the right dog breed depending on your specific needs and circumstances
Choosing breeds of dogs base on your personality and lifestyle. This emergent theme is generated from the structured themes connected
to the breed suggestions of dog owners to other individuals. This theme states that choosing the right breed of dog will depend on your
personality and lifestyle. By assessing these variables, you can choose a type of dog that suits your current living arrangement and
individual tastes.
Participant #1 mentioned that,
“So if you want those cuties that are in the house, you can sleep together, so go with the small breeds But if you also want a sporty
type, you like to walk, so small breeds are not suitable for you, so you are more into the large breeds that are sporty types.”
Choosing the right dog breed depending on your specific needs and circumstances is essential. This theme is supported by Kothep
(2021) that says a dog is the ultimate companion and a perfect addition when people are enjoying the beauty of nature, having their
beloved pet and a specific breed beside them. While a few individuals may prefer a specific breed, residing in a condominium requires
selecting a dog that enhances the lifestyle the most. Currently, there are numerous condo buildings that permit residents to have pets.
Simply select a breed that is suitable for the environment and complements your way of living. Size is important when deciding on
pets for a condominium. Large paws and lengthy legs may not always be suitable for small living areas. Nevertheless, the size of your
dog is not the sole factor to consider. When selecting the ideal dog for your apartment, it is important to consider the energy level,
noise level, and friendliness of the dog.
With pet dogs being common in households globally, choices about getting a dog impact numerous individuals annually. This statement
is supported by Holland (2019). Throughout the process of getting a dog, there are opportunities for actions that may either benefit or
harm the well-being of the canine. For example, potential owners may not comprehend the extent of the time, effort, and financial
obligations involved in their choice to get a dog. Therefore, it is crucial for stakeholders, especially those in the canine welfare industry,
to enhance their skills in recognizing and addressing trends in the behavior of prospective dog owners. The main factors commonly
linked to acquiring a dog are its looks, behavior, and health; societal influence on breed popularity; demographics and financial status;
and the owner’s past ownership history. In general, the study mentioned in this paper emphasizes that intricate interactions likely play
a key role in the different factors that could impact potential owners’ motivations and actions.
People’s choices in where they get dogs and what traits they prioritize can give us clues about their views on being a responsible pet
owner, since getting a dog is the initial part of owning one. This quote is supported by Bir et al., (2017). Thus, a larger proportion of
women compared to men believe that the best way to get a dog is by adopting from a shelter or rescue organization. A higher percentage
of women compared to men, as well as individuals with a greater household income, considered the source to be important. The best-
worst methodology was employed to gather opinions on the most/least ethical methods of obtaining a dog. Three subsets were
recognized, with one showing a significantly high preference rate for adoption. Moreover, the second group showed a more equal
distribution of preference for different ways to acquire dogs, while the third group favored adopting “homeless” pets. Further
examination of the values and beliefs that shape the preferences of these groups is needed in order to create personalized communication
strategies focused on companion animals that are suitable for each group.
The primary reason owners are drawn to brachycephalic breeds is their physical appearance; yet, it remains uncertain if these owners
will remain loyal to their breed despite potential health issues in the future. This statement is supported by Packer et al., (2020). Owners
were very inclined to own the same breed again and suggest their breed to other owners. Statistical analysis revealed that owning a dog
for the first time and having a stronger bond with the dog owner can increase the chance of reacquiring the dog or recommending it to
others. On the other hand, a higher frequency of health issues, favorable opinion of their dog’s health in comparison to others of the
same breed, and unexpectedly poor dog behavior all reduced the chances of the individual repurchasing or endorsing the product.
Thematic analyses identified three reasons why owners endorse their breed: positive behavior for a companion dog, suitable for a
sedentary lifestyle in a small space, and good for families with children. Five reasons why owners advised against their breed: many
health issues, high costs, ethical concerns with breeding brachycephalic dogs, impact on owner lifestyle, and negative behaviors. Key
to managing the brachycephalic breeds’ population boom in the long run is to comprehend how breed-loyalty forms and if it can be
lessened.
Conclusions
The experiences serves as the study's main focus, the perceptions, challenges, coping mechanisms, and suggestions of 10 dog owners
in Poblacion Nabunturan is also highlighted. First and Foremost, the perceptions given by the participants share common and
uncommon perspectives. The differences between each of their perceptions revolves around how they consider their dog/s in their daily
lives. Some of the participants revealed that they view their dog/s as a member of their home, meaning they treat and raise them just
like how they treat their family. How they eat, how they bathe, how they sleep, etc. While other participants outlook their dog/s as loyal

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and devoted creatures. Sharing their experiences that once they got home from their respective workplaces, their dog/s instantly know
their smell and instantly greet them. Dog/s show their loyalty through their actions like; always being by your side, guarding you and
your home, playing outside and still coming back at your home, and protecting you from any strangers. Furthermore, they also view
them as a source of happiness. Various participants state that playing and cuddling with their canine companions ease their stress and
anxiety. Or even when they go home and carry any sort of problems from their respective workplaces, once their dog/s come out to
greet them, they instantly smile and the burden they brought home suddenly became an ease to bear.
Moreover, the participants shared their own respective reasons on introducing a dog to their home. Some of the dog owners revealed
that they brought a dog to their home mainly because they want a dog to guard their home and themselves. Just like what is stated on
the perceptions, dogs show loyalty through guarding their owners and the shelter provided for them. The participants feel secured in
their own homes when there is a dog guarding the gate of the house. While some of the participants raise a dog because they want a
companion, a friend or even a playmate. They find dogs as playful creatures that eases their mood and boosts their morale. Not only
that, the participants share that their own children likes to play with their dogs, when they see their child smile playing with them, it
also brings a smirk to their faces. Moreover, some participants have their own reasons, like introducing a dog mainly for breeding and
extra income. They find dogs as an opportunity to make extra cash while promoting a dog-friendly community. Not only they sell pure
dog breeds, they interact with other dog owners and inform aspiring ones on how to properly raise one. It was revealed that despite
their differences of reasons in introducing a dog to their home, their love for them remains united.
With the statements above, it gives results that lead to support the study of Wade (2021) stating that a dog gives us affection,
companionship, support, and help with all of our basic needs. A dog is an obedient friend and partner to its owner. They thrive on
affection and love to help their benefactor. Substantial evidence on how a dog can provide the emotional support and services needed
by owners with disabilities is also presented in the next topic section. Service dogs can help replace lost senses, and research will show
how a dog can be used to provide a service to resolve the loss of health functions.
Furthermore, the experiences of the dog owners remained unforgettable for them, either good or bad. Firstly, the participants shared
their bad encounters, some witnessed their dogs get ill. They revealed that it is really difficult when your dog get sick. Because you
have to be very attentive to their actions and sudden change of behavior because unlike humans, dogs cannot say that they don’t feel
well. It is up to the participants to identify their illness, proper treatment and medical consultation. Connected to the first experiences,
the next experience stands as the worst experience a dog owner can undergo. It was revealed by the participants that losing a dog is
quite unbearable. Yes losing a dog can be forgotten and be moved on, but the participants state that the memories of that certain
deceased dog remains in their system. And furthermore, some participants sacrificed their financial budget to solve the problems
connected to their canine companions. They shared that they are willing to spend their money for the sake of the health of their dog,
the people around them, and the dog-community. They take this mindset that it is part of their responsibility as the dog owners to
undertake the financial sacrifices. That means including the safety of the dog and the people, giving commitment and not minding the
expenses. Because they state that once you love your dog, you don’t really dwell on the money that much, as long as the dog contributed
to the owner also, leveraging the exchanging process. While some of the participants shared their good experiences. Some dog owners
see their dog as their way to ease any of their stress they felt either from their workplace or etc. Once they see the smile of their dogs,
they instantly felt joy too. Dogs are also seen as their stepping stone to enhance their social state. They find opportunities to socialize
with other dog owners due to their dog playing with other dogs.
In addition, the challenges brought by dog ownership is inevitable so it had put the participants into unpleasant situations. Some of the
dog owners revealed that the sickness of a dog really puts them in a tight situation. They had to think about the health of the dog, the
health of the people the dog is around, the accessibility of dog vets, and the financial budget. They felt sadness when their dog/s become
weak, it also made them weak. Their dogs are also unable to do their daily activities like playing. And when dogs get ill, they have no
appetite for any food, that means the dog owners have to force their dog’s to eat in order for them to regenerate their energy, which is
hard for them. But when their dog does not cope to their sickness, they perish, the greatest challenge on dog ownership. The participants
revealed that it is really unbearable when your dog who you love and care for most leaves you, you miss the feeling of hugging them
or even the sound of their barks. Participants share heartbreaking experiences emphasizing that losing a dog is really a challenge that
is inevitable. But despite this challenges, the participants use it as motivation to enhance themselves or character development in order
to become a more responsible dog owner.
The experiences of the participants significantly supports ths study of Gonzales-Ramirez (2019) stating that it has been found that
people who are more congruous with their dogs have distant better; a much better; a higher; a stronger; an improved; a stronger
relationship with them, which can clarify a few of the benefits of human-dog interaction. The individuals within the bunch with more
prominent compatibility detailed more subjective bliss and less seen stretch, a steady dog-feeding schedule, and more visit day by day
strolls and playing sessions; furthermore, for their mutts, they detailed a lower recurrence of forceful and dreadful behaviors and higher
trainability scores. In conclusion, compatibility in movement inclinations makes a difference clarify the benefits of human–animal
interaction.
Next, the coping mechanism of dog owners proved to be effective and had impacted them positively. It was revealed that dog owners
must be strong and considerate in accepting those challenges. Just like how they transferred their love to their other dogs. But it does

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not mean that if their dog perished, they will forget them and move on to the other dogs. But instead they cherish those moments with
their deceased dog and use that love to treat their other dogs more. And for the sicknesses, dog owners use their full will to treat their
ill dog to be healthy. They do not let their dog get sick and die. Dog owners revealed that these techniques changed the way they view
those challenges, at first they don’t know what to do. But as time goes by, they become more responsible and more professional to
cope with those challenges.
The element of the coping mechanism of dog owners is strengthened by Kotrschal (2023) discussing that dogs and humans share
extremely social and cooperative minds. Dog supports the wellbeing and even the mental and physical health of their owner's. This
social match was refined over millennia of domestication,leading to the remarkable similarity of social brains and minds between socio-
cognitive specialists, dogs and humans. Thus, it can be said that a dog's welfare, health, and even the welfare of their human partners
are significantly influenced by the quality of their relationships with their human masters.
Therefore, the ways to help dog owners gain more ideas or ways to improve or prepare themselves in the field of dog ownership was
also revealed from the given suggestions of the participants. Firstly, the dog owners suggested that those aspring dog owners should
be committed to the responsibilities brought by dog ownership. They should be aware of this because raising a dog does not only
revolve around fun and games, it also brings challenges and financial planning because dogs should be treated as family meaning they
had to keep some money in preparation. So aspiring ones should be aware of this. The participants also shared that the dog’s attitude
when they grow up depends on how the dog owner raised them. They stated that there is no such thing as a bad dog, only a bad owner.
They want those aspiring dog owners to know that their actions towards their dogs reflects to them when they grow up. And lastly, dog
owners should be aware on the specific breed they want. Participants shared that aspiring ones should be aware on what breed fits their
taste and lifestyle in order for them to promote a positive relationship. Because if the owner likes the dog, the dog also likes the owner
resulting to an enhancement of the relationship.
This conclusion supports the study of Kothep (2021) that a dog is the ultimate companion and a perfect addition when people are
enjoying the beauty of nature, having their beloved pet and a specific breed beside them. While a few individuals may prefer a specific
breed, residing in a condominium requires selecting a dog that enhances the lifestyle the most. Currently, there are numerous condo
buildings that permit residents to have pets. Simply select a breed that is suitable for the environment and complements your way of
living. Size is important when deciding on pets for a condominium. Large paws and lengthy legs may not always be suitable for small
living areas. Nevertheless, the size of your dog is not the sole factor to consider. When selecting the ideal dog for your apartment, it is
important to consider the energy level, noise level, and friendliness of the dog.
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Affiliations and Corresponding Information
Justin Jay B. Justiniane
Assumption College of Nabunturan – Philippines
Zach Raphael R. Ambrad
Assumption College of Nabunturan – Philippines
Daniella M. Comiling
Assumption College of Nabunturan – Philippines
April Rose S. Donaire
Assumption College of Nabunturan – Philippines
Clouie M. Rendon
Assumption College of Nabunturan – Philippines
Lj Mikaila Lendio
Assumption College of Nabunturan – Philippines
Angel M. Abapo
Assumption College of Nabunturan – Philippines
Jomarie G. Turtoga, LPT, MAEd
Assumption College of Nabunturan – Philippines

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