I
italianltn
Iron
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2025
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Introduction
Recently I've come to the conclusion that owning a dog is a greatly underrated method to improving your life. The benefits from owning one are nothing short of beneficial and missing out on this will hold you back in life.
DOGS ARE A SOFTMAX
1. Cortisol Suppression & Testosterone Optimization
Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, under the regulation of the HPA axis. Under stress, cortisol spikes and leads to a multitude of issues. Cortisol is catabolic, it mobilizes glucose and amino acids for energy demand however it chronically impairs protein synthesis, increases visceral fat storage and suppresses the HPG axis in the process.
A suppressed HPG axis results in a down regulation of both gonadotropin-releasing hormone luteinizing hormone. Reduced LH leads to less stimulation of Leydig cells in the testicles and thus reduced testosterone synthesis.
How does a dog help?
Human-dog interaction triggers parasympathetic activation through emotional feedback. A 2003 study (Odenhaal & Meintjes) measured the plasma levels of cortisol, oxytocin and dopamine before and after interacting with a dog for 30 minutes.
The results were clear, interacting with a dog for just 30 minutes led to a significant decrease of cortisol in both humans and dogs alongside an increase of beta-endorphins and dopamine.
When reducing your cortisol levels, GnRH pulsatility and LH secretion recover restoring Leydig cell steroidogenesis increasing your testosterone levels.
2. Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a nonapeptide hormone that's synthesized in the hypothalamus and secreted by the pituitary gland. Although its greatly recognized for social bonding, its effects extend into bone physiology.
Oxytocin Response to Dog Interaction
Mutual gaze and bonding with dogs and their owners have been shown to elevate oxytocin in both species. A study (Nagasawa et al,. 2015) proved that eye contact alone increased urinary oxytocin by 130% in humans and over 300% in dogs.
Why should you care about oxytocin?
Physiologically, oxytocin binds to the G-Protein-coupled receptors distributed around the body, including osteoblasts (bone forming cells). Bone is a dynamic tissue that's continuously remodeled by osteoblasts.
One study (Colaianni et al., 2012) showed that oxytocin receptor expression on osteoblasts enhances bone formation. The direct effects of oxytocin were observed when direct injections of oxytocin in rats lead to increased bone mineral density.
Oxytocin promotes both Runx2 and osterix transcription factors. These transcription factors are key genes for bone formation and osteoblast differentiation. Simply Runx2 signals (mesenchymal) stem cells to become osteoblasts, osterix then takes over and stimulates the immature osteoblasts to fully mature. Once these osteoblasts are fully mature they secrete collagen and mineral components, forming bones and increasing overall bone density.
Hypothetically, the systemic implications of this are enhanced skeleton density.
3. Increased Perceived Attractiveness
Arguably the most important factor, owning a dog is proven to make you appear more attractive to potential mates.
A UK study of roughly 2000 adults found that 46% of people said being an animal lover made a person more attractive. Furthermore, a survery done by Men's Health showed that men holding a puppy in their dating profile were rated 13% more attractive and 24% more sexy by women compared to men without puppies.
Why is this?
Owning a dog is seen as a sign of responsibility and commitment, a woman sees you with a dog and instantly thinks you're kind, caring and responsible-all of which are seen as attractive features. Women view men with dogs to be more empathetic and stable, all traits related to long term relationships.
In Conclusion
Owning a dog has a wide range of benefits and by not owning one you're missing out.
(First thread so I apologize for the dogshit formatting, weird tone and flow of text)
Recently I've come to the conclusion that owning a dog is a greatly underrated method to improving your life. The benefits from owning one are nothing short of beneficial and missing out on this will hold you back in life.
DOGS ARE A SOFTMAX
1. Cortisol Suppression & Testosterone Optimization
Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, under the regulation of the HPA axis. Under stress, cortisol spikes and leads to a multitude of issues. Cortisol is catabolic, it mobilizes glucose and amino acids for energy demand however it chronically impairs protein synthesis, increases visceral fat storage and suppresses the HPG axis in the process.
A suppressed HPG axis results in a down regulation of both gonadotropin-releasing hormone luteinizing hormone. Reduced LH leads to less stimulation of Leydig cells in the testicles and thus reduced testosterone synthesis.
How does a dog help?
Human-dog interaction triggers parasympathetic activation through emotional feedback. A 2003 study (Odenhaal & Meintjes) measured the plasma levels of cortisol, oxytocin and dopamine before and after interacting with a dog for 30 minutes.
The results were clear, interacting with a dog for just 30 minutes led to a significant decrease of cortisol in both humans and dogs alongside an increase of beta-endorphins and dopamine.
When reducing your cortisol levels, GnRH pulsatility and LH secretion recover restoring Leydig cell steroidogenesis increasing your testosterone levels.
2. Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a nonapeptide hormone that's synthesized in the hypothalamus and secreted by the pituitary gland. Although its greatly recognized for social bonding, its effects extend into bone physiology.
Oxytocin Response to Dog Interaction
Mutual gaze and bonding with dogs and their owners have been shown to elevate oxytocin in both species. A study (Nagasawa et al,. 2015) proved that eye contact alone increased urinary oxytocin by 130% in humans and over 300% in dogs.
Why should you care about oxytocin?
Physiologically, oxytocin binds to the G-Protein-coupled receptors distributed around the body, including osteoblasts (bone forming cells). Bone is a dynamic tissue that's continuously remodeled by osteoblasts.
One study (Colaianni et al., 2012) showed that oxytocin receptor expression on osteoblasts enhances bone formation. The direct effects of oxytocin were observed when direct injections of oxytocin in rats lead to increased bone mineral density.
Oxytocin promotes both Runx2 and osterix transcription factors. These transcription factors are key genes for bone formation and osteoblast differentiation. Simply Runx2 signals (mesenchymal) stem cells to become osteoblasts, osterix then takes over and stimulates the immature osteoblasts to fully mature. Once these osteoblasts are fully mature they secrete collagen and mineral components, forming bones and increasing overall bone density.
Hypothetically, the systemic implications of this are enhanced skeleton density.
3. Increased Perceived Attractiveness
Arguably the most important factor, owning a dog is proven to make you appear more attractive to potential mates.
A UK study of roughly 2000 adults found that 46% of people said being an animal lover made a person more attractive. Furthermore, a survery done by Men's Health showed that men holding a puppy in their dating profile were rated 13% more attractive and 24% more sexy by women compared to men without puppies.
Why is this?
Owning a dog is seen as a sign of responsibility and commitment, a woman sees you with a dog and instantly thinks you're kind, caring and responsible-all of which are seen as attractive features. Women view men with dogs to be more empathetic and stable, all traits related to long term relationships.
In Conclusion
Owning a dog has a wide range of benefits and by not owning one you're missing out.
(First thread so I apologize for the dogshit formatting, weird tone and flow of text)
