It's no secret that dogs are a man's best friend. There is something special about those puppy dog eyes that makes the best people out there melt.

If you are not a dog person, well, I don't really understand you. If you are a cat person, I don't trust you. There are reasons why dogs are the best thing for you and I don't mean for your own entertainment when they do something silly. I mean for your health. That's right, I believe that owning a dog is beneficial to your health based off of personal experience.

1. They don't let you sleep in until noon.

I'll admit, sometimes this is annoying. However, if you're like me and could sleep in every single day until 1 p.m. and not notice, this is beneficial to your sleeping schedule. They wake you up because they're ready to start their day.

2. They make you exercise.

Dogs need exercise. Whether you have a little dog who just needs a short walk or a big dog that needs the occasional run, it is necessary to keep them healthy. In return, giving them exercise gives you exercise as well so it's a win-win situation. It is way more motivating when another life depends on it than the usual thought, "I'll just run tomorrow."

3. Dogs make you happy.

There have been countless studies that have come to the same conclusion that dogs make you happier. I can also say from personal experience that whenever I walk in a room and see a dog I feel my face light up and all my worries melt away. Something about their unconditional love I guess, but regardless they make me feel better and I know they do others as well. Mix that with the endorphins you get from exercising with them, and your time owning a dog will be a happier time in your life.

4. Dogs force you to be responsible.

Maybe you can get away with slacking off with your school work. That's your business. But when you own a dog, you can't slack off. This is another life and it's your responsibility to make sure that they have a happy and healthy one. You can't go days without feeding them or taking them outside, that's just cruel. Dogs force you to really get your act together and the reward is priceless.

5. Dogs make you more social.

Something about owning a dog makes you connect with other people. Whether it's on your walk, a trip to the pet store or at the vet, people who love dogs as much as you do are everywhere. Talking about your furry friend is a great conversation starter that makes you connect with other people.

6. Dogs are a free therapist.

I hope that it's a well known fact that dogs can't talk. What better way to vent all of your problems than to your dog? They have to listen to you and don't even make a peep. They just sit there and listen.

7. They love unconditionally.

Something about these creatures makes them so loyal. We definitely didn't deserve these animals but the love they make you feel is more than some people have to offer. If you don't have a dog, I suggest you go rescue one and see for yourself how much better your life will become.