托福口语备考之独立口语话题：养宠物

　　托福独立话题

　　Your friend is considering getting a new pet. What kind of animal would you suggest and why?

　　Well, I would suggest my friend raise a dog for the following two reasons. First of all, raising a dog you would have a companion and would not feel lonely. Dogs love spending time with their masters. They play with you or just snuggle on the couch while you are watching TV. You will feel happy to have your loyal partner around you at all times. Second, raising a dog motivate you to do more exercises. Walks in the park, hiking in the woods are the things dogs love to do with their owners. It greatly promotes your health since you are doing exercise outdoor while you are walking your dogs.

　　More information

　　You’ll feel less stressed.

　　There have been lots of studies that have shown how dogs decrease stress levels. Petting your dog, playing with your dog, and simply watching your dog can reduce your stress each day. Research shows that dog ownership reduces stress hormones and the effects usually outweigh the stress caused by caring for a dog.

　　Your social life may improve.

　　Not only does walking your dog help you to get exercise, it might also help you get a date. People are more likely to stop and talk with you when you’re walking a dog. Going to the dog park or taking your dogs to run errands can also lead to strangers striking up conversations with you about your dog.

　　You’ll feel safer.

　　Dogs can be an effective home security system. Studies show that barking dogs deter burglars. Just knowing that you’ve got a dog who can use its keen sense of hearing to detect anyone prowling around can help increase your sense of security, which is good for both your mental and physical health.