While we expected that dog ownership would provide some benefits to young children’s wellbeing, we were surprised that the mere presence of a family dog was associated with many positive behaviors and emotions.
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Having a dog around could help young children strengthen their social and
emotional development, new research published in the Pediatric Research
journal shows. Walking and playing with the family companion animal can have
both physical and emotional benefits, even for children as young as
toddlers.
Children aged two to five who live in a home with a dog were found to be 30
percent less prone to antisocial conduct than those from families who didn’t
have a furry friend, and 34 percent more likely to participate in
‘considerate behaviors,’ such as sharing and cooperating with others, the
University of Western Australia and Telethon Kids Institute’s study
revealed.
Additionally, preschoolers from households with dogs were found to be 23%
less likely to have emotional difficulties and impaired social interaction
than those without a dog, and 40% less likely to have problems interacting
with their peers.
Previous research had found that pets can have a positive influence on
school-aged children, but this new data reveals the benefits could start
from very early on in childhood development.
“While we expected that dog ownership would provide some benefits to young
children’s wellbeing, we were surprised that the mere presence of a family
dog was associated with many positive behaviors and emotions,” said the
study’s senior author Hayley Christian, an associate professor and senior
research fellow in the Centre for Child Health Research at the university.
“Our findings indicate that dog ownership may benefit children’s
development and wellbeing and this could be attributed to the attachment
between them and dogs. Stronger attachment between children and their pets
may be reflected in the amount of time spent playing and walking together
and this may promote social and emotional development.”
If you’re looking to get your child a new dog, please remember, to adopt and
not shop.
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