Why Dogs are Amazing Pets for Children’s Development?

Bringing home a pet is a big decision. As parents, you may often hear your child demanding a pet because they want to cuddle a cute pup or follow them everywhere, wagging their tail. It is a great feeling when you snuggle with your dog. While many parents tend to dismiss such requests, it’s worth considering why dogs are amazing pets and how they can affect your child’s development. 

Emotional Regulation

Teaching children to control their emotions is not easy. Every parent understands how critical this task is, but they are often overwhelmed by its complexity. Having a pet, particularly a dog, can greatly help you resolve this issue seamlessly. 

Kristen Antonio, a licensed clinical counselor & school social worker, confirms the benefits of dogs to humans. According to him, dogs help co-regulate and self-regulate the emotional needs of kids. What are self-regulation and co-regulation? Self-regulation involves a child calming themselves during stressful times, such as when they feel anxious, bored, or restless, often by soothing their pet. Co-regulation occurs when the dog comforts the child, particularly when they are scared, lonely, or upset.

These processes of self-regulation and co-regulation help the child bond better with the dog. The child observes the pet & realizes their responsibilities towards another living being. It acknowledges the needs and feelings of the pet. Such situations help them learn skills like compassion, empathy, self-confidence, and responsibility. 

Mental Health

Being around pets can greatly influence the mental health of your child. Kids are prone to age-related stress, anxiety, and depression due to various reasons. A study in 2015 compared the anxiety levels in kids from families with and without dogs. It was found that the stress levels in the dog-owing group were lower than in families without dogs. 

Another study in 2013 found that the presence of dogs positively impacts military veterans, helping reduce PTSD symptoms like loneliness, irritability, and worry. Dogs are great pets and companions for kids as they offer social and unconditional support to your child, making the kid confident.

Physical Health

Since dogs are active and full of energy, they contribute to your child’s physical health in many ways. A study in 2010 found that kids who take their dogs out for walks had lower body mass index (BMI). Thus, these kids are usually not overweight or obese. Besides, walking a dog in early childhood reduces vulnerability to asthma and allergies. This activity also helps maintain the immune system, blood pressure, and cardiovascular health of the child.

Social Skills

Puppies also influence the child’s social skills. They are good as ice-breakers and conversation starters in groups. Kids with pets in public places are likely to polish their communication, cooperation, and problem-solving skills as other kids and adults are instantly drawn to these cute furry animals. Pets also form strong, friendly bonds with kids, resulting in shared experiences and feelings. Children also learn basic skills like sharing, taking turns, and respecting each other’s boundaries. This makes dogs good pets for 4-year-olds who are just beginning to learn these social and developmental skills.

Conclusion

Puppies and dogs can positively influence the development and growth of a child. However, having a pet comes with a set of responsibilities that include grooming, feeding, training, and visits to the vet. The family must be ready to take on the responsibility, as there has to be someone available to take care of the pet. Once you have a dog as a pet, you can witness improvements in your kids as they bond with their furry companion. The benefits of having a dog are worth all your efforts and time. 

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