“Dogs actually imagine themselves to be humans, probably a child.”
From the quoted thought of our world-renowned ethologist researcher, Vilmos Csányi, we can infer why dogs and children understand each other so well. We often say that the dog is man's most loyal and best friend, but perhaps it is more accurate to say that the dog is the child's best friend (of course, if both are properly raised).
Many of us have dear childhood memories connected to the family dog or cat (if your parents are or were pet lovers, then surely both), with whom we grew up together. Dogs live on average for 10-15 years and will love us all their lives; if they lived a hundred years, they would love for a hundred years. If their life lasted a thousand years, we would be friends for a thousand years. We can count on them under all circumstances because the dog is the only living being that will love us eternally no matter what we do.
A nationwide survey conducted last year revealed that more than half of households in Hungary keep some kind of pet. Cats are the most popular pets, followed by dogs, trailing by a few percentage points. Those lucky enough to have grown up with dogs can cherish truly fantastic memories from their childhood about the times spent with their best friend. Playing in the yard, sleeping together, lounging in bed among the pillows, preparing for the first kindergarten and then school costume carnival, naturally together with the dog – it’s hard to find a childhood moment when our beloved animal friend was not near us.
If you don’t currently have a dog but soon want to welcome one into your family, you can be sure it will have a fantastic impact on every family member, especially on your child’s life. In my personal opinion, every parent or future parent should know – even if they currently have no children – about the positive effects dogs have on children.
In the collection of scientific research by research psychologists at Utrecht University, Nienke Endenburg and Ben Baarda, it became clear that the family dog has a positive effect on a child's emotional intelligence. Other studies show that pets also positively affect a child's health. Further research confirms that children who talk to their pets—whether by gently praising them, giving commands, or simply talking—improve their cognitive skills. Petting a dog has been proven to release stress in both parties, as it lowers cortisol levels in both the child’s and the dog's bodies. Studies also prove that children’s stress levels decrease when they read aloud to a dog. Playing with a pet alone brings happiness, increases serotonin and dopamine levels in the body, calming the mind and creating a good mood.
Now, let’s take a detailed look at the other positive effects of the harmonious relationship between dogs and children.
Children and Dogs: 10 Wonderful Effects
1. Children Can Grow Up Alongside a Selflessly Loving Companion
After a tiring day at work, when you come home, dogs are happy to see you and always approach you with love. Their love is selfless, unconditional. Dogs are ideal confidants and always willing playmates, which means a child couldn’t have a better friend than the family dog. Who wouldn’t want to grow up with such a friend at their side?
2. Children who grow up with pets by their side learn responsibility
Since a dog requires daily commitment and care, it is a great way for a child to learn that reliability and responsibility are important. An important factor: do not let the child forget – taking into account the needs of the loving animal companion – to perform the daily tasks around the dog.
If we notice resistance or laziness in our child, remind them that caring for a dog is not only a responsibility, but also an honor, which requires a lot of work and patience. Remind them that they will not be worthy of the dog’s friendship if they do not carry out the tasks entrusted to them.
3. With the help of a dog, children acquire social skills
Those who grow up with a dog learn social skills such as impulse control, which also increases self-esteem. A child who grows up with a dog will be much friendlier, after all, if they take the beloved dog for a walk, it is very likely they will meet other people and dogs. Sharing the dog with others for a few moments teaches generosity and patience.
4. The family pet strengthens the bond between siblings
A dog around the house is often like another child. This can also – through shared love – help siblings, brothers and sisters, get closer to each other and at the same time reduce sibling jealousy and rivalry. While sharing dog walking and playing with the dog in the yard, and the subsequent cleaning processes, all of these bring siblings much closer together.
5. Babies who live with dogs are less sick
A study based on results of research conducted in 2012 – at the hospital of Kuopio University in Finland – points out that infants who spent their first year of life alongside dogs are less likely to have respiratory infections than those babies whose families do not have a dog. Based on the results, the researchers thought that dogs somehow bring impurities (in small amounts of bacteria) into the house, thereby increasing the functioning of infants' immune systems so that, when grown up, the already strengthened body resists illnesses.
6. Children who grow up with dogs suffer less often from allergies and asthma
The first and most important thing is that children who grow up with pets (dogs and cats) suffer much less often from allergies and asthma. According to results of American scientists' research, worldwide, children who grow up with dogs have a 50% lower chance of developing asthma or allergies than children who grow up without a dog. This is because the child is exposed to many more allergens in the dog's environment, and thus a much stronger immune system will develop.
7. Dogs can work wonders for autistic children
A study based on research results from the University of Montreal reveals that stress hormone levels dramatically decrease in autistic children when they live with a specially trained service dog. In recent years, scientists from many countries have independently conducted research on this topic and although there are still open questions, they all agree on one thing: that "animal therapy," meaning
8. Dogs help young readers build confidence
There are children who often feel embarrassed reading aloud in the company of other people. By being in the company of their dog, they do not feel anxious because they are actually reading to their beloved dog. Since the dog is happy when it can be next to the child, the feeling that results in the child, the trust, will work wonders for their reading ability. Children who read to their own dog discover the joy of reading and experience it as a success. In such cases, researchers assume that this may be the result of reduced stress in the presence of the dog.
9. Children spend more time outdoors, move more, which is healthier in the long run
From early childhood, children spend more time indoors than they should, but they need fresh air and exercise. Engaging with a dog is a great opportunity for beneficial time spent outdoors. Most dogs love to walk outside, play, learn new tricks, or play ball in the yard, especially if they can do it with their beloved little owner. All these active activities bring a healthier lifestyle to our children.
10. Children are even cuter with dogs
In the points listed above, we showed all the great advantages, but we cannot ignore how adorable children and dogs are together. Be prepared that your child and your dog will be a constant source of lots of fun, sweet smiles, and hearty laughter together.
Some final thoughts
It is truly wonderful how many positive effects these adorable beings we call dogs have on our children.
If you are not sure what type of dog to choose, read our article titled Dog Breeds Recommended for Children Part I. and Part II, in which we present breeds that can be great companions for our children. Some breeds are smaller, others larger; temperament and other important characteristics should also be considered before you decide to choose a dog as your child's animal companion.
Please share this article with your friends, families raising children and dogs, and other dog lovers, because it may also be useful for them! Thank you!
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More useful and valuable articles for dog lovers can be viewed on the author's official website.
Find the official website of Ildikó Vámosi, dog article writer and author:
Http://ildikovamosi.hu/
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