For many families, a home just isn’t complete without some sort of furry companion. Dogs are America’s favorite, with 48,255,413 households owning one or more dogs. Many of these households also have children. With how many interactions there are between children and pets, it is natural for parents to have questions such as, what are the benefits children get from having a dog in the home? What are some potential downsides? What breeds are best with children? How can I make my home safe and comfortable for both my children and my dogs?
I had many of the same questions while I was pregnant with my first son. My husband and I have a red coon hound pitbull mix named Otto. We love Otto. His sweet and social nature makes him a dog that is just a joy to have around. Here’s what I learned about having children and dogs.
Children with dogs are healthier. Many studies have linked having a dog with a decreased risk of allergies in children. Newer studies have also suggested that having a dog may have some probiotic benefits as well. It seems that having just a little bit of dirt and fur from dogs in their life gives a child’s immune system a healthy little boost. Walking and playing with a dog can also provide some much-needed exercise in a world that is increasingly sedentary.
Even more powerful than their impact on a child’s physical health, is a dog’s impact on a child’s mental and emotional health. Children who have dogs experience less stress and more happiness on average than children that don’t. Dog’s can provide a sense of comfort and security that are helpful when dealing with several mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Caring for a dog can provide a sense of accomplishment and promotes empathy for others.
So having a dog can make children healthier and happier, both things that most parents would want, but what are some things to watch out for?
Having a dog is time-consuming, and at times, expensive. If you already had your furry companion before having children, you hopefully have an idea of how much time and resources it takes to take care of your pet. If, however, you are thinking of adding a dog to your family, then be aware of what they need. All dogs need socialization, training, exercise, proper nutrition, medical care, and love. This responsibility ultimately falls on the adults in the family. While a child may be assigned certain tasks, it is up to their parents to make sure that they get done. Make sure that you do not have unrealistic expectations for your child, they most likely will not be able to meet all of the dog’s needs until late into their teen years.
Another thing to keep in mind is safety. An improperly trained dog can intentionally or unintentionally harm a child. If your dog is showing signs of aggression towards you or your children, get professional help. A dog can almost always unlearn behavioral issues if the problem is addressed early and consistency is used. Never leave a large dog alone with a young child, as they may accidentally step on or hit the child with their tail. Teach children not to poke, hit, pull on, or step on the dog. Allowing even a young child to hurt your dog repeatedly not only increases the chances of a dog acting aggressively towards them but also teaches your child to be cruel to animals.
A dog of any breed can be a great family pet when both the dog and any children have been taught well. There are no “bad” dog breeds. Like I mentioned earlier our dog is half pitbull, a breed that has a bad reputation, and is an absolute sweetheart with our son. Each breed, however, tends to have different tendencies and needs. Some breeds that are known for doing well with children are cocker spaniels, golden retrievers, beagles, labradors, and border collies.
While not for every family, it is my opinion that most children benefit from having a dog in the home.
Sources:
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/reports-statistics/us-pet-ownership-statistics
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/kids-benefit-from-having-a-dog/
https://mottpoll.org/reports/family-pets-pros-and-cons-kids
https://facty.com/network/answers/pets/wonderful-kid-friendly-dogs-for-families/7/
Craysy Life 