Living with pets has played a fundamental role in the growth and various developmental stages of children. A significant number of empirical studies have investigated how children interact with pets and their perspective on the relationship with animals. For example, in research with preschool-aged children, psychologists at Oregon State University found that teaching children to care for a puppy increases their social skills for the future and makes children more cooperative and participative, and that having a pet improves children's ability to develop skills, such as being responsible or putting themselves in someone else's shoes (Dr. Sue Doescher).
A pet is capable of socially educating a child due to its relational abilities, as they can even interpret mental states and deduce intentions.
ARISTODOGS, in particular, provide expressiveness, tolerance, loyalty, and nobility, satisfaction from small treats, teach children to be alone if necessary, and to adapt to family rules and coexistence.
What are the benefits of having a pet for children?
1. Health benefits:
Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, thus helping children to be less aggressive and improving their self-esteem as they feel very loved by their pet. The situation in which children are obliged to care for their pets by feeding, cleaning, and looking after them makes them feel useful and highly motivated. It also requires an increase in physical activity due to the movement and activity that pet care demands, which prevents the sedentary lifestyle that children often suffer from.
2. Socio-educational benefits:
When walking their dog, children interact with owners and start conversations, even new friendships, with them. In addition, the games, exercise, and other activities they perform during these walks allow for greater psychomotor development. Caring for dogs helps them develop their sense of responsibility and create a bond with the animal, which improves their emotional stability and self-confidence.
There are many games and toys where children not only have fun with their pet but also allow them to develop socially and intellectually. Given the wide variety of toys, each one helps stimulate the dog differently:
Chew toys: They can be trained to control the force of their bites and not bite uncontrollably.
Balls and frisbees: The animal will not only exercise its body, but its mind will also be working to find the ball or frisbee.
Treat dispensers and puzzles: These are the best way to mentally stimulate your dog, so that it achieves an optimal balance between physical and mental exercise.
"It is scientifically proven that the incidence of allergies in children raised with dogs is much lower, but it also develops fundamental qualities in their character, such as commitment, friendship, organizational skills, and perseverance, since the care of the pet and its needs are daily tasks. A bonus in this highly technical era would be that it keeps children, even for short periods, away from gadgets like tablets, phones, or game consoles... pets are real friends, as opposed to the unreal alternatives provided by technology" (Victoria Romero, PARQUE VETERINARY CLINIC)
"It is necessary to grow up with animals. It teaches a child a multitude of knowledge about life: friendship, care, responsibility, affection..." (Inma Ronda Ramírez, El Bosque Veterinary Hospital)
Growing up with a dog is an opportunity to give and receive unconditional love and learn the noblest feelings and lessons of respect and tolerance. It's one more member of the family.
Tell us on our social networks: Did you grow up with a dog from childhood? What advantages do you think it has?