Dogs and babies: greater social interaction and well-being from early childhood
The Affinity Foundation has recently conducted studies into the special link that develops between dogs and babies or children – and they have shed light on some quite revealing data. Over 500 children aged 9–13 years were asked about their relationship with pets, feelings, responsibility and respect.
They gave some really interesting responses.
- 94% of respondents said they feel better with a pet close by.
- 50% regard their pet to be their best friend.
- 54% of kids selected dogs as their favourite pets.
- 90% believe pets provide company and happiness.
- Nearly 60% think that having a pet helps make them more respectful of other people.
What is more, they don’t just think about how good it is for them to have a pet by their side, they also worry about their pet’s happiness. Perhaps the most curious point is that children perceive their pet’s good health as one of the main reasons for their happiness.
On the other hand, when asked what they think their pets might worry about, most replied that being abandoned could be the main reason for their sadness.
The information drawn from the study highlights the profound affinity children develop with their pets. This endearing relationship may be extremely beneficial for their education. Important values such as empathy, learning to share, respect for others, the responsibility of caring for another being and friendship are very much at the fore in the day-to-day relationship between a child and their pet. Therefore, pets represent a huge ally for parents in the difficult task of educating their children.
Dogs and babies
So far we have discussed the benefits of introducing pets into families with young children . But what if it was the other way around? What if the new addition to the family is the baby rather than the pet?
Obviously, the arrival of a baby changes everything, the family now has new priorities. However, the family should avoid making the pet feel pushed out. To this end, they need to continue performing certain activities such as playing with the pet, trying to associate positive moments with the baby’s presence, and so on.
The most important period in the relationship between dogs and babies occurs after the first few months. This is when a genuine interaction develops and therefore the pet has to get used to the “overly keen” handling it will probably receive: tugs on its hair, tail, ears, etc.
To be sure that the pet will react placidly, it is a good idea to gradually familiarise it with this type of interaction with the child. The onus to gradually accustom the animal to this treatment is on the human owners who should subsequently reward its docile responses.
In any case, and in conclusion, the relationship between children and pets or between dogs and babies is evidently beneficial for both parties. The study made it perfectly clear that children who grow up alongside pets develop a series of values that will serve them throughout their lives.
