OWNING A DOG PRODUCES HAPPIER, HEALTHIER, MORE WELL-ADJUSTED CHILDREN.

Labrador Retriever puppiesREASON NUMBER SEVEN:  Dogs are great stress relievers for children.

According to a study from SUNY Buffalo (2010), married couples subjected to various types of stressful tasks who were allowed to see their dogs before or after the task, had the lowest responses to stress than those who didn’t.  Imagine the effects on family life when the stress levels of parents go down. Children who have a dog feel more secure about home safety and going to sleep in the dark.  One of the greatest stresses on children is night fears.  To have this overcome, or lessened, is a great benefit to relieving stress.  For children who are having any sort of difficulties at school, but especially thoughts and concerns over being liked or accepted, having a dog as a companion that loves you unconditionally is positive and brings with it a good feeling and alleviates symptoms of depression.

REASON NUMBER EIGHT:  Dogs help children to be more cooperative and sharing.

For children, a close relationship with a dog is a proven benefit in study after study. For instance, in research with preschool children, psychologists at Oregon State University found that teaching children to care for a puppy enhanced their social skills.  “It made the children more cooperative and sharing,’’ said Dr. Sue Doescher, a psychologist involved in the study.  “Having a dog improves children’s role-taking skills because they have to put themselves in the puppy’s position and try to feel how it feels. And that transfers to how other kids feel.’’  Children who were regularly given the opportunity to care for a puppy at their preschool, as well as those with pets at home were found more socially competent. They were more popular, felt better about themselves and were better able to understand other children’s feelings.

Be sure to read the remaining Ten Reasons To Own A Dog.

Call Woody and Judi Thurman at (910) 462-3246 for more information.