Want a smarter, more empathetic, possibly healthier child at ALL ages? It may come as no surprise that having a family dog can benefit your child’s emotional intelligence, confidence, and empathy. And so much more.

Here are seven ways kids who have a pet in the home have a leg up on those who don’t:

1. They have higher self-esteem

When given tasks to complete, such as helping with the care of a pet, kids show an improvement in self-esteem. The tasks should be age-appropriate, though, the authors say, such as allowing a 3-year-old who is too young to walk a dog put the water bowl down instead. Just people complimenting my daughter, Olivia, about how beautiful or cute her dog was built her self esteem! I could see it!!

2. They’re more compassionate

Multiple studies showed that children who owned pets were more empathetic towards others. (It was my daughter’s first lesson in empathy, as an only child, and was very helpful for her to learn that her dog had “feelings” too) “If there are pets in the house, parents and children frequently share in taking care of the pet, which suggests that youngsters learn at an early age how to care for and nurture a dependent animal,” Endenburg and Baarda write. It also teaches responsibility and a schedule.

3. They feel supported

Several researchers found that children often name their pet when asked who they would go to with a problem. “Pets can make people feel unconditionally accepted, whereas fellow humans will judge and may criticize,” the report continues. This can help children feel less lonely—even have a friend to talk to!

4.     They have better cognitive skills

Some research has suggested that kids who talk to pets, whether by giving praise and commands or just babbling, show improved cognitive development. Some schools and animal rescues even have programs where children practice reading to animals. The benefits apply to both the kids and the dogs!

5. They have less stress

Petting a dog has been proven to lower cortisol levels in both the person and the pet. Also, research has found that children’s stress levels decrease when reading aloud to a dog. Playing and talking with dogs can release dopamine levels as well as cuddling!

6. They’re happier.    

Playing with a pet raises levels of both serotonin and dopamine, which calm the mind and increase the mood of any child at any age.

7. They’re healthier

Besides the obvious benefits of being more active and getting outside more often when playing with a dog, several studies have suggested that children who have dogs have a decreased chance of developing allergies. Ever hear someone that has a dog with kids say, “well they sure have a good immune system!” Well, they do! Recent studies in pediatric health have concluded that children who lived with pets (but especially dogs) during their first year of life actually had a better immune system than those who did not. They believe that exposure to dogs may have positively boosted the maturation of their immune system during infancy.—The Drake Center for Veterinary Care

8, They’re more responsible

Having a dog is a huge responsibility, and getting your child involved in your pet’s care will prepare them for responsibilities later in life. For example, you and your child will need to take your puppy out for a potty break about every two hours for the first few weeks. Mealtime is also a great way to involve kids in caring for their pet. Have your child help prepare your dog’s meal twice a day.

Kids can also save some of their allowance money toward paying for dog food or other necessities (or a new toy!). Find a fun family training class near you and make sure your kid is involved in learning all of the cues.

When selecting a dog for your child, make sure to research the breeds and speak to the breeder about your family’s lifestyle so that you can ensure the pet you get is the best fit for your whole family. Additonally, ask yourself if your child is ready for a dog. Children should always be supervised when with a pet.

By AKC Staff

Published: Apr 07, 2022