WHY IS IT GOOD FOR A CHILD TO GROW UP WITH A DOG?

"Mom, can I have a dog?" "Dad, I would like a dog." If these phrases are familiar to you and you hear them on a daily basis, then it is high time to consider whether your family really deserves a new four-legged member. In addition, the presence of a dog in the family seems to have a positive effect on children and adolescents.

Are you one of those people who have been dreaming of a dog for a long time, but at the same time you are worried whether a four-legged friend will fit into your family routine? If you and your offspring want a dog, then really consider getting one. According to many experts, it seems that dogs have a positive effect on a child's development. At least that's what the website PsychCentral reports. And how specifically do dogs affect your child's life?

POSITIVE EFFECT ON MENTAL HEALTH

Maybe you know it yourself. You're having a bad day and the only thing that can help you is watching cute dog videos on the internet. Now imagine having such a furry person at home. Pets in a distinctive way they affect our mental health , and this applies not only to adults, but also to children. This is also confirmed by a study from 2015, which showed that growing up with a dog is related to with lower levels of anxiety in children . It is also important to mention that if children have a pet to interact with, they have better stress management . "If a child grows up with a dog, they can feel an emotional connection during stressful times," says therapist Jackie Tassiello.

FOCUSED ON SOCIAL SKILLS

Life with a pet is not all about constant cuddling, stroking and throwing balls. On the contrary, it also brings with it a number of responsibilities that, as the owner, you must handle perfectly. And it certainly doesn't hurt to do caring for dogs also involves children . Older children can walk the dog regularly, younger ones can add pellets or water. They can also be involved in washing, combing or other types of dog care. Thanks to the dog's presence children learn social skills , which again can have a positive impact on their lives.

BETTER COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Interestingly, dogs they can improve children's communication and language skills . Especially if you train the dog and give him commands. Once children are involved in the training, they quickly acquire the ability to give clear and precise commands. In the same way, you can use the dog as a "listener" during children's reading practice. Dogs do not judge, they do not evaluate, and on the contrary, they patiently listen to the child's reading, which again leads to an improvement in speech.

SUPPORT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Hand on heart, life with a dog also brings with it a lot of time that you have to spend outside . If you feel that your children do not move much, then know that with the arrival of a pet, their attitude towards movement will change. Playing around with the dog, regular nature walks or family trips with the dog - these are just a few of the events that await you.

WHAT ABOUT ALLERGIES?

Last but not least, it is important to mention that living with a pet can also benefit physical health. A 2017 study pointed out that u children who live with a dog are less likely to develop allergies . It's all due to the fact that they are exposed to allergens from an early age, such as dog fur or dirt that the pet brings from the outside environment. Of course it goes by one study, and its conclusions cannot be taken as dogma . Still, it's a thought worth pondering.