New insights into child development suggest that interactions with dogs could influence social competence, motivation, and emotional well-being in children.
Dogs are widely integrated into family life, particularly in households with children, where they are believed to promote responsibility and emotional bonding. The review explores the impact of daily interactions—such as playing, cuddling, and communicating with dogs—on children’s social and cognitive growth. These interactions are often perceived as enriching experiences that enhance empathy, cooperation, and verbal skills.
Findings highlight several potential benefits linked to canine companionship. Children who engage with dogs may show improved reading ability, increased motivation to learn, and stronger social relationships. Psychological mechanisms like attachment and physiological effects such as social buffering are proposed to underlie these effects. However, the presence of risks—including allergies, dog bites, and emotional stress in families dealing with behavioral or financial challenges—is also acknowledged.
The authors emphasize significant limitations in existing research, noting that most studies are correlational and often suffer from small sample sizes or unmeasured confounders. As a result, while dog ownership appears associated with developmental benefits, a causal relationship cannot be firmly established. Factors like family dynamics and socioeconomic context likely play substantial roles and require further investigation in future studies.
