Dog-Loving Homes: The Secret to Raising Well-Behaved Ki

On July 5, 2020, a renowned pediatric journal, "Journal of Pediatric Research," unveiled a groundbreaking study: Children who live with dogs tend to enjoy better physical and mental health.

The researchers discovered that regular physical exercise is crucial for young children, as these seemingly simple activities can foster their development and significantly reduce their likelihood of developing obesity. Among these activities, taking a walk with a dog is the simplest and most effective form of exercise.

Around twothirds of children worldwide are lacking in physical activity, with their daily exercise time often falling short of three hours. Children who are not accustomed to moving around and playing in their rooms are more prone to behavioral issues and social challenges later in life. However, children from households with dogs rarely face such problems.

Why do families with dogs rarely raise troublemaking kids?

From a child's perspective, their family dog is more than just a pet; it's a cherished companion. Psychologically, dogs help children understand concepts such as ownership, responsibility, empathy, and trust.

The study observed 30 children from various socioeconomic backgrounds and revealed the following:

In nondogowning households, children tend to prefer solitary play, display more hostility towards their peers, lack empathy when someone is injured, and are more prone to mood swings and ADHD.

In dogowning households, children exhibit empathy, cooperation, stronger social skills, and lower mood fluctuations. Some children even learn to "put themselves in others' shoes," which is commonly referred to as empathy or perspectivetaking.

It's a sad truth that some people never learn the art of perspectivetaking in their lifetime.

Why are dogs so magical?

Pediatricians and canine behavior experts have conducted a series of studies, finding that playing with dogs significantly enhances children's empathy.

"Dogs are sentient beings with thoughts and emotions, but they cannot speak. When children play with dogs, they ponder what the dog might be thinking and respond to its various behaviors. This simple interaction enriches their lives and instills a habit of thinking from a young age."

"The concept of ownership in dogs teaches children responsibility, and the daily interactions and playtime with dogs help nurture empathy and enhance social skills."