Why Does a Child Need a Dog?

Children raised with animals are less susceptible to allergies and colds. Animals help strengthen immunity.

It is believe that the presence of animals (any) in the first 5 years of a child’s life (the so-call hygienic theory of the 90s) is most useful. This is due to the duration of the “training” of the immune system. And the most effective time for this “training” is in the first year. Scientists from different countries have come to the conclusion that there is a connection between an increase in cases of allergic reactions and autoimmune diseases with the fact that after birth, the baby is more often kept in conditions that can be call sterile than it was before. Let’s see some reason Why Does a Child Need a Dog?

 There is a dissonance – the immune system “believes” that the child is now wrapped in a battered animal skin, laid on the ground, teeming with all living creatures, and that the child will begin to chew, lick, and suck it. From birth, the immune system is ready to fight enemies, and when they are not present (diapers are disposable, everything is disinfect, they are not allow to go to animals) – the immune system begins to look for pathogens. 

And then finds “enemies” among the components of food, dust, detergents, cleaning products, i.e. household chemicals, etc. It’s no secret that fur falls from the animal along with particles of skin and saliva, and other excretions – which then the developing immune system its natural “job”, instead of searching for imaginary enemies. 

 Therefore, boldly let your pets “lick” your child and sprinkle fur on it. In the first year of his life – this is especially useful. The only contraindication is difficulty breathing, asthma, allergic edema. 

Compassion, respect for the pet, sensitivity and kindness, responsiveness and partiality are what animals teach children. 

It is important and necessary to explain to the child that animals are defenseless and fragile, completely dependent on us. For example, show them how to stroke and interact with the pet, and not just in words. And explain how not to do it. Teach to maintain a personal distance. 

Watch yourself carefully- children imitate us in everything! And if you allow yourself to be rough with the animal, shout at it, or kick or pull it, then the child will naturally do the same. If you treat your pet as a family member, the child will follow your example.

Children who grow up with animals are able to feel and understand their pain. Therefore, they are unlikely to abuse them in the future. 

Source: mojly.com

The presence of the animal increases the self-esteem and self-confidence of the child.  

Firstly, children see the manifestation of unconditional love in dogs, the full acceptance of us as we are, with all the shortcomings. They love us sick, “bad”, naughty, evil …

Also, the child learns to give the dog commands in a clear confident voice, train, lead it along, control, and seek obedience. And when the animal obeys the child, fulfills its commands – this greatly enhances self-esteem and self-confidence.

You can learn simple funny tricks that your child will proudly demonstrate to peers, and thereby standing up in their eyes.

Uncommunicative and shy children will begin to communicate more and make new acquaintances, walking with their dog and demonstrating its skills.

Animals (any) instill responsibility in children. 

Caring for an animal means feeding, walking, exercising, timely treatment, and performing some unpleasant procedures. All this discipline teaches not only to take but also to give. If you cannot entrust this to children, how can they develop a sense of responsibility? Of course, it is worth mentioning cases where children refuse this responsibility and help in caring for the pet. But this is a different story. 

Soothing in stressful situations, relieve stress, calming. 

When communicating with an animal, the heart rate decreases.

Dogs also use a reconciliation signal such as separation (sometimes physically putting themselves between people/animals). And they use the switching of attention to themselves to remove a conflict situation, relieve stress and tension. You can see this if you suddenly begin to get angry / annoyed by the child, or the children begin to freak out, which often turns into screaming and crying.

And then the dog will squeeze between conflicting children/parent and child. Or start barking, shoving toys, biting a sofa, etc. As a result, you switch to the dog, and the first wave of anger/irritation is already passing, and the children already forget that they have not shared, the conflict is smoothed out. 

Dogs reduce stress when preparing for exams or when performing other difficult tasks, so there are countries where dogs are allowed in schools, for exams.

If you let your pets sleep in your child’s bed, great! The child will feel safe at night in the dark, it will be easier for him to cope with nightly fears if a soft and warm lump curls at his feet. 

Also Read: Why You Need a Professional Dog Trainer

They create a generally favorable emotional background.

When interacting with a pet, the “hormone of happiness” dopamine is produced.

 This is due to the hormone oxytocin. It is also called the “hormone of tenderness, love, affection, trust, fidelity.” It is responsible for creating attachment, stress resistance, provides spiritual harmony and calm, enhances the emotional appearance of memory, normalizes sleep.

In families where there are animals, there is less aggression, anxiety, conflict.

Children are more sociable and self-confident, more satisfied with their lives, do not feel lonely, and even more easily experience parental divorce. 

Source: indiabright.com

The child develops in games with the animal and strengthens emotionally. 

It can be easier for children to tell something to an animal than to the adult caring for it, to reveal a secret or share a secret. After all, pets are ideal listeners.

Children also include animals in their games, ascribe human features to them, and play with them, as with peers.

The development of non-verbal communication.

Animals lack a second signaling system, which means speech. Accordingly, children learn other levels of communication, therefore, learning intuitive perception of the world. 

Learns to think in a consistent, logical way.

Living side by side with animals, children learn to analyze actions and their consequences, build relationships.

 For example, a dog begins to bark and poke a toy – he wants to play. The dog goes to his bed/hides behind a sofa – wants to relax, does not want to communicate. The dog lifts his upper lip, showing his teeth – warning – it’s better to move away. Of course, parents should teach this first. But many behaviors children manage to comprehend themselves, through trial and error. 

As you can see, a dog in the family brings a lot of benefits to both the child and the parents.