Dogs help kids learn empathy, boundary setting, cooperation, sharing and how to read emotional cues through animal friendship.
Social
Playing together promotes healthy exercise and motor skill development essential for young growing bodies and brains.
Active
Feeding, grooming and training pups instills accountability, maturity and self-esteem handle caring for another dependent being.
Duty
Unconditional pet affection helps children feel understood, boosting confidence and resilience that can ease anxiety or trauma.
Security
Research shows kids in households with pets score higher on tests of empathy, verbal skills, self-esteem, social competence vs no-pet peers.
Smarts
Families managing allergies can still benefit from hypoallergenic breeds like poodles. Medications and air filters help too.
Allergies
Adult supervision is mandatory to prevent dog bites or kids getting knocked over. Proper pet manners must be taught.
Risks