Growing up with a dog can be one of the most positive experiences for children, providing them with true companionship and aiding personal growth. The presence of a dog in the early years offers physical, emotional, and social benefits that help shape children into compassionate and responsible young adults.
Getting a family dog can feel like a commitment, however, the benefits for children are unmatched. The bond between a child and their dog often extends beyond companionship, providing invaluable lessons in loyalty, trust, and resilience.
Let’s explore in-depth the benefits of growing up with a dog!
6 Benefits of Adding A Dog To Your Family
Companionship
The common term, “man’s best friend,” describes how dogs are great companions throughout their lifetime. The bond between a child and their dog is often transformative in the early years, shaping their development positively, including social, emotional and physical benefits.
Dogs provide unconditional love and affection, offering children a sense of security and acceptance. Dogs are often able to detect human emotions, and they will respond to sadness or stress with a happy, calming nature.
Your dog will become a trusted friend to children, showing their loyalty and being an unconditional companion when navigating challenges. Growing up with a dog offers children a unique opportunity to experience the joys of a meaningful connection that will leave a lasting impact.
Learning Responsibility
Dogs require daily care, including feeding, walking, grooming, and daily playtime. When children are assigned tasks in a routine like filling the dog’s food bowl or taking them for a walk, they learn the importance of regularity and dependability.
They begin to understand that their actions directly impact another living being’s well-being. Over time, children will also develop an understanding of others, by recognising their dog’s cues and acting upon them, such as hunger or tiredness.
Owning a dog also teaches children to plan and prioritise. For instance, they may need to balance homework, after-school activities, and daily pet tasks. This encourages them to develop time-management skills and make thoughtful decisions about how to allocate their time.
Besides daily tasks, children also can develop resilience when pets show challenges. This could be bad behaviour on a walk, dog training commands or health problems – your child can help you overcome this and navigate problem-solving.
Children recognise responsibility with a dog in the household because it cannot be a fleeting hobby they quit at any time.
Increased Exercise
Studies show: “Children with a dog spent more time in light, moderate to vigorous, and vigorous physical activity and recorded more overall activity counts, counts per minute, and steps compared with non–dog owners.”
Owning a dog encourages children to be more active, as dogs require daily exercise. Some breeds are more suited to active lifestyles, but dogs need exercise as part of their routine. Children therefore will have one to two more walks per day, which helps establish a healthy lifestyle.
Improved Confidence & Self Esteem
Self-esteem shapes how children view themselves, their abilities, and their relationships with others. A dog’s unconditional love and companionship can significantly boost a child’s self-esteem and increase their positive outlook.
Studies show: “Higher self-esteem was reported in pet owners than in non-pet owners, as was a higher autonomy, and self-concept.”
Dogs do not judge or criticise, which children can face from their peers in school, for example. Sometimes children can struggle with confidence and having a safe space can make them feel accepted and free to be themselves. Family dogs also can help support them emotionally and help children feel stable.
Dogs also provide opportunities for children to experience success and build confidence. Training a dog to sit, stay, or perform tricks allows children to see the results of their efforts in a tangible and rewarding way. Successfully teaching a dog new commands reinforces a sense of accomplishment and capability. Completing responsibility tasks also makes children feel dependable and capable, which strengthens self-esteem. Making a valuable contribution to the happiness of your dog can be rewarding for children.
Improved Mental Health & Emotional Regulation
A dog’s presence can offer emotional support, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. The bond between a child and their dog is unique and can positively influence their mental health.
Dogs are naturally empathetic and detect human emotions, often responding with comfort and affection when their owners feel sad or anxious. For children, who may lack the vocabulary or understanding to articulate their emotions, a dog offers a safe and non-judgmental outlet. Stroking a dog, receiving a wagging tail or a nuzzle, and spending time together can help soothe anxiety, improve mood and reduce loneliness.
Research shows that interacting with dogs increases the production of oxytocin (a hormone associated with happiness) while reducing cortisol (the body’s stress hormone). This physiological response can be especially beneficial for children who experience high levels of stress, such as during exams or after a difficult day at school.
For children with specific mental health challenges, such as autism, ADHD, or anxiety disorders, dogs can serve therapeutic roles. Therapy dogs are increasingly used to support children with additional needs, helping them manage stress, regulate emotions, and develop coping mechanisms. The calming presence of a dog can reduce hyperactivity, ease sensory sensitivities, and encourage children to engage in social and emotional activities they might otherwise find difficult.
Develop Communication Skills
Dogs rely on body language, vocalisations, and consistent routines to interact with humans. This dynamic creates a unique opportunity for children to learn and practice communication in a supportive and engaging environment. From fostering verbal expression to teaching non-verbal cues, a dog’s presence can enhance a child’s ability to communicate effectively.
Commands like “sit,” “stay,” or “come” also teach children the importance of clarity and tone. To successfully communicate with a dog, children must articulate their words clearly and use an appropriate tone of voice. Repeating commands and observing the dog’s response reinforces the connection between clear communication and effective outcomes.
Dogs communicate primarily through body language—wagging tails, pricked ears, or relaxed postures convey their emotions and intentions. Learning to interpret these signals teaches children to be observant and mindful of others’ non-verbal communication. This skill can enhance their ability to read social cues in human relationships, such as recognising when someone is happy or sad.
Dogs For Sale at A&T Trained Dogs
Here at A&T Trained Dogs, we specialise in providing dogs for sale with the expertise to advise you on what is best for your family. Whether you’re looking for a dog for a specific purpose, for example, a family protection dog to add an extra layer of safety to your home or a fully trained companion for you and your children – we can help. Get in touch with our team of experts through our contact form or by phone, 01524 587215.
