Could a family dog help your child’s social and emotional development?
The bond between dogs and children can be remarkably strong. If you need proof just look at the countless viral videos of dogs and babies exhibiting very cute and very real friendships. Having a dog growing up is a quintessential childhood experience for many, and often the staple of tear-jerking dog-centred family films. Now, new research confirms there are significant social and emotional developmental benefits for children under the age of 5 who grow up around dogs.