Why a dog?

''It made the children more cooperative and sharing,'' said Dr. Sue Doescher, a psychologist involved in the study. ''Having a pet improves children's role-taking skills because they have to put themselves in the pet's position and try to feel how the pet feels. And that transfers to how other kids feel.'' nytimes.com

Children who were regularly given the opportunity to care for a puppy at their preschool, as well as those with pets at home were found more socially competent. They were more popular, felt better about themselves and were better able to understand other children's feelings.

Also... bloodpressure
"Children are much less stressed when they have a dog to play or spend time with," continues Bailash, an epidemiologist at the veterinary services of the Israeli Agricultural Ministry. A dog may not be the most intellectually or socially stimulating companion, he adds, "but they also won't steal your toys like a brother or sister, or yell at you for not doing your homework like your mother or father." Bailash also suggests that dogs help increase children's physical activity, which in turn helps regulate their blood pressure. "Children are more likely to exert themselves physically when they are with dogs: whether it's taking the dog to the park, or playing a game-instead of wasting away the day in front of a television, children are more physically active when there is a dog at home."




Children Reading to dogs can help their literacy. "The premise of the R.E.A.D. program is that children will find reading to an animal less intimidating, a special time for them that is helpful and fun and will become a positive environment in which learning is facilitated."


Munich, Germany (AHN)-Contrary to parents' fears, a pet dog can actually boost a child's immune system and keep away asthma and other allergies, a study by a German scientist has revealed