When I was a child, our dog changed my life. He taught me lifetime love for living beings but also responsibility, patience and caring for others. Scientist has found out those are not the only benefits the life with an animal has for children. According to the findings of numerous studies, a pet also positively influences the whole development of a child itself. It can teach him/her to handle difficult and stress situations which would be otherwise more difficult to overcome. An example is a lack of concentration on a specific activity. The presence of a dog by my side made me feel safe and secure, i.e. it gave me certain peace of mind. A kid needs a companion and a pet is perfect for that.
When I was a child, our dog changed my life. He taught me lifetime love for living beings but also responsibility, patience and caring for others. Scientist has found out those are not the only benefits the life with an animal has for children. According to the findings of numerous studies, a pet also positively influences the whole development of a child itself. It can teach him/her to handle difficult and stress situations which would be otherwise more difficult to overcome. An example is a lack of concentration on a specific activity. The presence of a dog by my side made me feel safe and secure, i.e. it gave me certain peace of mind. A kid needs a companion and a pet is perfect for that.
Moreover, there is another important aspect. Kids have fantasy they continuously develop in creativity. A little living being can strengthen this. Kids are enthusiastic about colours, shapes, sounds and movements. They can fall for the beauty of nature. It inspires them and develops their perceptiveness. I remember being amazed by watching our first puppy to grow. I also observed two babies of Djungarian hamsters with the same fascination a few years later. And a little kitten of British shorthair another few years later. Since then, several generations of dogs, cats and rodents belonged to our family. Each of them influenced me. Since I learned to read, I wanted to learn more about each species and breeds from books. Mainly because of our dog, I also had enough exercise on fresh air. I dreamt about having a little zoo one day and becoming a vet.
Therefore, I am one of those who believe that mutual interaction between a child and an animal companion has positive influence on the development of socio-emotional and cognitive abilities. Children growing up with a dog are also much more self-sufficient and self-confident. They are also said to be less moody and suffer from learning disorders less often. It has been proven that the presence of a dog helps children to focus on reading more and develop their literacy (you can read more on this topic in a separate article). A recently published study by researchers form research facility RAND confirms that and summarizes other positive effects besides benefits to mental health and development such as stronger immunity or lower risk of allergies at children who grow up with a pet.
Psychologist Elizabeth Anderson who wrote “The Powerful Bond Between People and Pets” says that the result of the whole alchemy between pets and children is magic with healing power. That’s why pets are more and more used in various therapeutic methods aimed not only at children but also adults. It’s no surprise. Noone forgets the situation when he/she was sad as a kid and needed a hug. When my pet was around and I could hug him, all the pain left. And it works well even today :).
And what is your first experience with pets? Did you have them in your childhood or did you get a pet as an adult?
Although I sometimes temporarily care of some brown rats, I still consider myself to be a beginner in brown rat keeping. In the beginning of this year, a white lab brown rat ended up in my temporary care. I noticed that Běluše (that’s how I called her...
It sits with great difficulties. It also looks like it is very painful. It seems that any contact of the tail and ground causes great pain. As well as any touch when I try to find out what’s wrong with its tail. We came back from swimming where our dog...
Summer fun begins now. And I can’t imagine a summer without our activities together with my dog. What about you? Plan where you and your doggie could spend time before the temperatures are scorching and not a single branch moves on trees and we all...
Some dogs are already born with sensitive digestion, at some it may occur later in life. Or an allergy for a component of the food they used to like and we considered as suitable may occur. For such cases, meat cans can be a great supplement of normal...
If you decide to head to the streets of your city during a hot summer day, remember that pavements you will be walking on are much warmer that the air. In general, I try to go out with my dog during hot summer days as least as possible but if we go...
That brown rats are social rodents and love and look for the closeness of not only other brown rats but also their owners is a well-known fact. They feel lonely and sad without any interaction
Weekend or holiday is here and you are thinking about what to pack? You definitely shouldn’t forget your first-aid kit. And also the one for your dog! Properly equipped first-aid kit is a must. If you are struggling with deciding what should be...
Our personal experience is what influences us most in our opinions. But if we don’t have it or can’t get it at least from a friend or family member, it is more difficult for us to imagine how living with a giant furry friend looks like. And if it comes...
The best option for living of a small rodent are big aquariums, plastic boxes or cages. And I don’t mean big as high but rather with as big area as possible. Hamsters are naturally running creatures and need enough space. Max has a space of the...
If you are going for your holiday by car, you may be considering bringing another passenger with you. Your dog can be a great companion, so you don´t want to leave it at home. However, your time off by the sea might hide various obstacles, starting...
Turkey, the homeland of angoras and Turkish Vans is almost cats’ paradise. Even though veterinary care is quite expensive here, also cats living outside are taken care of well. Even in large cities like Istanbul and Ankara you can encounter a lot of...
When I was a child, our dog changed my life. He taught me lifetime love for living beings but also responsibility, patience and caring for others. Scientist has found out those are not the only benefits the life with an animal has for children....
