How Pet Dogs Improve Social-Emotional Development In Kids 

The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Western Australia, pulled data from 1,646 households, each with children between 2 and 5 years old. Of the group, 686 were dog owners. 

The data looked at children's physical activity and social-emotional development, accounting for potential behavioral influences, like age, sleeping patterns, screen time, and more. Given that information, kids with dogs were 23% less likely to struggle with their emotions and social interactions than kids without dogs. 

Additionally, kids who joined their families on dog walks at least once a week were 36% less likely to struggle socially and emotionally. The greatest impact, however, came with playtime. Kids who played with their dogs at least three times per week were 74% more likely to engage in prosocial behaviors, like sharing. 

While there seems to be a clear link between dog ownership and a child's social and emotional development, the researchers were unable to determine exactly why.

For parents out there, this study suggests acquiescing to your child's requests for a pup might be worth consideration, especially for only children or kids who tend to be shier and could use more time with a lovable four-legged friend.