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Dog ownership has been associated with increased physical activity in adults and improved social and emotional outcomes in older children, but no studies have looked at benefits for children under age 5 years. Researchers analyzed data from an Australian cohort study in which parents of 1646 children (mean age, 3 years) were surveyed about dog ownership and their child's social and emotional development.
In the 42% of families with dogs, 77% of young children played with the dog several times a week and 53% walked the dog at least once per week. Children from dog-owning families had lower rates of conduct problems and peer relationship problems, and more prosocial behaviors than children in dog-free households. Walking a dog at least once pe…