The theory that dogs better the immune of babies that grow up with them is proven to be true, decade after decade of being challenged by worried non-owners. But it is not just the immune system that benefits – there is a wide specter of psychological and physical benefits of keeping pups and babies under the same roof.

A friend like you

Childhood is tough, but a dog will always be there for you, to scare away monsters under the bed, and bullies. The bond between a child and their dog is unbreakable, as dogs are a constant source of comfort. For adults and children alike. Cuddling with a warm, furry dog is a great way to relieve stress and relax.

Going for a run

It’s hard not to be active with a dog in the house. Puppies are an especially energetic lot that take a lot of time and physical maneuvering to handle, but older dogs need to go out for long walks, too. Your child will pick up the habit of going out at least once a day from an early day, and this will stick. Hey, it’s at least 10 minutes away from the monitor!

Responsibility

A dog is not a toy, but a family member. And as a family member, if it needs help with something, other members of the family have to help it. And since dogs can’t do many things on their own – open doors, go for walks, go to the vet, and for goodness sake, feed themselves, you’ll be doing that all the time. Once your child is old enough to take over the leash, they too will have a little living creature to look after as if it were their own child. If your child is a digital native, or simply tech-savvy, tap into their desire to start shopping online by teaching them to look for pet food online, and tasking them with the job of keeping Fido’s panty full. Naturally, this is a great way to boost confidence, responsibility and empathy. It is known that dog-people are the most empathic.

Health goes both ways

Some people are terrified of all the horrible germs they can pick up from dogs, but the fact is that families with dog simply get sick less often, all thanks to these germs. Fewer allergies, fewer illnesses, stronger immune systems… these are all guaranteed! And it is the very germs that pets bring in from outdoors that strengthen a child’s immune system the most.

The love of a dog

A man walks a dog. They meet an acquaintance and stop to chat. The man chats, and the dog, on a leash, waits with a look of pure adoration in its eyes. The love our pets have for us can only be compared to a mother’s love, something that is until the end of the line. Children know this, and return the love. Time spent with a dog makes you a happier individual, sending your serotonin through the roof! Not to mention that dogs are fun – you can always rely on them to lift your spirits.